city council – Page 27 – The NEN

City Council: ‘Bold plans’ proposed for Edinburgh’s future streets

An approach to the future design of Edinburgh’s streets to create a more connected, welcoming environment has been published for consideration by councillors this week.

Our Future Streets – a circulation plan for Edinburgh, will be debated at Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (1 February).

It sets out an approach to how space is allocated on the city’s streets, focusing on neighbourhoods, key transport corridors and the city centre. This will help to deliver the aims and objectives of the City Mobility Plan (CMP), which envisions sustainable, safe and effective movement of people and goods around Edinburgh.

As part of Our Future Streets, the Street Allocation Framework (SAF) presents a series of principles for delivering these aims and would form the starting point for the design of all future street projects.

Defined principles and a set of indicative maps will help to achieve a better balance for demands on space in any prospective projects, prioritising better walking, wheeling, cycling, public transport and places for everyone.

The process also considers how to deliver a clear and coherent network for general traffic. The Framework would be incorporated into the development of schemes, alongside stakeholder engagement, public consultation and design appraisal.

Under this place-based approach, the report also recommends taking Edinburgh City Centre Transformation (ECCT) further to reduce vehicle dominance, improving conditions for pedestrians and placemaking while contributing to the city’s ambition to reduce car kms travelled by 30% by 2030.

Four options for achieving this have been considered. The favoured option reflects existing ECCT plans with two key additions: removal of through-traffic from the North and South Bridges corridor – complementing the Granton to BioQuarter tram proposals – and removing through-traffic from the Cowgate and Canongate.

To help explore the changes an experimental closure of the Cowgate to some or all through-traffic is proposed for late 2024. The findings of this trial would help shape plans for further work towards implementing changes to reduce through-traffic across the city centre.

All future proposals will be informed by an emerging Operations Plan, which will make sure accessibility is at the heart of development work. The plan will ensure any servicing and loading changes support businesses and that local access to the city centre by car is maintained.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We’re lucky to live in a beautiful, historic city, and Edinburgh’s rapidly increasing population is testament to that. But as our city continues to grow, so too do the challenges posed by congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions.

“We need to be bold and move faster if we are to support the people who live, work and visit here to move around the Capital sustainably and safely, while protecting Edinburgh’s unique heritage. By making it easier to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport we can create better, healthier transport links, supporting net zero 2030 goals and helping to drive down car kms travelled.

“I know that many people in Edinburgh can’t afford a car or are not able to drive – making it easier for these residents to move around Edinburgh is at the heart of these plans.

“We’ve learnt lessons form progressive cities around the world who are adopting strategic approaches to redesigning their streets and networks. Reallocating space, where possible, will support transport options designed for everyone, as well as delivering the most attractive and competitive environments for businesses to operate in.

“The busy city centre presents a real challenge, and we know the public want to see change too – responses to market research undertaken during the Council’s ‘Actions to Deliver Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan’ consultation in 2023 showed 64% support for investigating more restrictions to through-traffic here.

“Our proposals for the city centre build on Edinburgh City Centre Transformation to further reduce traffic whilst improving public transport, with short term trial measures to help test the impacts on the wider city.

“The council has been talking about these types of changes since before I moved here in 1996. It is now listening to residents and busnesses and will be bolder, think bigger and act faster.”

Our Future Streets includes an appraisal of all main traffic corridors in the city for future investment, and the A8 has been identified as a priority. If approved, a package of measures will be developed, including improvements to junctions, bus priority, safer measures for walking, wheeling and cycling, and town centre improvements for St John’s Road.

The report also recommends a strategic approach to improvements in neighbourhoods through a programme of ‘Liveable Neighbourhood’ initiatives to deliver good quality, sustainable access to local services and facilities, with a focus on low cost improvements to pavements, such as dropped kerbs.

Our Future Streets’ outputs have been refined following a period of public consultation, alongside consultation on draft CMP action plans, the results of which were reported to Transport and Environment Committee in October 2023.

Our Future Streets – a circulation plan for Edinburgh, is being presented to Committee as part of a package of reports looking to the future of transport in Edinburgh.

This includes: Tram from Granton to BioQuarter and Beyond: Consultation for Strategic Business Case Development; West Edinburgh Transport Improvements Programme, which explores a series of improvements to the A8 corridor as a priority; and the first review of the City Mobility Plan.

Read the full report online and watch Transport and Environment Committee live via webcast.

Waterfront housing developments among Scottish projects to benefit from new cycle storage

More than 1,300 residents of new housing development on Granton’s waterfront expected to benefit from access to residential cycle storage

A major new mixed tenure housing development at Granton waterfront is set to benefit from dedicated, secure cycle storage, supporting more than 1,300 future residents to travel by bike more easily.

Secure cycle storage is to be provided at locations across the development, at Western Villages, Granton Gas Holder, Waterfront Avenue and Silverlea.

The City of Edinburgh Council project aims to help more people choose cycling as an affordable and sustainable way of travel for everyday journeys, and has been developed in partnership with the nation’s cycling charity, Cycling Scotland and supported by Transport Scotland grant funding.

Having nowhere safe or convenient to store a bike is a big barrier to cycling, with Cycling Scotland research showing that a third of Scottish households are likely to be living in accommodation without access to suitable cycle storage.

In total, supported projects are estimated to benefit 160,000 people by providing better access to secure cycle storage and parking where they live across Scotland: from new on-street cycle storage in Dundee, to storage for residents of high-rise properties in Aberdeen, through to bike parking at rural bus stops in Perth and Kinross.

Katharine Brough, Head of Grant Funding & Partnerships, at Cycling Scotland, said: “It’s been so positive to work in partnership with local authorities to increase access to essential, secure residential cycle storage across Scotland.

“Each of these projects will have a real impact in making cycling more accessible, helping more people to choose an affordable and sustainable way to travel for everyday journeys.

“As well as having storage at home, bike storage at key destinations where people work, shop and connect to public transport is vital in supporting more people to cycle, and helping tackle the climate emergency, health crisis and transport poverty.”

City of Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur, said: “The regeneration of Granton Waterfront will be transformative for that part of the city, opening up new sustainable homes, commercial opportunities and leisure and cultural offerings.

“It’s essential that we fully integrate sustainable, accessible travel into this. First class public transport links will be at the heart of this community, and this will be complemented with high quality active travel infrastructure.

“Providing secure cycle storage is essential for supporting people to consider cycling, and thanks to Cycling Scotland we’re going to be able to deliver hundreds of spaces throughout the area. This will connect residents and visitors to newly-upgraded cycle infrastructure connecting with the city centre and beyond.”

Case study: The impact of new on-street cycle storage in Dundee

Newly installed on-street cycle storage units in Dundee are helping make it easier for more people to travel by bike for everyday journeys across the city.

Blackness resident Nick Toner, making use of one of the 40 new on-street cycle storage units which have been installed across Dundee.

Nick Toner, a community development worker and resident of Blackness, Dundee, has found his new on-street bike storage space has made a big difference to how he travels around the city:

“Having the bike storage space has removed a mental and physical barrier for me. Just facing the idea of looking for somewhere safe to store my bike and lock it up, it was such a hassle. But now I come to work, and I have a parking spot nearby. It’s so much more convenient and it’s given me the freedom to use my bike to get around the city more often.”

Martim Mas, a resident of Stobswell, Dundee, cites his storage space as enabling him to combine cycling with public transport to travel to work: “I actually got my bike after I got my storage, because I had no space in my flat. I would’ve had to keep it inside and there was just no space.

“I use my bike now to cycle to the bus station, then to work at St Andrews. My bike is my main mode of transport across the city. Having this storage space is super convenient for me, and it’s good to know I can leave my bike there and it will be safe.

Edinburgh becomes Scotland’s first local authority to enforce against pavement parking

A parking attendant walks down a street

Edinburgh became the first Scottish local authority to enforce against parking on pavements, parking at pedestrian crossing points and double parking yesterday (Monday 29 January).

Parking attendants have begun monitoring streets across the city, along with existing duties. Anyone found to be contravening the new rules could be subject to a £100 fine, reduced to £50 if paid within the first 14 days.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Scott Arthur joined parking attendants yesterday to see the impact of the changes. He also met representatives from Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets, with whom the Council collaborated to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland.

National regulations giving councils the power to enforce the new rules came into effect on 11 December. The change addresses the inconvenience inconsiderate parking causes to all road users, in particular those with mobility issues, visual impairments, and people with pushchairs.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “We’re leading the way as Scotland’s first local authority to enforce against pavement parking, as well as parking at crossing points and double parking.

“This is a change that we’ve wanted to make for a long time, and I’ve heard from many people who say it will make their day-to-day life much easier. It will make our streets safer for everyone, in particular those with visual impairments or mobility issues, and I’m delighted that reports of pavement parking are already coming down.

“Now the restrictions are in place, we are relying on the public to park safely and considerately, making sure not to block any roads. We’ll continue to monitor streets across the city to make sure the impacts on the wider network are minimal.”

People who have been affected by pavement parking have also welcomed the ban.

Edinburgh-based guide dog owner Elaine MacKenzie said she and guide dog Tessy are often forced out onto the road when their path is blocked by a parked vehicle, putting them in real danger.

Elaine said: “I remember a time when there was a work van parked on the pavement. It was a very busy road but we didn’t have any other option to get past. I had to go on the road to actually get to where I needed to go, and I was terrified.

“Sometimes you’re walking towards traffic or you can be walking with traffic coming from behind you, which is really scary if you can’t see.

“I’m so glad the City of Edinburgh Council are doing something to end pavement parking. The new legislation will make a real difference to my everyday life. It will be one less thing to worry about when I am out and about with Tessy.”

Local parent Euan Reid added: “The ban on pavement parking will make a big difference for parents who are using prams in Edinburgh.

“There have been occasions where I have had to use the road to navigate our pram past cars parked on the pavement, this creates an unnecessary risk to parents and their children, and I am pleased that the City of Edinburgh Council have taken action to make the streets safer for everyone.”

Mike Moore, Policy and Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “We applaud the City of Edinburgh Council’s swift and decisive action to use its new powers to tackle pavement parking in the city.

“These measures will be a huge help for people with sight loss, who are often discouraged from getting out and about by the fear of badly parked vehicles.

“While pavement parking creates problems for everyone, it is especially dangerous if you have sight loss and can’t see whether traffic is coming towards you.

“Removing the barrier of vehicles blocking the way for pedestrians will make Edinburgh a more accessible city and sets a strong precedent for all local authorities in Scotland to follow.”

David Hunter, Convener of the Living Streets Edinburgh Group, said: “It’s been a long road to getting a ban on pavement parking.

“Living Streets has campaigned for this for well over ten years so it is gratifying to see the day arrive when we should no longer see this kind of anti-social parking. Pavements are for people and cars don’t belong on them.

“We are especially pleased to see the City of Edinburgh Council leading the way by applying the ban to every street, without exception.”

Officers have identified a small number of streets where there is significant pavement parking and have written to these properties to help them prepare for the measures. Now the ban is in place monitoring will continue to ascertain whether any mitigation measures are required to minimise potential negative impacts on the wider road network.

The restrictions will help ensure Edinburgh’s roads and footways are accessible for all, which is central to our vision of an equal, accessible and sustainable city as part of the City Mobility Plan.

The prohibitions first featured in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019, though the necessary regulations required to support the enforcement and appeals procedures have only recently been finalised by Transport Scotland.

Find out more about the new parking rules, and report incorrectly parked vehicles, on the Council website.

Councillors consider options for setting a balanced budget

FURTHER CUTS TO SERVICES LOOMING

City councillors have considered a report outlining proposals for balancing the city’s budget.

In order to plan for this reduction and a proposed national Council Tax freeze, while continuing to deliver the Council’s priorities, a number of savings and spending proposals have been published as part of a Revenue Budget Framework and Medium Term Financial Plan.

Proposals include:

A revised employer pension contribution rate of 17.6% which could save the council £16.5 million without impacting the value of employee pensions
Continuing to provide annual support to the Council’s transport ALEOs worth £12.95 million in recognition of changing patterns of commuter usage
Additional actual investment of £11.4 million towards the delivery of health and social care services
Accelerating Council service payments to Edinburgh Leisure in 2024/25 of up to £3.2 million to provide additional financial support in 2024/25, including sums that would allow payment of the Real Living Wage, pending development of sustainable longer-term plans to ensure the organisation’s financial sustainability
Net savings of £1.7 million on the council’s energy spend, supporting sustainability goals
Recommendations to avoid reductions to school budgets in the 2024/25 academic session, further to a cross-party Motion passed at Tuesday’s Education, Children and Families Committee meeting
An ongoing change programme to underpin the transformation required by the Council if it is to close future budget gaps.

At their meeting on Thursday (25 January), the Finance and Resources Committee also heard how the city faces a like-for-like cash-terms reduction in core grant funding of £10 million in 2024/25.

A further meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee will take place on 6 February, before decisions are made at a special budget-setting meeting of the full council on 22 February.

Cammy Day, Council Leader, said: “In four weeks’ time we will need to set the city’s budget for the year ahead so I’m pleased to see these proposals suggest a positive way forward.

“My priority as we agree savings and investments will be to ensure we continue to protect the core services on which so many people depend. We need to stay true to our ambitions, to focus on our financial plan and ending poverty, becoming net zero and creating a good, inclusive place to live and work.

“What’s clear however is that we can’t achieve this alone. As a Council, we can shape and influence change through our policies and plans, but this needs to be a team effort, a pulling together of resources and plans across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

“So, while we develop sustainable financial plans to help us achieve savings, we also need to maximise the opportunities we have to raise more local income – including introducing a Visitor Levy as quickly as legislation will allow.

“It’s also imperative that we find a better way of working with the Scottish Government which, yet again, seems set on making Edinburgh the most underfunded Council in Scotland.

“An estimated £10m reduction in the city’s funding is hugely disproportionate and I am urging the Scottish Government to reconsider. It is not to late listen to local government and put this right.

“Over the next few weeks through COSLA and directly with Ministers I will continue to fight for fairer funding for our Capital City.”

Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, added: “This report, presented at Committee on 25 January, highlights the increasingly difficult decisions we’re taking ahead of the budget in February. The scale of our financial challenge is clear to see.

“Local authorities have suffered a decade of continuous real term income cuts from central government and Edinburgh is no exception.

“This is despite the unique pressures which come with being Scotland’s capital city – our projected population growth, the climate crisis, escalating poverty under the cost-of-living crisis, unprecedented service running costs and our housing and homelessness emergency.

“The suggestions being put forward by officers to balance the budget are hugely important and I’m immensely grateful for their work on this, particularly in proposing funding for Edinburgh Leisure and for finding potential alternatives to education cuts.”

While Labour leads the city, the party ranks second in terms of number of councillors in Edinburgh and runs the city in a controversial partnership with the Conservatives and Lib Dems.

Last year the City of Edinburgh council passed not a Labour, but a Liberal-Democrat budget.

Trams: Northern Loop back on the agenda … twenty years late!

A public consultation will help inform the Strategic Business Case for a tram route from Granton to the BioQuarter and beyond, if approved by councillors next week.

On Thursday (1 February) Transport and Environment Committee will hear about a recommended north – south tram line, which would extend the existing network between the Airport and Newhaven.

This would run through the city centre via Roseburn then on to North and South Bridge, Clerk Street and Minto Street to Cameron Toll, before following the A7 to the BioQuarter. Further consideration is being given to potential future routes into neighbouring local authorities.

If members agree to proceed, a 12-week consultation in spring 2024 would show participants the recommended route across the four sections (Granton – City Centre; through the City Centre; City Centre – BioQuarter; and BioQuarter and beyond) and explain why it has been chosen. It will include details of alternative options that have been explored and the reasons why these have been discounted.

Engagement builds on a consultation on the City Mobility Plan (CMP) in 2020/21, which found that 62% of respondents would like to see tram network expanded, and 89% desired general improvements to public transport. Exploring the expansion of the tram network is outlined in the CMP and supports aims to both reduce car kms travelled by 30% and become a net zero city by 2030.

Future plans would build on the success of Trams to Newhaven, which was completed on time in June 2023, and has contributed to the award-winning Edinburgh Trams service carrying more than 9 million passengers in the last year.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Like cities around the world we’re challenged by poor air quality, congestion and carbon emissions relating to transport.

“This, paired with a rapidly increasing population – projected to grow at three times the rate of Scotland’s – demonstrates the pressing need to rethink the way we move people and goods around the Capital.

“By improving public transport, we want to provide safe, efficient and affordable travel in Edinburgh, and expanding the tram network is key to this. It’s clear that the public support it too, with almost two-thirds of respondents to our CMP consultation in favour of more tram routes. Of course, we know how disruptive a project of this scale can be to residents and businesses, but the success of the recently completed line to Newhaven is proof that we’re well prepared.

“Our recommended route for Granton to the BioQuarter and beyond links key areas of growth and development to the city and will more than double the capacity of our tram network. Not only would this support local regeneration and the delivery of much-needed affordable homes, but it would help create new jobs, boost economic growth and link to educational and cultural venues along the route.

“We’re already engaging with Transport Scotland to explore financial options, and it’s encouraging that mass rapid transit in the area has been highlighted as an investment priority by the Scottish Government. We’ll continue to work closely with them and other stakeholders as we look to progress this major project.

In addition to local policies, The Scottish Government National Transport Strategy (NTS) and Transport Scotland’s Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2) have highlighted Edinburgh and South-East Scotland Mass Transit as an investment priority.

“Alongside the existing line between the Airport and Newhaven, a Granton to BioQuarter tram service would also improve transport links to four priority investment zones identified in the City Plan 2030 – Waterfront, West Edinburgh, City Centre, and South-East Edinburgh – connecting major development sites, employment centres, retail hubs and educational facilities.”

If approved, the public consultation will run in spring 2024 and feedback received, along with a draft Strategic Business Case, would be reported to committee in autumn.

Tram from Granton to BioQuarter and Beyond: Consultation for Strategic Business Case Development, is being presented to committee as part of a package of reports looking to the future of transport in Edinburgh.

This includes: Our Future Streets – a circulation plan for Edinburgh, a framework for the design of all future projects to improve Edinburgh’s streets; West Edinburgh Transport Improvements Programme, which explores a series of improvements to the A8 corridor as a priority; and the first review of the City Mobility Plan.

Read the full report online and watch Transport and Environment Committee live via webcast from 10am on 1 February.

‘A LITANY OF AVOIDABLE FAILURES’ – Read the Edinburgh Trams Report

Edinburgh-Tram-Inquiry-Report-Signed-1 Download

West Pilton Park: Update Plans and Drop-in sessions

Details of the West Pilton Park proposal updates

West Pilton Park is undergoing an exciting, new development after receiving a significant amount of charitable funding.

The Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council would like to share with you the latest design proposals, to raise awareness of the development and build enthusiasm for the new park plan.

The aim is to make West Pilton Park the beautiful, bustling centre of a thriving neighbourhood community.

http://www.elgt.org.uk/projects/greenspace-improvements/wppdevelopment/

Dates for your diary

Join us at a community drop-in session at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre to see more detailed plans and ask questions:

Monday 5th February 2024 10:30 – 14:00

Tuesday 6th February 2024 14:30 – 18:00

For more information and to share your thoughts you can join us at a community drop-in session (as above) or send us an email to info@elgt.org.uk

Lord Provost statement on Holocaust Memorial Day 2024

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important reminder for us all of the millions of people who were murdered or were impacted by the Holocaust.

“We can also use this as an opportunity to remember all victims of genocide around the world. This remains a key chapter in our collective global history that we must learn from and together work towards a more tolerant and peaceful future.

“This year’s theme, ‘the Fragility of Freedom’ highlights how we can never become complacent about erosions of freedoms and the dark path that this leads down.

“This year also marks the 30^th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi people in Rwanda, this had been preceded by years of tension, violence and curtailing of freedoms.

“On behalf of the city of Edinburgh I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the Holocaust and all genocides, to the survivors who bravely shared their stories with the world, and those who are still impacted now.”

West Pilton Park plans: What do you think?

West Pilton Park is undergoing an exciting, new development after receiving a commitment of significant charitable funding.

You can view full plans at http://www.elgt.org.uk/…/greenspace…/wppdevelopment/

Join us at one of our public drop-in sessions at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre to see more detailed plans and ask questions:

Monday 5th February 2024 10:30 – 2pm

Tuesday 6th February 2024 2:30 – 6pm.

Edinburgh residents urged to give their views on energy efficiency

The City of Edinburgh Council is asking residents to give their feedback on a long-term plan for decarbonising heat in buildings and improving energy efficiency.

With six weeks to go until the consultation closes on 3 March, residents across the capital are being asked to share their views on the Edinburgh Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and Delivery Plan. Available to take part in online, the results will be used to build on the engagement and consultation carried out to date.

The Council has prepared the Edinburgh LHEES, along with a Delivery Plan, in response to the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (Scotland) Order 2022. The policy requires all Scottish local authorities to publish a LHEES, and a Delivery Plan, by the end of 2023.

The Edinburgh LHEES sets out a strategic approach which aims to improve the energy efficiency and decarbonise the heat supply of buildings. It also plans to eliminate poor energy efficiency as a driver of fuel poverty.

Using an area-wide approach, the plan addresses all buildings in the Edinburgh area, not just the Council’s own building stock.

The Delivery Plan, which focuses on actions between 2024 and 2028, sets out short to medium term actions associated with the implementation of the strategy. It prioritises areas where actions may be easier, cheaper, or have a known outcome. For example, adding loft insultation means less heat escapes through the loft.

Councillor Cammy Day, Council Leader, said: “My thanks go to everyone who has taken the time to share their views with us so far. The unfortunate reality is that we are in a climate emergency.

“There is still time to avert disaster if we take bold and immediate action at the speed and scale necessary. That’s why we have set the ambitious but necessary target for Edinburgh to become a net zero city by 2030.

“Whilst we continue to lead the way in our efforts, we still have a long road ahead to reach our goal in addressing the climate and nature emergencies. As part of our work, I am pleased to welcome the Edinburgh Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan which sets out how our buildings can move to net zero.

“The plan is relevant to all owners and occupiers of Edinburgh’s buildings, but it can only be delivered by the combined effort of all of us. I’m very keen to engage with our residents on this important plan and hope this consultation allows them the opportunity to have their voices heard.”

The consultation closes on Sunday 3 March. Find out more and share views here.

Graffiti summit brings together key voices from across the city

Key stakeholders from across Edinburgh have come together to address the issue of graffiti in the Capital.

The graffiti summit held on Thursday (18 January) was chaired by Council Leader Cammy Day and included representatives from Police Scotland, parliamentarians, business leaders, heritage organisations, residents’ groups and members of the street art community, as well as local elected members and the Council’s street cleansing team.

Participants in the round-table event discussed the current picture across the city and the Council’s role tackling graffiti on public land, though acknowledged that the vast majority of graffiti is on private property. Key to the debate was the difference between vandalism and street art, and how ‘tolerance zones’ and murals like Colinton Tunnel and Marine Parade could be part of the answer.

Potential solutions considered at the summit are the provision of a specialised graffiti removal service provided by the Council for city stakeholders and property owners, funded by the Council and private landowners, and sharing Council data with the police. Participants also discussed the impact of graffiti, and its removal, on historical buildings and structures.

Councillors and officers will now consider options for expanding the Council’s graffiti removal service in partnership with Police Scotland, heritage groups and community representatives before reconvening the wider group to discuss next steps.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I’m really grateful to all the people who came along to the graffiti summit. It’s clear from our discussions that we all share the same aim – we want to be proud of the city we live in and for people who come here to love it as much as we do.

“It’s clear from speaking to people today that there’s a real spectrum of ‘graffiti’, from formal murals like Colinton Tunnel which have the consent and support of the community, through to offensive tags. I know many of the complaints we receive are about the latter.

“One of the key outcomes today was to work with both the private and public sector to solve this problem, whether that’s sharing data with the police to help them to identify the extent of the problem or working with stakeholders to provide an enhanced service.

“This adds to the £0.75m investment we’ve already made this year, which is allowing our excellent cleansing and graffiti teams to use specialist vehicles to focus on removing graffiti from public buildings and infrastructure, as well as power washing areas such as streets, pavements and steps which need it most.”

Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: “I came along to the graffiti summit to find out more about what’s happening across the city and was really interested to learn about the differing perceptions of graffiti. There’s clearly a vast difference between graffiti as street art and as vandalism.

“When street art is approved and in an agreed space it’s an opportunity for young artists and I think harnessing that could potentially be a good way of reducing the incidence of vandalism and recognising young talent.

“Today I wanted to get a better understanding of how much of a problem this is for the city, the strategies in place and how the private sector can contribute. It’s very much a ‘Team Edinburgh’ approach. This isn’t something that can be solved overnight but we need outcomes that will support the visitor experience, support the private sector who are having to deal with this and understanding the value that creative street art can bring to the city as well.

Ross Blair, Founder and Creative Director of creative agency TrenchOne Industries, said: “We were really happy to be invited to the summit, and we welcomed the discussion with all the partners.

“I think there needs to be education across the board about what constitutes graffiti. People use graffiti as a catch-all term that covers vandalism, tags, murals and art on walls, but it’s more nuanced than that.

“We’re getting some great talent in the city and I think we should be celebrating that. We should focus on young people, educating them and encouraging them to become artists. It’s about having inclusive discussions, between all council areas, local groups, artists and other stakeholders to understand different points of view.”

The Council recently invested £0.75m to give the Capital a deeper clean and enhance its graffiti task force, all with the aim of improving the look and feel of Edinburgh’s streets.

The dedicated graffiti task force is on street daily, using specialist vehicles with fully trained operators to power wash landmarks such as the Scotsman Steps, closes in the Old Town and other priority areas across the city.