Five things you need to know today

 

 

Cycling – Housing Repairs – Fashion at Tartan Week – Portobello – Safety advice on petrol

When the cycling debate was decided last night at Holyrood it was universally approved without a vote being necessary. The Scottish Government has therefore backed moves to offer every child on road cycle training, and the possible introduction of 20 mph zones in residential areas. This was part of the discussion at the Spokes hustings last night too when the City of Edinburgh Council candidates were grilled on transport and cycling in particular. The council also announced the start of work on the Quality Bike Corridor in the city.

Green MSP Alison Johnstone, who introduced the motion, said:

“Today’s debate has pushed the need for greater cycling investment and training to the top of the agenda, where it now needs to stay. I’m delighted that this Green-led debate has received the backing of other parties, now let’s translate that into action that will make a difference at street-level.

“I called for every child in Scotland to be offered on-road cycle training by 2015, and I’m very glad that the Parliament agrees. Only 30% of Scottish children currently get on-road training at the moment so there’s a clear need to do more if we want to grow a culture of safe cycling.”

The Scottish Parliament is now in recess until 18 April 2012.

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Another council official is reported to have been sacked in connection with the housing repairs investigation which is ongoing, bringing the total number of staff who have been either suspended or sacked over this matter to 19,  according to The Scotsman. 

 

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An Edinburgh Napier graphic design student will have her dress modelled on the catwalk at New York’s Tartan Week according to The Press Association. 

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The decision by campaign group PPAG to appeal to the Court of Session about the council’s right to build a new High School in Portobello Park has sparked an online petition which you can add your name to here… 

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In light of the possible fuel tankers dispute there is some timely advice on the council website for all Edinburgh residents on whether or not they should keep petrol at home, and if they do, how they should do it to stay within the law.