“We are asking people to sign a petition to show the strength of feeling in our community: https://you.
“We are urging Drum Property Group to work with the people of Leith rather than against us. And we hope that the University of Edinburgh – Drum’s partner in this unpopular, discredited scheme – will do the same.
“Time is running out. They are robbing this community of some thriving shops and businesses, and threatening jobs.
“Stop this act of vandalism now. Keep the shops open and work with us on a plan that gives Leith the things it really needs – more social housing, more independent businesses and more green space.”
The petition follows a letter sent by politicians and business owners on March 7 which urged Drum to halt the shop closures and re-open the boarded-up units (link to the letter http://saveleithwalk.
Fife Hyland, Drum’s communications director, said: “We are currently assessing our options for the site and will not be making any of the retail or studio units available for occupation.
“The entire site will be vacant this year, and given our proposals for redevelopment, our estate management policies and our existing insurance arrangements, it is preferable for us to leave the units vacant, safe and secure.”
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