UNISON City of Edinburgh Branch has reacted to the news that Edinburgh Council leader Andrew Burns is to stand down at the next election. The local UNISON branch said Andrew Burns has been ‘respectful, positive and constructive’ in his dealings with trade unions. Continue reading Andrew Burns: ‘respectful, positive and constructive’
Tag: city council
Lesley Hinds: time for the next generation
After serving 33 years as a city councillor, Lesley Hinds has decided to not seek re-election in 2017. Below, she reflects on her political career and the difference Labour has made to Edinburgh over that time:
By May 2017 I will have been a Councillor for 33 years. But when I was selected to contest the Edinburgh Northern and Leith parliamentary seat, I made a private decision that it would be my last election. Therefore I will not be putting my name forward for the election for Edinburgh City Council in 2017. It’s maybe an appropriate time to reflect on my career since 1984.
After all this time in politics, I feel that I have done as much as I can and it is time for the next generation of change-makers to take over. I entered politics determined to make a difference – both in my local community and across Edinburgh – and I believe my record demonstrates that I have done just that.
Of course, while I made my personal contribution, I know I couldn’t have achieved as much as I did without the support of many, many people along the way, from the Party members who first selected me as a candidate and gave me a chance, to all the Labour Party activists who gave up their time to knock doors and deliver leaflets.
A large vote of thanks has to go to the many thousands of voters who have given me their endorsement at election after election (8). All my election agents (you know who you are) and the Council staff who have worked for me and given me support over the years. The community groups who have campaigned to make the lives of their communities better. The various Labour Groups I have been a member of and finally my family – without their support I couldn’t have done it. Collectively I believe we made a tremendous difference for the city and its citizens.
I was first elected for the Telford ward in 1984, beating the then Liberal Group leader. At the time I was a young mother with two small children, and this naturally gave me some concern. However, I was assured that Labour would be in opposition and I shouldn’t worry. How wrong we were.
Labour achieved an historic victory, winning outright control of the Council for the first time on a radical agenda of change. Anyone who was at the count at Meadowbank that night will remember just what a watershed moment it was. Today I am the very last of that group of councillors to still sit on the Council.
Edinburgh in 1984 was a very different place. It was a very divided city between rich and poor. It still is, but maybe less so. Following years of Conservative control, the city was crying out for change and investment in sports facilities, cultural facilities, housing and economic regeneration. As a party, we set out to improve services and create jobs – and we did it.
We established Edinburgh’s reputation as a dynamic, go-ahead city, attracting many talented officials. Some of the choices we made were controversial – the decision to establish a Women’s Committee was viewed quizzically at the time. But perhaps the committee reflected, not so much a choice to be ‘controversial’, but the make up of that first Labour Group, which had a significant number (but still less than a third of the Group) of very capable women in it. Some of my more ‘traditional’ colleagues dubbed us the ‘Knitting Circle’, which became a badge of honour for some, including the honorary male.
I have always been committed to the community I live in. I have served as a councillor for Telford, Drylaw, Muirhouse and now Inverleith, and I have played my part in achieving improvements in these areas. For example, the introduction of local community centres in Drylaw and Muirhouse; a new library and arts centre in Muirhouse; new and improved housing; new primary and secondary schools; a refurbished swim centre at Glenogle (threatened with closure at one point) and new parks are just some of our many achievements.
Ever since I was first elected I have held weekly surgeries and I am now the only councillor in the Inverleith ward to do so. After more than 30 years’ service, I believe I merit my reputation for being open, accountable, hard working and effective at driving change.
A lot of local politics takes place in the City Chambers, a place many of my family would now call my second home. So much so, my son chose to have his wedding there last year! And over 30-odd years in this building I have had several high-profile positions, which have afforded me the opportunity to make change. I have been the convener of the old General Purposes Committee, Leader of the Council, Convener of the Lothian Police Board, Lord Provost for four years, and I currently serve as the Convener of Transport and Environment.
Achievements over my time in office include: creating Edinburgh Marketing to establish Edinburgh’s position as a tourist destination; working with the Anti-apartheid movement (the woman and child statue on Lothian Road commemorates that time); the building of the EICC; the Zero Tolerance Campaign; the One City Trust; the incredibly successful Winter Festival; building several new libraries and sports centres; Make Poverty History; helping with the aftermath of the tsunami in Banda Aceh, and establishing the Edinburgh Award.
One of my proudest moments, however, was while in opposition. Working with others, we were able to prevent the privatisation of services for the care of vulnerable people, some of them severely disabled. This is one achievement that was truly appreciated by the local community.
Most recently I have been Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee, responsible for some of the most controversial areas of Council responsibility. After all, everyone has a view on refuse collection and the Trams!
Despite nine years of frozen Council Tax and reduced budgets, we have managed to achieve so much. The Tram project was finally completed on the revised timescale and budget, we massively increased the budget for cycling, recycling has increased and we have reduced the amount of waste going to landfill, Lothian Buses has remained in public ownership, we have set up a Transport Forum and an Active Travel Forum, the roads and pavement budget was doubled two years ago (I know it’s still not enough – tell the Scottish Government), and we have also set up Edinburgh Energy and the Edinburgh Community Solar Cooperative.
I have lived and worked in Edinburgh for almost 40 years now. It’s a city I can proudly call home, where I have brought up my three children (although one has escaped to Glasgow) and made friends for life. I was so pleased and grateful to receive personal recognition in the form of honorary degrees from city institutions such as Edinburgh University, the Royal College of Surgeons and Telford College. Looking back, it’s hard to recognise the city from the one I first moved to in 1979. Edinburgh is now an immeasurably better place to live and I’m proud to have played my part, alongside many others, in its success.
However, Edinburgh, and Scotland, faces unprecedented challenges, following the referendums in 2014 and this year. Local government, once responsible for so many crucial community services, has been squeezed remorselessly. Our future is uncertain. The Labour Party itself faces some difficult challenges. It will be up to the next generation of politicians to try to find a way through. For myself, I will still be around, but looking for new challenges. Onwards and upwards.
Thank you
Lesley
Learn something new this autumn
Chanter for beginners, exploring local bridges, creative crochet and the history of Edinburgh are just some of the courses being offered in the new City of Edinburgh Council Adult Education Programme.
With hundreds of day, evening and weekend courses available for adults aged 16 and over, the programme really has something for everyone.
So if you’re looking to learn a new language, brush up on your artwork, meet new people or improve your job prospects then check out the courses which can be booked from today (Wednesday 10 August).
Booking online is the quickest way to secure a place on your chosen course and people are asked to be patient as demand is expected to be high.
Among the numerous classes being offered are art, crafts, creative writing, history, computing, cookery, health and fitness, languages, music, drama, walks and talks and much more.
Councillor Cathy Fullerton, Vice-Convener for Education, Children and Families said: “Every year, thousands of people of all ages and in all areas of the city take part in our adult education classes. Learning should always be enjoyable, and we hope that this programme will inspire people to learn something new or in more depth.
“There are many stimulating, creative and challenging courses and opportunities to suit a wide range of interests, purposes and abilities. This is the chance to learn a new language, play a musical instrument, find out more about Scottish literature or learn a new skill such as wood carving or creative writing.
“Research shows that people who are in lifelong learning are more likely to be employed, to remain in work and to be involved in their communities. It truly is about learning for life and it’s never too late to start.
“Plenty of flexibility is built into the programme as to where and when people can study, with opportunities to take classes at different schools and community centres across the city and they can also be a stepping stone on to further education or indeed into a new career.”
A full list of Adult Education Programme classes are available online or by phoning 0131 556 7978. You can pick up a brochure from your local library or community centre or click on the link (below).
As well as online enrolment, courses can be booked by post, phone or in person.
Also on offer are Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) courses at Higher and Unit levels, run by Edinburgh College.
Full details on all classes and how to enrol can be found here.
Have your say on city centre public spaces
Views sought on how best to use Edinburgh’s key public spaces
Residents, local organisations and businesses are being asked for their opinions on proposals to balance the use of civic spaces, both owned by the Council and not, in the city centre.
Feedback from an online consultation will be used to inform the development of a Public Spaces Protocol, which will support Council decisions on the most appropriate use of spaces like the Grassmarket, the Mound precinct and the High Street.
Edinburgh’s status as a world renowned Festival City, World Heritage Site and visitor destination will be considered alongside residents’ quality of life, the requirements of established local businesses, as well as seasonal traders, and promoters or organisers of events and activities.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “As a capital city, Edinburgh boasts a wide range of attractive and accessible spaces in which the public can spend time and enjoy diverse and world-class events.
“In order to cater to all those who use these spaces, including residents, visitors, businesses and traders, as well as ensuring the fair and balanced staging of events across all the areas on offer, it is necessary that we establish a clear set of guidelines.
“By trialling a number of approaches across spaces in the city, I am confident that we will able to create informed and relevant criteria, and I look forward to hearing what the public think of our approach.”
Trials are already in place to test the different approaches to managing public spaces across the city. In George Street, a set of criteria has been developed to assess proposals put forward by event organisers for large scale festival-related events, while this summer in the Grassmarket a series of measures are in place to deliver a more coherent approach to managing activity in the area.
Evaluation is also currently underway on best practise for Castle Street, which was redeveloped in 2008 but is now considered under-used. Outcomes from this and the other two trials will contribute to the final Public Spaces Protocol.
The Public Spaces Protocol is part of the City Centre Programme, which incorporates a number of projects with a ‘place-making’ agenda. The Programme focuses on a vision for the city, ensuring that everyone who cares about the centre has an opportunity to have their say.
The Use of Public Spaces consultation is open until Tuesday, 6 September and can be accessed through the Council website.
Travelling Gallery’s on the road again
![The Travelling Gallery](https://i0.wp.com/nen.press/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Travelling-Gallery-Eyes-on-the-Prize-wrap-2015.jpg?resize=660%2C495&ssl=1)
The Travelling Gallery will unveil a new exhibition in Edinburgh this week in partnership with New Media Scotland for the Festival of Architecture and Edinburgh Art Festival. The capital mini-tour gets underway on Friday. Continue reading Travelling Gallery’s on the road again
Result! City pupils exceed expectations
Exam results ‘a real success story’ – Cllr Paul Godzik
The waiting’s finally over for thousands of Edinburgh pupils (and their families!) as they receive those dreaded exam results today. For most, it’s been good news: candidates in Scotland’s capital have once again exceeded expectations and there have been notable improvements in several key measures. Continue reading Result! City pupils exceed expectations
Stick figures nominated as Exhibition of the Year
The fascinating stick figures which brightened up St Andrew Square over the dark winter months have been short-listed for a national award. Continue reading Stick figures nominated as Exhibition of the Year
You’re Asking For it: Leith partnership tackles proxy purchasing:
Edinburgh Police have launched a new partnership initiative in the Leith area to tackle the issue of proxy purchasing – where adults purchase alcohol for under-18s. Continue reading You’re Asking For it: Leith partnership tackles proxy purchasing:
Floral clock honours Scotland’s architects
Edinburgh’s world-famous floral clock is ticking once again, this year in honour of The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland’s (RIAS) centenary. Continue reading Floral clock honours Scotland’s architects
Cracking down on motorbike crime
Young people riding motorbikes dangerously on our streets, green space, cycleways and even pavements has been causing anger and alarm in North Edinburgh for a long time now, so local residents will be delighted to hear that city police have launched a new operation dedicated to tackling motorbike theft and associated antisocial behaviour in the Capital. Continue reading Cracking down on motorbike crime