local issues dominate

Local issues dominate.

I am pleased that as a result of my intervention Royston Primary School will receive some extra funding next year: the Council has a policy of offering extra support to schools according to the take up of free school meals. For some reason no-one has ever really been able to ascertain the free school meal take-up in Royston primary has always been inconsistent and as a result it often falls below the line. Everyone who knows the area knows Royston primary serves virtually the same demographic community as Granton which always meets the criterion. Last year was one of those when Royston fell short. The new headteacher asked me to help and after a discussion with Andrew B he paid a personal visit to the school. Now I am informed that the school qualifies. I am pleased. It is not a huge sum of money but it all makes a difference.

I received a phone call during the week from a constituent concerned about the installation of benches in Pilton Park. Last summer there were many incidents of drunkenness amongst youngsters and she was concerned that the benches would be an irresistable invitation for the young people to resume their evening antics. I spoke with the officer responsible and he explained it was part of a city wide strategy to make parks an attractive place for all the community to enjoy - a laudable ambition but at odds with local experience. We have agreed a compromise. If the problems start again then the benches will be removed. My constituent seems satisfied with the solution. I have also contacted the local youth action team and the police officers there have agreed to provide extra policing and the use of the mobile CCTV vehicle. Hopefully we will not need to act on the removal of the benches.

Another request from a local woman concerning the noise the lids from recycle bins make, disturbing her peace. I visited and though on paper the problem seems very minor in fact the noise was substantial. I spoke with the officer concerned and he was reluctant to move the bins. However he came up with another solution - to install brush lids instead of flaps which will reduce the noise. Hopefully it will work.

Fencing is another big local issue. Recently, the council undertook a trial introducing new fencing in the estates. Environmentally and visually the trial has been very successful, so much so that lots of people have cottoned on and are now requesting their own areas should be similarly fenced. Managing expectation is a challenge. However, there is a local budget of £50,000 which will be distributed as fairly as possible to make the maximum impact. Inevitably some will be disappointed.

I received an email today from a constituent in Ferryfield. He was responding to a letter I distributed in the area contradicting another party's election material where the Liberal candidate wrongly claimed that the area was next for a controlled parking zone. His email has made it clear I need to do more to explain what actions I am currently taking to answer worries about safe road crossings on Ferry Road ...though I suspect that was not his intention in writing.. ..I do not think I can count on his vote! C'est la vie.