Moredun residents protest to protect their park

‘Monday 6 July will see the third attempt by Council contractors to begin drilling on our park to ascertain whether they consider it safe to build 188 homes on’ states the Moredun Multis & Maisonettes Residents Association fb page.

‘This was first proposed in 2016 when the Council voted to include the area as a site suitable for development. However, following a high profile campaign by locals, including lodging 120 formal objections and delivering a Deputation to the Council, the plans seemed dead in the water.’

However, last year the plans resurfaced. The Council pledged an extensive consultation with locals but instead have simply ploughed ahead with a six week survey, costing £285,000, giving residents and Councillors just a few days notice.

The survey is to see if old mines under the land render it unsafe to build on or not. It will report at the end of the year.

The first two attempts were thwarted by determined protestors putting themselves between the vehicles containing the drilling equipment and the field. On the second day, 3rd July, there were far too few protestors so it is important people attend tomorrow

Open spaces like the field at Moredun are vital for play, socialisation and exercise and are loved by their local communities.

They must be protected at all costs, not used for short term financial gains. The recent c-virus issues have made everyone even more aware how essential community parks are.

Given the budget pressures on the Council, it may intend to propose such projects throughout the city. However the human and environmental effects of such decisions are disastrous.

MOREDUN RESIDENTS

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davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer