Green light for 20mph limit

Councillors have passed plans for more than 80% of Edinburgh’s roads to have a 20mph (32kph) speed limit. The plans,designed to improve safety and encourage more people to walk or cycle, were approved by the council’s Transport and Environment committee earlier today.

While a consultation exercise found respondents broadly welcome the proposals it’s expected that the scheme will not meet with universal approval – particularly among Edinburgh’s hard-pressed motorists – and transport chiefs have been quick to debunk ‘myths’ about the 20mph programme (see below Top Ten 20mph Myths – Busted).

Provided the necessary Speed Limit Orders are secured, the new arrangements will come into effect on a phased basis from late 2015 onwards and feature a 20mph speed limit on residential and shopping streets with a network of 30mph and 40mph maintained for key arterial routes. A detailed implementation plan, including costings, will be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee in March.

The proposals are for a network of 20mph streets chiefly in residential and shopping areas, complemented by a network of 30 and 40mph roads on key arterial routes in the city suburbs to keep traffic moving.

The council argues that slower speeds will not significantly increase journey times and by easing traffic flow, may actually reduce some journey times.

Welcoming the approval of the map today, Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Hinds said: “I’m pleased that Committee has today given the green light for our 20mph plans. This initiative has been under development for nearly three years and we’ve carried out a huge amount of public consultation.

“The most recent and most extensive consultation last autumn found that 60% of respondents were supportive or strongly supportive of our proposals.

Vice Convener Adam McVey added: “We were also pleased to receive positive feedback from every community council that responded to the consultation, as well as a large number of organisations.

“Our next step is to develop an implementation programme to roll the new network out. A detailed report on this will come before the Transport and Environment Committee in March, which will give us a clearer picture of how the changes will be brought in.”

Stuart Hay, Head of Living Streets Scotland, said: “Edinburgh’s 20mph limit policy sets a positive example for cities across Scotland and the UK. Lower speeds on shopping and residential streets means a safer and more pleasant city for everyone with higher levels of walking and lower levels of accidents.

“Living Streets looks forward to working with the Council to promote the scheme and its benefits as it is rolled out.”

Councillor Hinds also took the opportunity to address some of the misconceptions about the plans which have been communicated to elected members by constituents and reported by local media.

She said: “There have been a number of claims flying about to do with the ins and outs of the 20mph rollout which are quite simply untrue and it’s vital that everyone has the full facts at their fingertips.

“For example, it’s not a ‘blanket rollout’ at all. Each street which is earmarked to become 20mph has been selected based on robust criteria agreed with key stakeholders, including bus companies and Police Scotland.

“Police Scotland will continue to enforce legal speed limits right across the Capital and anyone caught flouting the 20mph limit will face warnings or speeding fines.

“Key arterial routes are being maintained at 30mph or 40mph so that we can keep cross-city traffic flowing, even though some residents in these areas would have preferred a change to 20mph. It’s important that we get the balance right as much as we can, however inevitably not everyone will be able to get what they hoped for.”

TOP TEN 20MPH MYTHS – BUSTED

Myth 1: This is a ‘blanket’ roll-out

This is not a blanket implementation. The proposals are for a network of 20mph streets chiefly in residential and shopping areas, complemented by a network of 30 and 40mph roads on key arterial routes in the city suburbs. This will mean that impacts on journey times should be relatively modest In terms of main roads which are earmarked for a new 20mph limit, a high proportion of collisions happen on these roads. In particular, pedestrian and cyclist casualties tend to be concentrated on shopping streets and on other main roads in the city centre and inner suburbs.

These are also the roads that are used by the most people and that have the greatest mix of pedestrians, cyclists and motorised vehicles. A lower speed limit here can help improve safety and also improve the environment for all road users.

Criteria for selecting potential 20mph streets were agreed in outline by the Council’s Transport and Environment Committee and then fine-tuned by a sub-group of its Transport Forum, including representatives from a range of interested groups. We’ve made changes to the proposed map based on feedback from individuals, community groups and organisations like Lothian Buses to make sure we get the balance right.

The extensive consultation that we have carried out over several years shows a high level of public support for our proposals. During the recent consultation there was a lot of support for our approach, in particular for the degree to which it seeks to adopt a consistent approach to similar types of road.

Myth 2: Safety won’t be improved by lowering speed limits

There is considerable evidence in support of reducing speed limits in urban areas. A 2010 Department for Transport (DfT) publication which looked at the relationship between speed and risk of fatal injury found that the risk of fatal injury to pedestrians rose from under 1% at an impact speed of 20mph to 5.5%, or 1 in 20, at 30mph (1). Above 30mph risk increased very substantially, to over 30% at an impact speed of 40mph.

A different large scale study looking at the effect of speeds on overall accident numbers found a clear relationship. On the types of urban road likely to be considered for a 20mph limit the study found the accidents could be expected to fall by between 4% and 6% for each 1mph reduction in average speed. The greatest reductions were achievable on “busy main roads in towns with high levels of pedestrian activity” (2)

Other cities that have introduced 20mph speed limits have seen reductions in casualties. For example in Portsmouth it is estimated that 20mph limits have lowered road casualties by 8%, while in Warrington there has been a reduction in collisions of 25% in 20mph speed limit areas; Evidence from the South Edinburgh pilot area also points to a reduction in casualties (20% to January 2014).

References
1. http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/pgr-roadsafety-research-rsrr-theme5-researchreport16-pdf/rswp116.pdf(external link)

Taylor, M. C., Lynam, D. A. and Baruya, A. (2000) The effects of drivers’ speed on the frequency of road accidents.

Myth 3: Slower speeds will increase congestion

We do not anticipate an increase in congestion. In fact, research indicates that vehicles flow more smoothly through junctions at slower speeds.

Myth 4: Slower speeds will increase emissions and worsen air quality

Research indicates vehicles flow more smoothly through junctions at slower speeds. Additionally, as a result of reduced acceleration and braking, 20mph may help to reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions.

Some environmental benefit from the change is expected from helping to unlock the potential for walking or cycling short distances instead of driving.

Myth 5: 20mph speed limits won’t be enforced

The legal speed limits on any roads in the Capital are enforced by Police Scotland and this will be no different whether the street is 20, 30 or 40mph.

Police will direct their resources to particular problem areas, as they do currently, and drivers caught flouting the limit will face warnings or speeding fines. Additional measures such as Vehicle Activated Signs could also be installed in streets where particularly high numbers of contraventions are detected or reported.

Myth 6: 20mph limits in shopping streets will be bad for businesses

It is considered that businesses will benefit from the increased “liveability” which slower speeds will foster in their area, with more people attracted to spend time in shopping streets where they feel safer and the environment is generally more pleasant.

Opinion research carried out in the South Edinburgh 20mph pilot area found that residents felt the new speed limit had had a range of positive impacts, the most often mentioned being improved safety for children, for walking and for cycling.

20mph speed limits encourage more considerate driving, leading to safer streets for all road users, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The lower speeds reduce the risk and severity of road collisions. Reducing traffic speed helps make people feel more confident about being on their local streets and helps children and elderly people to travel independently and safely.

Calmer road speeds also help to make walking and cycling more attractive options, contributing to less traffic congestion, better health, less noise, more social interaction and stronger communities.

Myth 7: The city will be covered in speed humps

The new limit will be introduced without traffic calming measures. However, if monitoring finds speeds remain significantly above 20mph on certain streets despite signage and public awareness of the limit, we will consider speed reducing measures on the roads concerned.

On residential streets this is likely to mean road humps, on main roads other methods would be deployed, for example road markings (e.g. cycle lanes) or central islands which tend to reduce speeds by reducing the apparent width of roads.

Myth 8: Journey times will be much longer

Research in other cities, surveys of current speeds, and results of the pilot project in Edinburgh, suggest that journey times will not significantly increase and by easing traffic flow, 20mph may actually reduce some journey times.

We would expect changes not exceeding around 25 seconds per mile, probably significantly lower (around 10 seconds per mile has been found in central parts of Bristol where a limit has now been introduced) . We will be carrying out more research on this matter in Edinburgh and will post the results on the Council’s website.

Myth 9: Signs alone don’t lower drivers’ speeds

National evidence has shown that sign‐only 20 mph speed limits can help to reduce average speeds and improve safety. Evidence from the pilot scheme in South Edinburgh showed similar results, with average speeds reduced by around 10% to just over 20mph, and with larger falls in speeds (around 14%) on the roads that had higher average speeds before the limit was introduced. Of 1000 people surveyed in the South Edinburgh pilot area, 79% supported the 20 mph limit,just 4% opposed it.

Myth 10: This is an attack on motorists

We are not stopping people from driving. Our aim is to balance the needs of drivers with the safety and environment of local residents. 20 mph creates a safer environment for everyone, including motorists.

Details of the cost, sign posting, and enforcement are due in a report in March. Work will begin later this year and it’s expected to be completed over three financial years.

Still time to recycle those Christmas cards

Sainsburys Blackhall have been offering Christmas card recycling at the front of the shop – this has proved to be a huge success but has only a couple of days left.

So if any of our customers still have cards to recycle then the deadline is 13 January (that’s TOMORROW!) All proceeds go to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

Gail, Sainsburys Blackhall

Edinburgh set to become Scotland’s slowest (and safest) city?

‘Edinburgh is taking a very bold step’ – Cllr Lesley Hinds

Speed limits on more than 80% of our city’s roads and streets – including the whole of the the city centre – will be slashed later this year if plans to make the Edinburgh Scotland’s first 20mph city are approved next week.

A map of proposed 20mph limits for hundreds of Edinburgh streets has been drawn up after a public consultation on the plans attracted nearly 3,000 responses. Meetings and discussions with stakeholders including Lothian Buses also informed the final proposals.

Reducing traffic speed helps make people feel more confident about being on their local streets and helps children and elderly people to travel independently and safely.

Calmer road speeds also help to make walking and cycling more attractive options, contributing to less traffic congestion, better health, less noise, more social interaction, an improved environment for local businesses and stronger communities.

The new 20mph network, which will go before members of the Council’s Transport and Environment Committee in a report for approval on Tuesday (13 January), would see the majority of the city’s residential streets and streets in shopping areas become 20mph zones.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the huge response to our consultation in the autumn and it’s great to be moving on to the stage of finalising exactly which streets will become 20mph, provided the necessary Traffic Regulation Orders are secured.

“Edinburgh is taking a very bold step in introducing slower speeds for so much of its roads and we’re aware that other cities in Scotland are watching our example keenly.

“There’s obviously a lot of work to be done to raise public awareness between now and the first new limits coming into effect. It’s undoubtedly a culture change for the whole city but we’re very encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve seen to the pilot project in South Edinburgh. Support for 20mph limits was already high before the pilot began but it increased even more once people tried out the slower speeds in practice.”

John Lauder, National Director of Sustrans Scotland, said: “It is fantastic to see Edinburgh Council rolling out 20mph speed limits across more and more streets in the capital. Sustrans wants to see increasing numbers of people choosing to travel actively on an everyday basis, whether on foot or by bike, and we think that reducing traffic speeds is a key way to helping achieve this.

“Many other towns and cities across Scotland will no doubt be watching Edinburgh closely as implementation of the new 20mph network gets under way. Hopefully they will like what they see and learn from Edinburgh’s experience.”

The plans were finalised at the end of 2014 following a far-reaching public consultation process across the Capital.

Prior to this, previous market research and consultation in Edinburgh showed strong support for more extensive 20mph limits. The Edinburgh People’s Survey in 2012 showed a sizeable majority in favour of 20mph limits in residential areas, shopping streets and the City Centre. And 67 per cent of people supported a 20mph limit for all city centre streets, while just five per cent opposed such a limit, with 29 per cent uncertain.

The results of this latest consultation process, which concluded in October, show that 60% of respondents supported or strongly supported the proposals, with 36% opposed or strongly opposed.

One of the key priorities of the Council’s Local Transport Strategy 2014-2019 is to consult on detailed proposals for the citywide 20mph network. Consulting “with a view to extending the current 20mph traffic zones” is also one of the Capital Coalition’s pledges.

If the proposed 20mph network is approved by the Transport and Environment Committee, the project will move into the implementation stage.

An implementation plan will be presented to the Committee in March 2015, providing details on how the Council will roll out the 20mph network across the city. It is anticipated that the programme will be rolled out over a maximum of three financial years.

Motoring organisations suggest local authorities should limit zones to where they are most effective and, when introduced, that regulations must be robustly enforced.

AA president Edmund King said: “What we would advise Edinburgh and other cities looking at 20mph limits is to target them where they really are needed.

“The busiest shopping streets, the road outside the school, the residential areas, rather than just introducing blanket limits, which generally aren’t supported by motorists and therefore it’s very difficult to enforce.”

Supt Phil O’Kane, of Police Scotland, said: “We will not routinely police the 20mph zones, however we will respond to any particular zones where there is a casualty reduction requirement. We will enforce the 20mph zones outside schools because that is important for the children of Edinburgh.”

Make 2015 a tree-mendously green New Year

Don’t let your Christmas tree go to waste

With the smell of fresh pine in your home, there’s nothing quite like a real tree at Christmas – and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead is urging everyone who bought a real tree in 2014 to recycle it, or replant it and use it again this year.

Scottish farms grow around 4.3 million Christmas trees every year with many of these home-grown trees taking pride of place in households across the country.

Mr Lochhead said: “Real Christmas trees, many of which have been grown here on Scottish farms, add some authentic festive sparkle to homes but I don’t think many people realise they can do their bit for the environment after they’ve used their trees by recycling them.

“All local authorities have recycling centres to take advantage of and I would encourage everyone who has bought a real tree this year to make sure they do.

“Alternatively, the gardeners among us might want to replant their tree to use again year on year – again doing your bit for the environment and also saving yourself some money next year.

“Christmas is a great time of year – it’s all about celebrating, having fun, relaxing and enjoying quality time with family and friends – but it’s also a time to reflect on the past year and what your aims are for 2015. I hope everyone in Scotland will resolve to make 2015 their Greenest year yet.”

New Year resolutions – and how to keep them

It’s a tradition on New Year’s Eve that you make a resolution for the year ahead. Some people pledge to lose weight, others decide to stop smoking and lots more say they are going to get fit and more active – but all too often you break that resolution just a few weeks into the New Year.

If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution – and you’re really, really determined to stick to it this time! – here’s some help and advice to assist you on your journey.

Maybe this time …

1. LOSE WEIGHT and/or GET FIT

One of the most common New Year resolutions is to eat better, exercise more and lose weight. After all of the rich and indulgent feasts you’ve had this holiday season, it might seem easy to stick to a diet of leafy greens at first. But when those cravings set in, it can be hard to stay on track with your diet. Plus, cold weather makes it harder for some people to get motivated and hit the gym.

If you’re looking to eat more healthily, ignore faddy diets – portion control will play a big part in your success. One good way to be more aware of what you’re eating is to use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients or weigh out portion sizes. A solid kitchen scale shouldn’t cost the earth and it’s an investment worth making.

Check out the library for books on good food and healthy eating, and Pilton Community Health Project’s website is a mine of useful information too www.pchp.org.uk

Many people sign up for a gym membership at this time of year but for a considerable number that’s as far as it goes – it can be hard to get motivated to leave the house on cold January days and evenings; it’s so much easier to put it off to another day! Gym memberships can also be very expensive – again, Pilton Community Health should be your first port of call for local exercise and healthy activities.

With Ainslie Park Leisure Centre on your doorstep (551 2400) it’s worth checking out Edinburgh Leisure to see what’s on offer both locally and across the city: telephone 458 2100 or visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

If you need a little reminder to be active, a fitness tracker like the Fitbit Flex can be a big help, but starting at around £50 they are quite an expensive reminder! I find trying to tie my shoelaces is enough of a reminder for me …

2. QUIT SMOKING

You know smoking is a bad habit that hits both your health and your wallet, but stopping is tough – it can take some people years and many, many failed attempts before they kick the habit. If you want 2015 to be the year you finally quit smoking, there are all kinds of products that can help wean you off the fags: there’s gum, patches and nasal spray inhalers – all of which help give you a boost of nicotine without having to inhale all that nasty smoke.

Many are turning to e-smoking as an aid to kicking the tobacco habit. If you’re looking to try out e-cigs as a way to cut back on actual cigarettes, you can now get a starter kit, charger, and carrying case set at increasingly competitive prices.

People who are trying to quit smoking the traditional way also appreciate having additional support options, and Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking book is still the most popular on the market.

NHS Lothian offers a range of stopping cessation sessions and Smokeline Scotland is also a great place to go for support, advice and tips.

http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/HealthInformation/HealthAwareness/Smoking/Pages/default.aspx

Smokeline 0800 848484 www.canstopsmoking.com

3. SAVE MONEY AND REDUCE DEBT

Whether you want to get out of debt or just start saving for a big ticket item, there are lots of people who will be trying to spend their money more wisely in 2015. Setting up a personal budget can help you monitor your spending.

One tactic you can try to help you stay on budget is doing all your shopping in cash when you can, rather than using a debit card, cheque or credit card to pay for items – it’s estimated that people who pay for things with a card can spend almost 20% more on a transaction than those who are paying with cash.

If you’ve racked up a lot of debt on a credit card and you’re paying a hefty rate of interest, you should look around to see what deals are on offer and transfer that debt over to a 0% balance transfer credit card. By doing so, you’ll be able to avoid paying interest on that debt for a set period – some up to 35 months – and this will give you plenty of time to start tackling your debt without worrying about the interest accumulating.

The Money Advice Service has a good website for money saving advice, but if you are already in debt – get help, don’t let your problems escalate. Pilton CAB and Granton Information Centre are two local agencies that can help.

Don’t be tempted by payday loans or worse – the interest is astronomical. Check out Credit Unions which are a much cheaper and ethical way of helping you to manage your money.

Remember, if you spent too much over Christmas those bills will be arriving soon, so ACT NOW.

www.moneyadviceservice.org

www.moneysavingexpert.com

www.capitalcreditunion.com

North Edinburgh Credit Union, Wardieburn Drive 466 5006

Granton Information Centre, West Granton Road www.gic.org.uk 551 2459

Pilton CAB, Drylaw Shopping Centre on Ferry Road 202 1153 www.citizensadviceedinburgh.co.uk/

The Scottish Government has also just launched a new website to help guide you to the support and advice you need. Visit:

http://www.lightentheloadscotland.gov.uk/

4. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE or SKILL

It’s never too late to learn something new and the New Year is the perfect time to try something different, whether for leisure or to open up new employment opportunities.

Locally, check out Edinburgh College – new courses start this month – and Craigroyston Community High School is running a wide variety of adult day and evening classes.

www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20070/adult_and_community_learning

5. GO GREEN

Thinking about going green this year? There are lots of small changes you can make to your lifestyle to reduce your energy bill, recycle materials in innovative ways and help do your part to make the planet healthier. www.greenerscotland.org is a good place to start for ideas.

6. VOLUNTEER and/or GIVE TO CHARITY

Many people plan to be more generous with both their time and any disposable income they may have in 2015 (some chance, I hear you say!)

Looking to donate time, not money, then? There are lots of ways you can donate your time – local and national charities and voluntary organisations are crying out for willing volunteers in all sorts of roles. There’s bound to be something to suit you – a good place to start is Volunteer Centre Edinburgh – go to www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk to see what you can do.

Time Banks are another great way to donate your time, energy and skills and get the same back in return – visit www.edinburghtimebank.org.uk for more information.

So, you’ve decided on your resolution? Here are some tips to help you stay on track when times get tough:

Set yourself realistic goals, not impossible targets. Don’t think about losing two stone in a month, or running a marathon after a fortnight’s exercise!
Don’t be all-or-nothing – you’re likely to have the odd slip along the way but don’t allow that to make you give up
Remove temptation – no point in making things even more difficult for yourself
Reward yourself along the way
Thing positively and keep your eye on the prize – there may be tough times but the end result will be worth it!

GOOD LUCK!

Don’t dump – re-use!

So many items are needlessly thrown away when they could be put to good use by others. Local Environmental Warden Andrew Barnett has passed on information about a useful FREE service:

National re-use phone line 0800 0665 820

National re-use phone line is a service that easily allows you to pass on household items to be used again. Call the phone line on 0800 0665 820.

Examples of items that re-use organisations will accept:

• Sofas and armchairs (fire regulation tags must be attached)
• Beds and Mattresses (fire regulations must be attached)
• Wardrobes and chest of drawers
• Dining furniture
• Fridges, freezers , electric cookers, washing machines and tumble dryers
• Bicycles

Examples of items that re-use organisations will NOT accept:

• Items which are soiled, ripped or damaged
• Gas appliances of any kind
• Bulky style televisions
• Large wall units
• Items that have been left outside

Why use the re-use phone line?

• It’s a free collection service for re-usable items
• Our experienced call operatives are highly trained to meet your requirements
• You’ll be benefiting your local community and charitable organisations by supporting employment and volunteering opportunities
• You’ll be helping to reduce the amount of items being sent to landfill, reducing the environmental impact of waste
• You’ll be saving your Local Authority in landfill disposal costs; money which can be better spent in your community

Please call and speak to one of our advisors for more information on 0800 0665 820

National re-use phone line is funded by Zero Waste Scotland and ensures that you can find an alternative way to disposing of your unwanted items whilst helping your local community and reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill.

http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/reuse-phoneline

Getting physical – members attend ‘stormy’ meeting to talk green space!

Twelve hardy members braved winter’s first icy blasts to attend the North Edinburgh Physical Activity Forum meeting on 10 December.

It was worth doing battle with the elements – the meeting discussed the topic: ‘How can we improve access to open spaces in North Edinburgh?’ and it proved to be a popular subject.

“This theme turned out to be a great choice!, said NEPAF coordinator Lianne Pipskyj, Pilton Community Health Project’s physical activities development worker. “A lot of work has begun – and there’s more in the pipeline – right across the community that is relevant to this topic, so there was a real buzz at the meeting!

“I would especially like to thank Out of the Blue manager Rob Hoon who gave up his time to come along and tell the forum about the ‘Friends of Dalmeny Park’ project. This is an inspiring example of a piece of community engagement and partnership working that influenced a lasting change.

“We can learn lessons from their experience – I’m already looking forward to our next meeting in March 2015!”

NEPAF Meeting Minutes dec 14

Festive Waste Collections

Most households in Edinburgh will have their rubbish and recycling collected as normal over the Christmas holidays. Other than Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, collections will not change for residents across the city.

Rubbish and recycling will not be picked up on Thursday 25 December (Christmas Day) and Thursday 1 January (New Year’s Day) only.

For those who would usually have a collection on these days, it will be rearranged from Thursday 25 December to Saturday the 27 December and from Thursday 1 January to Saturday 3 January.

Normal service will resume on 26th December and 2nd January.

Residents can arrange a special uplift for bulky items online or by phoning 0131 529 3030. Collection of re-usable furniture and white goods can be arranged by contacting the national re-use phone line on 0800 0665 820.

Christmas tree recycling

Those who receive a garden waste service can recycle real Christmas trees after Christmas Day by placing it at the kerbside next to their brown bin by 6am on their garden waste pick up day. Bases should be removed and trees over 6ft tall should be cut it in half.

Residents living in a communal bin area can leave their trees beside their nearest shared bin on one of the dates below. These will be picked up and turned into compost for use in parks and gardens.

City Centre and Leith – Monday 5, 12 and 19 January
North – Tuesday 6, 11 and 20 January
East – Wednesday 7, 14 and 21 January
South – Thursday 8, 15 and 22 January
South West – Friday 9, 16 and 23 January
West – Saturday 10, 17 and 24 January

Christmas trees can also be taken to any of the city’s Community Recycling Centres. These will be open every day except on 25 & 26 December and 1 & 2 January.

Residents are being reminded that a range of materials can be recycled over Christmas, in addition to Christmas trees, including wrapping paper, glass bottles and food waste. Check the Council’s rubbish and recycling pages to find out what goes into which bin.

Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “It is essential that we keep the city moving, regardless of the time of year, so I am pleased that we are able to continue collecting rubbish and recycling almost as normal over the festive period. This is thanks to the staff who work hard to keep things ticking over during the holidays.

“So much of the rubbish that we generate over Christmas can be recycled – from wrapping paper to empty bottles or leftover food – so I would urge people to make the most of their recycling facilities during this time.

“Households can also easily recycle their real Christmas trees thanks to additional uplifts, allowing them to be composted for use in our parks and making way for a green Christmas.”

2015 calendars

There will be no changes to collections in 2015. New bin calendars will be available on the Council’s bin collection day page at the end of December. Copies can also be ordered by contacting the Council on 0131 529 3030 from today (15 December).

Find out more about rubbish and recycling in Edinburgh on the Council’s website.

Breakthrough for Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden?

It has taken over a year to finally get the amazing news, but planning permission to demolish listed structures and build 17 luxury townhouses in the Historic Garden is now officially being WITHDRAWN !!!

Our Friends Group members recently met with the development company to propose community-led restoration and productive use of the walled garden. We hope that Waterfront Edinburgh Ltd’s board members will now hear the voices of hundreds of community members and recognise the value of this fertile ‘secret’ garden to local people. The Oldest Walled Garden in Edinburgh deserves a chance to survive!

Tree Preservation Orders have been applied for, to protect the remaining Victorian apple trees
Historic Scotland and other suitably qualified conservation organisations have been contacted to advise on restoration work needed and costs
New access track idea, to allow community members to restore and work in the garden without disturbing nearby residents.

What next for Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden?

November was a very busy month for the Friends Group, productive meetings and new members adding their energy and enthusiasm to help save this walled garden.

We now have a draft constitution, rising community interest and possibilities of funding to get started. Let’s hope that our councillors and community voices will be heard and this garden treasured for future generations to enjoy!

A ‘timeline’ of our community campaign was put together to help everyone understand the story How the Friends Group started

This is posted on the Friends Group webpage along with the history of the garden, what happened to the castle, and some of our ideas for the garden’s restoration and community use.

Our next meeting:

Should Granton Castle Walled Garden become Common Good Land?

General Meeting of Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden

Thursday 8 January at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

6-7.30 pm, seating limited to 30

Please get in touch if you want to come along or add points to the meeting agenda:

grantoncastlegardengroup@gmail.com

or catch us on FB or wordpress where an update on the meeting and notes will be posted in the new year!

Kirsty Sutherland, Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden