Cyclist case to be reviewed – Scots Guards – Boroughmuir High School – Proposed Local Development Plan – Gardening Scotland
The Crown Office have confirmed that they will be making an appeal against the sentence handed down to driver Gary McCourt who was convicted of causing the death of cyclist 75 year-old Audrey Fyfe . Mrs Fyfe was cycling at the junction of Craigentinny Avenue and Portobello when McCourt’s car clipped the back of her bike. Mrs Fyfe died two days later. The sentence of 300 hours community service and a driving ban of five years caused an outcry among cycling groups, particularly when the court was told of a previous offence when McCourt collided with cyclist George Dalgity who also died.
They issued this statement:-“Following careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case against Gary McCourt by Crown Counsel, the Crown will be lodging an appeal against the sentence on the grounds that it was unduly lenient.
The family of Mrs Fyfe have been kept advised of this decision and we will continue to update them as to any significant developments in the appeal process.”
More than 5000 people have signed a petition demanding a review of the sentence.
Typical of the discussion around the case is this entry on CTC Scotland.
Separately, the council have announced that they will trial the proposed two-way arrangements for cyclists on George Street, and a one-way system on Princes Street. They say that improvements for pedestrians and cyclists will be the centrepiece of the trial which will take place over 12 months.
This has sparked fierce opposition from many businesses according to The Cockburn Association. They have issued a response to the proposals to the city centre changes which you can read here.
The changes aim to create a more accessible, welcoming and attractive City Centre area as part of wider efforts to revitalise the heart of the Capital.
The main proposals to be considered by councillors in a report to next week’s Transport and Environment Committee, include:
- Temporary extension of the footway of George Street and Princes Street
- Accommodation of a two-way cycle route on George Street
- Implementation of a one-way system for general traffic and buses in an east bound direction on George Street
- Implementation of a one-way system for buses, taxis and cycles in a west bound direction on Princes Street
- Minimising loss of parking spaces on George Street, in response to feedback
The developments will sit alongside other improvements taking place elsewhere in the city centre, including the Royal Mile and Waverley Bridge, and initiatives to support extended shopping hours and the move to allow cafes and restaurants on Princes Street. If approved, the changes are scheduled to be introduced shortly before the tram service begins running.
A monitoring and evaluation group will be set up to oversee the 12 month trial. Evaluation will focus on footfall, passenger use and business revenue as well as satisfaction with the additional space. The group will regularly review the impact on residents, visitors, business and movement in and around the City Centre and assess the quality provided by different use of space.
Transport Convener Cllr Lesley Hinds said: “The consultation we did showed a clear desire for change but no obvious agreement about the best way forward. I would have been delighted if that was the case but we didn’t get that. However, the status quo is simply not an option. We need to show leadership and create a vision for how the heart of Edinburgh will work in the future and this trial will help us to do that.”
Planning Convener Cllr Ian Perry said: “One clear theme to emerge was that people supported the idea of both streets being more pedestrian-friendly. We also want to improve facilities for cyclists. The changes we’re looking to make are temporary, don’t involve any significant infrastructure works. I remember that opinion was split before we pedestrianised part of the High Street but that too was trialled and has been a great success.”
Economy Convener Cllr Frank Ross said: “We know there are concerns from the business community, among others, about how this is going to be implemented and the potential impact on trade. It’s important to stress that this will be a trial that aims to see how this will work in practice. We have agreed there will be a monitoring group, which will include local stakeholders, to see what lessons we can learn from this trial before making any lasting changes. However I’m sure we can all agree that we need a vibrant City Centre that shows off Edinburgh at its best, attracting residents and visitors and competing with other major cities.”
A range of consultation methods were used over the six week period to gather views from stakeholders and users. More than 2,000 people contributed to the process.
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The 1st Battalion Scots Guards were awarded the Freedom of the City yesterday on a sun drenched Royal Mile.
The Edinburgh Reporter made a video of the event:-
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The council plans a new high school beside the canal, only 500 metres away from the existing school building on Viewforth. The plans have been issued and now there is a consultation period for the public to have their say.
Public meetings: A meeting for the school community will take place in St. Oswald’s Hall on Tuesday 4 June at 7.00pm. A meeting for local residents will be held on Thursday 20 June, 7.00pm at St Bride’s Community Centre, on Orwell Terrace. This will focus on the external design of the building and how proposals may affect those living close to the school site.
School exhibition: An exhibition will be on display in Boroughmuir High School throughout June.
Library exhibition and ‘drop-in’ sessions: An information display in Fountainbridge Library will in place from the end of May to mid-July. ‘Drop-in’ sessions where you can meet someone informally to find out a bit more about the project will also be held in the library on specific dates in June. More details on the project website.
Other road show events: Drop in sessions are also being organised for a number of other local venues. Details will be available on the project website and posters will go up locally to promote these and schools will be asked to share information with parents.
Full information on all the above events is available on the project website, where it will be kept up to date. Keep checking the website to find out what is on.
The consultation closes on 12th July 2013, and views can be submitted via email (newSchoolBuildings@edinburgh.gov.uk) or by post:
The Boroughmuir Project The City of Edinburgh Council Level 1:2 Waverley Court 4 East Market Street Edinburgh EH8 8BG
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You have another two weeks to comment on the Proposed Local Development Plan which has been published by the council.
This is the draft document. You can go to the council website to comment.
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Gardening Scotland has special buses running from St Andrew Square all weekend to take you to Ingliston to mingle with those green fingered experts. As well as gardening advice today International rock piping stars The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be mixing rock standards with piping classics on electronic bagpipes and rocking the show with their feet-stomping rhythms.
To go along and see some of these music stars in action, click here to book your tickets.
Those who book online can also enter the GreenThumb prize draw for the chance to win a free lawn renovation or a year of free specialist lawn treatment worth £500!
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
