Budget Progress

Labour Group meeting tonight was productive. As well as dealing with the agenda for the full Council meeting on Thursday we also agreed the final draft budget amendment which we hope to publish in the next day or two in keeping with the open approach we have employed in the last 4 years. Pleased with the STV.local piece on their website today "what-would-labour-do" re our budget plans.

100 days and a' that

Well, actually, it was 100 days to the elections on 3rd May last Tuesday, but I've been too busy to blog and its such a significant milestone that it can't be ignored. This week has been helluva busy so today's post is more like a potted tour of my diary.

Last Saturday's envelope stuffing session went well, followed by the Edinburgh South West Labour Party Burns Supper, Excellent contributions from Alistair Darling (wee hint about a role in the indyref campaign ?), Sarah Boyack, Rachael Reeves, Lewis MacDoanld and Johann Lamont.

Monday - Usual run of Monday meetings plus the cross party group on Property Services. What a mess.


Tuesday - attended the presentation by developers on their plans for two retail outlets in Currie, on the Lanark Road. Looked pretty good actually although there are some questions about their car park arrangements that will need to be addressed. Then spoke to the Edinburgh Labour Local Govt Cttee about the election campaign and budget preparations.


Wednesday - trip to Bathgate on union business, followed by Regulatory Cttee (taxi licenses) followed by Juniper Green Community Council who supported my idea of forming a liaison committee to oversee the two development projects at the golf club and old primary school.


Thursday - Galashiels on union business, followed by the Council's Audit Cttee and then Currie High Parent Council.


Today - Juniper Green Farmers Market, bought some rapeseed oil for the first time, looking forward to cooking with it. Got some telephone canvassing to do then off to Bannermans to see Rab Howatt's Band.

ABM RIP

Yesterday's full Council meeting finally killed the Alternative Business Models (ABM) project with all the workstreams and associated jobs (about 4000) remaining "in house". The SNP group seconded our amendment, which was also supported by the Greens and one LibDem ! One other LibDem Councillor wasn't at the meeting and another, extremely senior member of the Administration, absented themselves from the chamber when the vote was being taken ! Very strange, and further proof, if it were needed, that their group is in complete disarray. While it was the right decision and a victory for common sense there is still a lot of hard work and challenges ahead with various Council services now commited to improvements and savings in the next few years. At least we can all work together to deliver the transformation.

Last night's South West Labour Party meeting was well attended and carried a motion calling for a single question referendum. Sensible way forward.

This weekend will maionly be spent stuffing envelopes and attending Burns Suppers. Its a wierd life sometimes. 

By the way, this week's weigh in returned just a whisker under 13st. Pass me another carrot....

Priorities



Strange discussion

Busy day of meetings today. Finance and Resources Committee this morning, Audit Cttee business meeting at 3pm, followed by a visit to the "Data Room" to study the background papers behind the ABM debate due to take place at Thursday's full Council and the usual pre Council Labour Group meeting tonight.

The most surreal experience of the day though has to be this morning's F&R Cttee. Having made a complete hash of what should have been a straight forward report regarding meetings arrangements with the Council's trades unions (as and when necessary I might have thought ?) the Convenor then ruled that it wasn't competent for the Committee to discuss the request for a report into how the Council should deal with companies who may have a track record of not fully complying with their Corporation Tax obligations. Not competent ? To call for a report on the matter ? However, we then went on to spend 20 minutes or so debating what message should be written inside the Council's Christmas card ; "Merry Christmas" or "Seasons Greetings". We abstained, in despair.

Job Done

That's it, 1000 calendars with my face on them inflicted on the poor folks of Currie and Balerno. Many thanks to the band of Labour activists who made it all possible. Very satisfying weekend's work.

No Rest For The Aged

Turned 50 on Friday. Wasn't the horrendous experience I had feared. Had a rather good day actually, finished off by going for a curry with the family. Talking of curry, was out in Currie yesterday delivering the first of a batch of 1000 calendars to local voters. 12 months, all with my coupon on ! Don't know what the good people of Currie have done to deserve that but could be an attractive addition to local dart boards ! That's me outside the bakers in Currie and I promise I didn't buy any pies, though I was sorely tempted. Hearts match was brilliant. 2-1 down and down to 10 men and finished up worthy 5-2 winners and a Rudi hat trick. Fantastic.

Back to Business

Ratho and Currie Community Councils last night. Managed to get to both and showed face at Balerno High Parent Council meeting, which wasn't actually on at all. Bit of a cock up on the diary front. Ratho CC had 3 presentations lined up, first of which was from the local NHS Community Health Partnership who are looking for new premises for the GP practice due to lack of space and an expanding list of patients, mainly due to new development in the village. Bit of a fudged compromise being proposed using space at the primary school in Ratho Station as a "satellite" surgery. More discussion required methinks.

Currie were most concerned about the telecoms mast proposed at the top of Bryce Road, which I've already opposed at Planning and will continue to oppose after their site visit, and the Curriehill school site as referenced in the post below.

The big weigh in this morning returned 13st 1lb. Not a bad start but still a long way to go....

Third Time Lucky ?

Just been informed that the latest attempt to develop the former Curriehill Primary School site has failed. Negotiations with a developer to build a supermarket on the site have been terminated and the site is to be re-advertised for sale. There were mixed feelings locally about the supermarket idea but consensus that the site needs to be developed and the current boarded up, dilapidated building is an eyesore and potential health hazard. This will be the third time the site has been marketed and leaving aside the local debate about what would be best for this location, what does it tell us about the wider state of the economy when first, a residential development is abandoned and then a supermarket proposal can't be delivered ? I've asked for more community consultation before a successful bidder is selected but we'll see if that actually happens. The LibDem/SNP Administration pushed through the last sale at the Finance & Resources Committee  against the wishes of the local community and local Councillors.

Tragedy on Lanark Road

Distressing news yesterday that a cyclist had been killed on the Lanark Road, as reported in the Scotsman . At this stage it looks to have been a tragic accident but I'm keen to hear from the Police once they've completed their investigation regarding any possible contributory factors. No comfort whatsoever to Andrew McNicol's family but I've asked for this to placed on the agenda for the next Pentlands Neighbourhood Partnership meeting so that we can consider any road safety improvements that may be possible. Could be of course that no such measures would have prevented this tragedy but I'm keen to look at all the options. Pleased to say the NP Manager responded immediately saying he has already instructed work to look at this location. More updates soon.

Paint This Place Maroon

Hogmanay in Prince's Street was excellent, good atmosphere and well managed. Edinburgh at its best. Caught Wild Beasts and Friendly Fires at the West End stage and Jade somebody from X Factor doing cover versions at the Mound stage.

Having kept a suitably low profile on the 1st, off to Easter Road for the New Year derby yesterday. Changed our arrangements at the last minute and met in the Brunswick bar, where we were joined for a pint by Irvine Welsh, well, not exactly joined, he was in other company, well it looked like Irvine Welsh anyway....

Game was the usual roller coaster of emotions but we came out on top, deservedly in my humble opinion, and went home happy. I'm not normally in favour of football players articulating their thoughts via sloganised tee shirts but given the recent problems experienced by Hearts players and the type of day Ian Black had, kicked up and down the park by various Hibs players (taking turns until they were booked) then missing a penalty but still going on to turn in one his best performances I think he was entitled to this brief right of reply.

As New Year's Resolutions go I know this isn't particularly revolutionary but I'm determined to lose a few pounds in the next 4 months, well actually 28, if possible, before the local elections on May 3rd. I weighed 13st 3lb this morning, which would be fine if I was 6ft 5in, but I'm not.

As added motivation I'll post regular updates on the blog and see if this helps to keep me on the straight and narrow.

Hogmanay, here we go

Well, Hogmanay has arrived, whatever happened to 2011 ? Call me an old sentimentalist but I still like the symbolism of New Year ; out with the old, in with the new, reflecting on the year past and looking forward to the year ahead. All that stuff. Brief recollections of 2011 ? The highlights - Billy Bragg at the Queens Hall, Bombskare and From the Jam at Wickerman, Man City winning the FA Cup. Oh, and the family managed to remain healthy and happy throughout, which I suppose is something of an achievement. Low lights - the Scottish Parliament election, obviously. An enjoyable but ultimately fruitless campaign. Continuing problems at Hearts, will we see some stability in 2012 ? 

Looking ahead, the 2012 Local Government elections loom ever larger on the horizon and most time and energy will be focussed on that in the months ahead. No doubt the independence referendum will continue to be the subject of much media speculation. Perhaps the FM will just get on with it. Some chance. If I get some time in the summer it would be nice to get my handicap down.

Heading up to the street party tonight to catch a couple of the bands and soak up the atmosphere. In true wimp fashion I'm planning to back in the house before the bells, with a large dram, the feet up, watching Still Game, which I'm going to record. Good to know that some fine Scottish traditions live on !

All the best to all for Hogmanay 2011 and a peaceful, healthy and successful 2012.

Sheba, Regrets & Christmas Wishes

Superb 2-0 victory yesterday over Motherwell, possibly the best performance of the season so far and a great atmosphere. All credit to the Hearts players who are enduring a difficult time just now. Unity and determination in the face of adversity.

On the way home on a number 3 bus I encountered this lad and his dog, Sheba, the most placid, laid back dog you've ever met. So enchanted was I with Sheba I felt a photo was in order. The chap told me he was homeless, but to be honest I didn't pay much attention. And then it was my stop, and offski.

I hope Sheba and her owner have good day today, who knows what tomorrow, or the future will bring for them ? I also hope the next time I meet another Sheba and homeless owner I have the good grace to ask his name and try to have a brief chat and understand his situation. 

Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year to all.

Covering the Cuts

Yesterday's Council meeting covered a fair spread of issues, from Leith Waterworld to Statutory Repair Notices to Parking in the Pentlands. Talking of which, the SNP/LibDem administration pushed through a plan to charge people for car parking on the edge of the Pentland Hills Regional Park. Okay, £2 a day doesn't seem much but its an idea that hasn't been properly thought through and is merely a substitution for budget cuts. That much is admitted within the report . But there's also numerous practical issues not properly dealt with. The income target (approx £30k) is based on 40% compliance with the new charges. Either they are not intending to enforce the regime or they just accept that most will ignore it. In addition the report recognises there will be "displacement" which will inevitably lead to problems for local working farms who sometimes have difficulty manouvering machinery due to cars parked on access roads.

Talking of budgets, the Administration, in their wisdom, decided to brief the press about a package of budget cuts before sharing that information with all elected members. Evening News  readers knew more about the detail than Finance Spokespeople (like me) who, belatedly, had an 80 page document emailed while we were sitting in full Council. Is it any wonder we sometimes find it difficult to engage in a constructive fashion ?

DofE Awards at Currie High

Was delighted to accept an invitation to present the certificates for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme at Currie High School. A wonderful "feel good" occasion where literally dozens (as can be seen from the photo) of young people filed up to accept a variety of certificates in recognition of their achievements through the scheme. The event was accompanied by an impressive array of personal and group reports recording expeditions in detail, from planning right through to what they had to eat each day, and some wonderful photographs to bring the reports to life. All made possible by the commitment and energy of Gail Cousins, PE teacher, and her band of volunteers who arrange the expeditions, equipment, registration etc etc. Excellent effort all round and confirms yet again that our young people are capable of much more than they are sometimes given credit for.

Turkey, Goals and Hot Cherry Beer

Having just about survived the Labour Group Christmas party on Friday night I headed for Juniper Green Farmers Market on Saturday, bright eyed and bushy tailed. One of the stalls had a large organic, free range turkey for sale for £65 ! It'll be sliced sausage for christmas dinner then.....

Then off to Tynie for a convincing 4-0 victory over Dunfermline. Good morale booster for us, considering current problems, but I do fear for the Pars if they continue to defend like they did against us.

Followed by a wee, pre christmas jaunt up town starting in the German market where several hot cherry beers were consumed to stoke up the festive spirit. The market was heaving, great atmosphere.

Back to reality today, surgeries tonight in Ratho and Balerno, followed by a local Labour Party branch meeting in Currie. 

£57k for Suntrap

I was delighted to hear that Save Our Suntrap have been awarded £57k by an obscure Council Committee, the Pensions and Trusts Cttee which, among other things administers a number of trust funds including the George Boyd Anderson Trust. GBA of course bequeathed his house and magnificent garden at Suntrap to the people but over the years it has ended up in the ownership of the National Trust for Scotland and Oatridge College, both of whom want to flog the place now. The money is to help towards repair and maintenance of the house and garden and is another important step towards persuading the current owners to allow the Friends of Suntrap to continue to run the facility in the way that was intended. Still a long way to go but I sense that the campaign is gathering a head of steam.

Leafleting yesterday went much better. The snowmen melted away into the background as expected but we still completed Juniper Green before darkness fell. Currie Community Council tonight, expecting it to be busy.

Three Wise Men ?

Only 3 volunteers turned up to help with leafleting this morning. Very disappointing. And they weren't particularly mobile either. Hope they turn up for tomorrow's session though.

So instead I headed for Balerno Farmers Market which was very busy and appropriately festive. Had a good chat with various local people and visited the Christmas Tree festival in the Scout Hall and Bowling Club. Very impressive. Bought a snow shovel too. Hope I don't have to use the bl***dy thing ! Even with a generous covering of snow this morning all the main routes were clear and pavements along the main roads had been cleared and gritted too. Different story in the side streets.

Big Fat Panda and Bombskare were Skatastic last night but it was a nightmare trying to get home from Prestonpans at the back of midnight. Two buses and about an hour and half in total. I was a tired wee bunny this morning.

Dodgy Geezer

Dodgy geezer seen loitering in Balerno this morning

What Is The Fuss All About ?

The Pandas on walkabout in the High Street yesterday

They look a bit scrawny and threadbare to me, but I suppose the Zoo know what they're doing. Can't see what all the fuss is about personally.

Many thanks to the small but perfectly formed team who turned up to help with newsletter and leaflet delivery this morning in Baberton Mains. It was cold but bright and we got a lot done.

Tonight, after the football, I'm off to the Juniper Green Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner at the Village Hall. I kid you not.

New World Record

Balerno Community Council last night, didn't finish til after 10pm ! Good to see new SNP candidate Bill Henderson (no relation) in attendance and taking an interest in local issues. Covered subjects as diverse as contentious planning applications, farmers market, hydro power schemes, control of mink (see below) and double yellow lines. Talking of which I was tasked last month to submit a request for a TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) to have yellow lines applied at the junction of Johnsburn Road and the roundabout to facilitate safer crossing for older people in the area. Turns out there's already a TRO in place but the lines "are not evident" i.e. they haven't been done. But they will be now. How good is that ? The request had been granted before we'd even asked. A new world record.