May 2024 News from Councillor Neil Ross
2024/25 Roads & pavements resurfacing programme
The Council has announced its programme of road and pavement resurfacing works for the current year. In addition to carriageway resurfacing in Mardale Crescent and Blantyre Terrace, which was announced last year but not done, the list includes carriageway surface treatments for Braid Mount, Hermitage Gardens and Whitehouse Loan. On the list for pavement improvements are Gilmore Place, Leamington Terrace and Morningside Drive plus footway slurry sealing treatments for Braid Hills Road, Greenbank Row, Merchiston Gardens, Myreside Road and West Castle Road. The Council report is at item 7.6 here.
Zebra Crossing for Tipperlinn Road
A long-awaited new zebra crossing is to be installed on Tipperlinn Road at the junction with Morningside Place for crossing to and from George Watson’s College. This is planned to be delivered in 2025/26 and is a result of persistent efforts by parents and the school over many years. It was first added to the Council’s list in 2020 for delivery in 2023/24 but better late than never!
Greenbank/Meadows Quiet Route
The Council has decided it will use some of its existing stock of cycle lane defenders for the lanes to be installed on Hermitage Drive and Braid Avenue. This will come at no cost to the Council and is not likely to impact the delivery of other projects. Implementation of the changes, plus the addition of speed reducing measures, is expected to be in the autumn following completion of designs and a Road Safety Audit. Further information is available on pages 12 & 13 of the Business Bulletin at item 6.1 here.
Bus Tracker System update
The Council has provided an update on the return of real time information for the bus tracker system. For some upgraded tracker screens, real time information will be available from the middle of May. Further work is needed on the remaining screens, with an expectation that all screens will show real time information from late summer 2024. Further information is available on pages 7 & 8 of the Business Bulletin at item 6.1 here.
Edinburgh 900
Edinburgh celebrates its 900th birthday in 2024. The Council has announced a community fund of £100,000 to support local history and heritage events and activities. Applications of up to £5,000 can be made by community groups here.
Which Council Services are important to you?
The Council will be hosting drop-in sessions to encourage feedback from residents to help the council develop its budget proposals for next year. It will also help councillors to understand your needs and priorities when they make budget decisions. Local drop-in sessions are on Tuesday 7 May 10am to 1pm at Morningside Library and Tuesday 28 May 10am to 1pm at Fountainbridge Library.