An Update By Councillor Max Mitchell

An Update From Councillor Max Mitchell

Dean Path Closure Update

Residents may recall from one of my previous updates that the pathway under the Dean Path landslip was planned to be reopened in October 2021. I have kept in touch with officials working on this and, unfortunately, the work programme has experienced delays due to the nesting period. I am advised that although the winter weather may push the completion into first half of February 2022, but the target that contractors are aiming for is by the end of January 2022. Regrettably, there is a new closure behind The Britannia Hotel due to deterioration of the timber parapet. It’s enormously disappointing that we are so close to getting the slip repaired for this to happen. This section is outwith the Council’s ownership which does potentially pose an issue to getting a repair immediately underway, but the officials of the Parks and Greenspaces Department are trying to assist with a resolution ASAP. I am incredibly keen to get this cherished pathway fully open again especially given the length of time it has taken to get to this stage.

Goldenacre Steps

Concerns were brought to me about the condition of the steps between Ferry Road and the Goldenacre Path. These steps are an important part of the active travel network, so they need to be safe. I flagged this with various officials over some months to eventually learn that they were in the control of a now non-existent team at the Council. This led to confusion over who should take responsibility. After some politicking, a team took ownership. I have to say, I was incredibly pleased and grateful that an inspection was quickly organised in October and a full replacement of rotten steps at the start of November.

Flooding

Recently, the Scottish Government has focused on river flooding, which has formed the basis of Council funding mechanism regarding flood prevention. Roughly 80% of the £42m Capital grant for flooding is top sliced for major projects across Scotland. An example of this is the Phase 1 of the Water of Leith flood scheme, which received funding. However, there are currently no major projects within Edinburgh. The remaining 20% of the grant is split between Councils, and Edinburgh receives roughly £300,000-400,000 to undertake its Flood Risk Management work. Whilst the UK Government, Scottish Government, and Councils are now taking climate change more seriously, it is vital to prevent the harm caused by flash flooding to people’s homes and businesses. The Council wrote to the Scottish Government about additional funding earlier this year. Please do consider writing to your MSP about properly funding Edinburgh and to work in better partnership with Scottish Water.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Inverleith Ward councillor Max Mitchell by email, max.mitchell@edinburgh.gov.uk, or by phone on 0131 529 4409, with any local issues or questions.