An Update From Councillor Max Mitchell Inverleith Park Drainage Residents may have noticed work taking place on the north east quadrant of Inverleith Park. Starting last month on 14th February, the work got underway to help resolve the drainage issues that have been an issue for many years. Even a level of rainfall that was not particularly heavy could easily overwhelm the current drainage system causing flooding of the grass and paths. This new system will help prevent flooding and speed up recovery of the grass areas. The work is carbon neutral and should be completed before the end of March.
Water of Leith Closures Finally! The reinstatement works of the land slip above the Water of Leith at Dean Path are very nearly finished. Council officers from Parks & Green Spaces are very optimistic that the walkway will be able to reopen fully at the end of March. Some work may still need to be finished on the bank, but it is very good news after having closed for a second time in 2016. Unfortunately, the situation with the timber walkway behind The Britannia Hotel has still not been resolved as it is not in the Council’s ownership. Council officers are, however, trying to assist with its repair ASAP.
LEZ and Short-Term Lets You may recall I wrote in previous Stockbridge Spotlights about the Council establishing a low emission zone (August/September 2021 issue) in the city centre and the zoning of the city as a short-term lets pressure zone (October 2021 issue). These decisions have now been taken by the Council. This means that from summer 2024, vehicles not meeting specific emissions standards will not be able to enter the city centre without being fined, and a property functioning as a short-term let will require planning permission to operate and it will need to be appropriately licensed. Interestingly, the Council is not able to enact either without the Scottish Government’s approval, so we will have to wait for their verdict.
Bus Travel for Under 22s As of 31st January 2022, residents of Scotland aged 5-21 are able to access free travel on bus services across Scotland with a new or replacement National Entitlement Card or Young Scot Card. Information about the scheme and how to apply is available on Transport Scotland’s website. Residents with any questions about the scheme can contact Transport Scotland directly at concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot. Please don’t hesitate to contact Inverleith Ward councillor Max Mitchell by email, max.mitchell@edinburgh.gov.uk, or by phone 0131 529 4409, with any local issues or questions.
14
