new faces and an outside independent view

First neighbourhood partnership this morning - all the usual suspects there and all the usual angst. The chair spent a lot of time telling us how much she wants action: I'm afraid today it was, as usual, more talk than action. Despite some new faces the group dynamic felt very familiar. Two hours was long enough for me.

Then on to the Labour Group meeting to consider the Council agenda - a very long agenda. A couple of items should provoke discussion and debate. Perhaps most noteworthy was the brevity of the Leader's report: looks like nothing really has been happening after all! Then reams on council restructuring - the public will find that riveting - not! And of course, the budget projected overspend...I can hear the debate already and can hardly wait.

Some interesting local issues though. The future of Muirhouse Shopping Centre features high on my action list at the moment. The four Forth councillors were invited to a meeting recently to hear Credential's plans for its redevelopment. Much hinges on the decision of the Health Board as to where it intends to locate a new community health facility - if they can be persuaded to opt for the Shopping Centre then it would make a significant contribution to the regeneration of an otherwise grotty blackspot: I have met with several officials involved in the planning and am coming to the view that the health facility located at the shopping centre represents a good multi - windfall opportunity. Later this week I meet with community representatives to ascertain their view and will decide my next steps thereafter.

Been a busy time at PEP too. The run up to the Trades Fortnight is always particularly pressing - and last week was manic: our AGM; various staffing issues; small crises; and preparing for a review by Capital City Partnership into our contribution to community regeneration outcomes: apparently they intend to review all CRF funded projects in Craigmillar and North Edinburgh. A big job and I suppose I do wonder how well it can be done given its scope. However, I look forward to it. There is always something to learn from an outside, independent view.