An Update By Coucillor Jim Campbell

Thank goodness life is returning to something more like normal. For the first time since extraordinary restrictions were imposed on us all, my Mum went to Church on Sunday. In large part, this is due to the UK Government’s world leading vaccine programme. The protection these jabs give is allowing us to learn to live safely with the threat of COVID 19. The work goes on. There are still many people in the UK to be vaccinated and many many more worldwide. All going well, later this year a new vaccine manufactured in Livingstone will join the UK Government’s armoury. The possibility of vaccinating younger children and giving a third booster dose to older adults remain distinct possibilities. I would encourage everyone to take their vaccinations. The “not for profit” basis on which Oxford/ AstraZenica team set about trying to protect us is a fine example of public private cooperation. Some of the adverse commentary AstraZenica attracted seems to be motivated by less than pure motives: they developed an inexpensive vaccine that can be distributed easily and, with the benefits of the most recent research, we know it is just as safe & effective as higher priced alternatives. I hope the extraordinary scientific efforts we have seen have yet much benefit to bring humanity. Good indoor ventilation is another way to minimise the risk of catching COVID 19. The benefits of ventilation have been known for a long time. Surprisingly there are very few standards to govern air quality in indoors. I was delighted early this month that Councillors agreed unanimously that we urgently examine ventilation in Council buildings, including schools (specifically, carbon dioxide levels, which is easy to measure, and considered a good proxy for indoor air quality). Subsequent to my suggestion, the Scottish Government announced similar proposals, which will no doubt increase the impetus. Closer to home, I still see hardy folks taking a swim in Wardie Bay. Its great to see this outlast the lockdowns that engulfed us all. I was delighted to support Cllr Bird’s suggestion that the Council investigates what improvements to the beach might be possible. As I have written to some local residents, however, this is not an easy issue. The beach ownership is, I understand, split between three other parties. The Council is exploring a possible management agreement whereby some public private improvements might be possible. Looking along to Newhaven, cruise ships have returned. Another view that I never anticipated growing up in the area. But it is a welcome illustration of visitors returning to our city, bringing with them an ancient trade that has survived pandemics over the millennia. The full impact on Edinburgh of the last few years has yet to emerge: will office workers stay at home; will we close the through routes our ancestors created to bridge and knit our city together; will people return to buses swap to bikes or stay in cars; how long will it take our festivals to recover; how many direct flights will Edinburgh Airport keep; can we empty the bins and clear the weeds; and what about the drains and gullies? To confirm to residents things are returning to normal, a Council consultation on Priority Parking Controls in Trinity and South Newhaven should have landed on doorsteps by now. The informal consultation runs till 5 September. The suggestion is that a permit would be required to park in designated spaces for a short time each day. Permits would be available for residents purchase, allowing them to park anytime, but preventing anyone without a permit parking for the day. For some years, parking controls have been spreading outwards from the centre of Edinburgh as local areas have come to see restrictions as beneficial. I strongly support this approach which seeks to respond to the wishes of citizens. Please do take a moment to complete the survey: www.consultprojectcentre.co.uk/parkingph4

Although the City Chambers remains closed, I can still be contacted on 0131 529 4235, or better still, by email: jim.campbell@edinburgh.gov.uk.