An Update From Councillor Stuart Dobbin

WOW!. I can hardly believe that as I write this, it is a year since being elected as a Councillor for Forth Ward. While the election seems such a long time ago, paradoxically, the time has certainly flown.

Indeed, coming up to the first anniversary, prompted me to look back on what I set out in my manifesto my goals and to reflect on achievements to date, and aspirations not yet actualised!

While clearly having a political motivation in putting myself forward for election, I viewed the most important aspect of being a Councillor being to represent the residents of Forth Ward in respect of any issues that they may have that are Council related. And I feel that has been a really important and (mostly) enjoyable experience so far.

I make a point to attend (most) of the Trinity Community Council meetings (every second Tuesday of the month) in order to both ensure that I am aware of concerns raised by the community as well as encouraging residents to bring common issues to the Community Council - so that I can leverage the backing of the Community Council in representing and resolving issues.

I am always be happy to meet with residents and can be contacted on 07514 318 634 or at cllr.stuart.dobbin@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Perhaps the biggest issue in Trinity over the past few months has been the ongoing issues – and upset - around the deployment of Bin Hubs. Working collaboratively with Cllr Dijkstra-Downie, I believe we have managed to achieve a number of concessions and compromises that have improved outcomes for residents. But there are still some very difficult, outstanding issues to be resolved!

I must admit it is personally satisfying when even relatively small but seemingly intractable challenges are resolved – for those living in the Trinity Road / Lennox Row area, the longstanding hole-in-the road has, after persistent and lengthy chasing, been filled. Thankfully before Google Maps included it as a feature!

Otherwise, there are always general concerns raised in Trinity are around getting road markings replaced, particularly when roads are re-surfaced, mess on the walkways that need to be cleared, supporting parents with school concerns and numerous other issues affecting individual residents that as an elected member I can help get resolved – relatively – quickly.

But there are outstanding issues that have wider concern, such as the ongoing campaign to have some form of enforcement of the 20mph speed limit on Granton Road.

More broadly, I sit on the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee. This gives me a platform to address issues that are faced by our fellow citizens living in social housing or in temporary accommodation. In particular, I have been focussing on dampness and mould and in helping families living in such conditions get moved to safe, dry properties. Through this I have been able to welcome senior Council Officers into the Ward to meet residents and to visit homes affected by this scourge. Through this work, and by engaging constructively with Council Officers, I expect shortly to see changes being made to processes and procedures and a renewed and sustained attack on dampness and mould in Council properties.

So one year down, much learned, great engagement with folk across the Ward – and a renewed appetite and enthusiasm for Year 2!