Earlier today the council approved the closure of Cockburn Street during the daytime in August, but not Blair Street, as previously considered.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society originally asked for permission to licence the whole area along the Royal Mile including the top of Cockburn Street and Hunter Square, for Fringe events and stalls. This was only partially granted to the Society today, as the committee had by then already approved by majority Street Trader licences to David Coutts for two hot food units in Hunter Square.
The Fringe Society will now have a licence to operate stalls in High Street, West Parliament Square and St Giles Street, and a Theatre Licence for the High Street to its junction with George IV Bridge, West Parliament Square and Cockburn Street.
Mr Coutts has held similar licences during the Fringe in past years. These two units for pizza and other takeaway food will be positioned to the side of the Tron in Hunter Square for the period from 1-28 August.
Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive and Andrew Meldrum , Street Events Manager of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society attended the Licensing Sub Committee Meeting this morning. The Fringe Society was granted a licence to take over the rest of the High Street up to West Parliament Square, including St Giles Street during August for Fringe events.
In view of the fact that the Fringe Society would not be operating in Hunter Square, the committee no longer considered it necessary to close Blair Street to vehicular traffic.
Instead, we understand that a barrier will be put in place at the junction at North and South Bridges from 10am to 5pm and cars will not be able to access the first part of the High Street or Cockburn Street during that time.
David Spaven Convener of Living Streets Edinburgh Group said : “I think it is disappointing that the council are going for closure of one street not two, and in particular that the next street down from Blair Street would be Cowgate. We have already identified Cowgate as a street that has a lot of problems in terms of pedestrian safety, and too much traffic moving too fast. This is a particular problem in the evenings and during the festival time.
“It is interesting as there is already a ban on vehicles in the Cowgate overnight because of accidents and danger in the past. There is a large number of people visiting pubs, clubs and restaurants on Cowgate.
“It seems like a natural extension of the scheme although there are some difficulties to do with access. But these could be resolved by allowing access until say midday and then closing Cowgate from then on.
“It is a bit disappointing but this is a start which is the main thing. We look forward to the council pushing ahead with their programme that advances every year until we really do get a more civilised city centre.”
We asked the Fringe Society if they had anything they wished to say, but they declined to comment.
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