An Update From Councillor Hal Osler

I was honoured and humbled to be re-elected in May of this year to represent the Inverleith Ward. As a brand new Councillor in 2017 it took time to make progress on some much needed and long-delayed improvements in the Ward. Things have been delivered after much pushing. Projects like the pedestrian crossing on East Fettes Ave was finally installed after a 10 year wait. The repair and reinstatement of the Water of Leith Path by Dean Village - again a 10 year wait. My first motion to full Council after being elected in 2017 asked for drainage repairs to stop long term flooding in Inverleith Park. That took over 4 years to install. I know only too well the time and a perseverance needed to get things done. Sadly that is going to get harder with the Council facing £70 million in budget cuts and we all face great challenges. I know the deepening cost of living crisis keeps many awake worrying, there are growing concerns about changes in our climate and the continuing impact of Covid. So, for me it’s imperative that the Council works with residents to spend shrinking resources as wisely as possible and ensure that together we protect the vulnerable. In making tough choices together, we also need to make sure that the City gets the investment it needs.

Amongst other things, this time I will bring more focus on adaptation, since our climate is already changing the city, and also on connectivity. Over the last few years Edinburgh has suffered from some fairly horrendous flooding with more and more residents being impacted. We need to invest and adapt, for example to make our outdated Victorian sewage system fit for purpose in the 21st century and beyond. I have been pushing heavily for more focus on this but progress is slow and rather than deal with issues short term we need to consider and apply resources towards medium and long term solutions. Another issue for many residents is adapting their properties to make them more efficient and more affordable to run. This is a particular challenge for those in conservation areas with strict rules on what solutions and materials to use. I am working with residents to see what can be done, to allow for changes to be made whilst not adversely impacting our important built heritage. As for connectivity, residents need to be able to move around safely and we must get the basics right. Pavements, paths, cycleways and roads need to be fit for purpose, with dropped kerbs and improved lighting. We must deliver outstanding road safety measures like pedestrian crossings and create safer and healthier places to walk, wheel and cycle to school or work, to access local services or just enjoy what the city has to offer. One example of this is the upgrade to the Snakey connecting Genogle Road to Saxe Coburg Place. This very well used path needed resurfacing and lighting improvements which were delivered earlier this year. So, if there is anything I can help you with or if you want to know more please do email me at hal.osler@edinburgh.co.uk and I would be delighted to assist.

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