We’re being by-passed say Balerno businesses

Balerno Business Forum is to press for proper signposting of facilities in the village.
Businesses are concerned that they are being by-passed by visitors.

Jim Polasik, business representative on Balerno Community Council, said: “We have so much to offer in Balerno but many don’t come near.

“They drive along the Lanark Road and keep going or they visit Malleny House and drive home.

“Cyclists travel along the Water of Leith and keep going or do a u-turn and that also applies to walkers. Fishermen go to Harlaw but don’t come to the village.”

He added: “We have a number of quality places to eat, shops and other facilities and we are determined to make people aware.

“There is nothing even at the entrance to the village to say what is available. We want to change that.

“Nearby Colinton is a good model. People are aware of what is available by quality signs. We want to ensure that Balerno has the same.”

The lack of signs was a major talking point at the inaugural meeting of the Balerno Business Forum in The Letterbox café.

The Forum will now meet on a monthly basis on the final Tuesday of the month at 5.30pm in The Letterbox which is situated in the village Post Office.

A total of 18 businesses attended the inaugural meeting and Mr Polasik said: “We were really encouraged by the response and by the discussion. We want to build on this and we will be having monthly meetings to do that.”