REPORTS FEBRUARY 2008               

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                                                            Lothian & Borders Police Report

In the period 28^th January – 24^th February 2008 there have been 57 crimes recorded as having been committed in the Queensferry & Dalmeny area.  Of that number 29 have been solved with reports being submitted to either the Procurator Fiscal or Children’s Reporter.

There have been no serious Road Traffic incidents in this period although the removal of the Forth Road Bridge Tolls has resulted in increased traffic congestion.

A damage only accident on the northbound A90, just short of the Echline slip, has caused major congestion and upheaval this afternoon and evening.

Crimes Against Property

During the early hours of Thursday 21^st February 2008 a series of crimes including theft by housebreaking at Queensferry High School, thefts from insecure houses and vehicles in Ashburnham Gardens and theft OLP to motor vehicles parked in Dundas Avenue and Rosebery Avenue, was committed by local males. Two males, one a juvenile, have been arrested and charged in connection with these crimes.  Enquiries are continuing to trace further culprits. 

Around 00.30hours on Friday 22^nd February 2008 there was a fire call to Queensferry High School.  A classroom had been gutted as a result of a fire there.  It has been ascertained that the fire was started deliberately with the use of accelerants.  Three local males have been arrested and charged in connection with this incident.  They were held in custody over the weekend and appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.  All 3 have been released on Bail.

Between 02.45 and 03.20hrs on Wednesday 20^th February 2008 St Margarets Primary School was broken into and a widescreen monitor was stolen.  It was recovered nearby.

Between 02.00and 07.00hrs , same day & date  a window was broken at Queensferry Primary School. It is thought that these 2 crimes are connected.

Between 17.15 and 17.35hrs on Monday 18^th February 2008 a house in Plewlandcroft was broken into. A computer, camera, cash and handbag were stolen.

Overnight Sunday 10^th/Monday 11^th February 2008 the Bellstane Café , Queens Balti and Queensferry High School were broken into.  Two males, one from the Muirhouse area and one from the Leith area of Edinburgh have been arrested and charged in connection with these incidents.

These same males have also been charged in connection with a number of theft OLP motor vehicles in the Atheling Grove/Moubray Grove area at the end of January 2008.

Around 23.30hrs on Sunday 10^th February the ground floor window of a house in Atheling Grove was smashed and a smoke bomb was thrown through into the premises.

During the evening of Wednesday 30^th January the Office at Echline Primary School was broken into and a computer system stolen.

A local youngster has been arrested & charged in connection with incidents of Fireraising and causing damage to property in the Echline area of SQ during the evening of Wednesday 30^th January 2008.

Theft of Garden Furniture

Overnight, Thursday 14^th/Friday 15^th February 2008 garden furniture was stolen from the rear garden of Bridge House, Newhalls Road, SQ.  On Monday 18^th officers from British Transport Police contacted SQPS to report that they had received complaints of noise and nuisance from residents in Bankhead Grove. Youths had been congregating in a workman’s bothy situated on the east side of the rail tracks, Dalmeny Station. On checking this bothy they saw a number of pieces of garden furniture. All pieces have been removed, most items have been identified by complainers including those taken from Bridge House. Enquiries are ongoing to trace the culprits.

Steps have been taken by BTP officers to have this building demolished.  The property belongs to Network Rail.

On checking the bothy in connection with the thefts etc on Thursday 21^st it was evident that the property had been subjected to further fireraising.  This information has been passed to BTP.

Crime of Indecency

On Thursday 14^th February a local man was arrested in connection with an incident in Main Street, Dalmeny. He is due to reappear at Court in March 2008.

Miscellaneous Matters

PC Iain Jamieson, along with the other organisers of the Big Clean Up, was delighted with the turn out of volunteers who participated in the litter sweep on Friday 8^th February 2008.  Thanks go to all who took part.

PC Aaron Doig has received images from the CCTV on the First Bus that was damaged last month.  Those thought to be responsible are described as being aged 18-25years.  They are not recognised as being local to the area.

Anyone with information regarding any of the foregoing crimes is asked to contact Police either directly or via Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

REPORT : CHAIRMAN – QDCC

1. On Tuesday 5 February I attended the Almond Neighbourhood Partnership meeting at Kirkliston.

2. On Wednesday 6 February a meeting was held at Port Edgar to review the development proposals and timescale. A report has been circulated to all QDCC members.

3. The EACC met on Thursday 7 February. I attended together with Jimmy Brown.

4. The Edinburgh Civic Forum was held on Tuesday 12 February. Jimmy Brown and I were present.

5. On Monday 18 February I presented proposals for a ‘young peoples meeting place’ to the Parents Council at Queensferry High School.

T Martin

Chairman

                                                         REPORT COUNCILLOR NORMAN WORK 

On Wednesday 30^th January I attended a meeting of QCCC

On Friday 1^st February I attended a meeting about the effect the replacement Forth crossing will have on Queensferry with other interested parties from Queensferry.

I met with Lord Provost Grubb & Cllr Kate MacKenzie to discuss ward issues on Monday 4^th February.

Later on the day I held my monthly surgery in Echline PS.

On Tuesday 5^th February I attended the Almond Neighbourhood Partnership meeting.

On Friday 8^th February, along with Cllr MacKenzie, I took part in the big clean up organised by cleanferry.

On Monday 11^th February I was invited to chair the Ferry Fair AGM.

I attended the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee to check on the traffic order introducing parking metres in the Loan and High Street. The report passed without comment. This may be a solution to the parking problems during the day at least as if there is money involved I’m sure you’ll see more wardens about however this will not address the problems at the weekends.

I have passed on your comments regarding the parking problems in the High Street to

the west neighbourhood team.

On Friday 22^nd February, The Lord Provost and I attended the FETA board meeting. One point of interest to Q&DCC I raised was that of problems arising from the works to remove the booths that caused gridlock in Queensferry, particularly on Thursday 7^th February. I was given assurances that they would consider widening their information and press releases to include Q&DCC.

On Saturday 23^rd February I attended the Girls’ Brigade coffee morning in Queensferry Parish Church Hall.

Councillor Norman Work

Almond Ward

Tel: 0131 529 3272

Fax: 0131 529 4080

norman.work@edinburgh.gov.uk

REPORT : SECRETARY

SUMMARY :  13 ITEMS: 10 IN, 3 OUT

Martin D. Gallagher 

Secretary

                                                                                   REPORT - PLANNING

Applications

Over the last month nine applications have been lodged with the Planning Authority for extensions and alterations to properties including the application to erect the Forth Bridge Memorial Stone in Newhalls Road – Hawes Promenade.

The two applications noted below continue.

Application 07/04626/FUL Residential Single Dwelling at 13 Edinburgh Road SQ in the Queensferry Conservation Area. I have spoken with the case officer Mr Stephen Dickson who advises that the planning department await amended drawings which were due to be lodged by 15^th February 2008. The application is not time bound! He conformed that our objection remains. I have advised Mr & Mrs Shaw.

Application 07/05014/FUL Install a 5KW Wind Turbine 6 Builyeon Road South Queensferry

Our letter of objection has been acknowledged as being material to the application. No progress to report.

Planning Decisions

The Planning Authority granted six applications by delegation and one application at 4 Shore Road for altering the property was withdrawn.

Draft Trees and Development Supplementary Planning Guidance - Consultation

The Community Council has been invited to comment on the above draft documentation. I have made the planning sub committee aware of the document and asked for comment.

Echline Development PfP and CCG

I await an update from CCG and PfP. The play area is partially completed and in use. It was a pleasure to see children enjoying the play facility as they leave Echline Primary School at the end of day. As far as I can access work continues by laying in drainage and the foundations for housing on the North West side of the site. The work has been problematic over the last month following the road closure. The road was not being kept clean of mud and road metal and was like a farm yard track, the road closure was poorly signed and indiscriminate parking of white van man was restricting access to Echline Grove as vehicles were driving in to Echline Avenue not realising the road was closed. It is regrettable to report that CCG were not initially receptive when asked to initiate improvements and I found it necessary to involve the police. As soon as the police got involved the road was swept daily, the signs were put in place and parking has been satisfactory. Echline Avenue opened up to traffic on Thursday Evening 21^st February so I must presume that the drainage work is complete.

Port Edgar

Community Council members attended a meeting called by Mr Chris Tonks. A record of the meeting and the points raised was circulated.

Jacobs Ladder

A meeting is in the process of being organised.

FETA Board Meeting 22^nd February 2008

I attended the meeting to listen and learn about FRB business and be better informed. I would expect that George and Norman will report FRB matters.

Residential Development Scotstoun Avenue – Agilent

I have received a reply from Alan Henderson Head of Planning to my letter sent to Mr Andrew Holmes Director of Planning & Strategy. I had written seeking to be informed about the legal agreement that has been discussed with Planning & Strategy Department CEC and Agilent legal representatives.

Summary of report with supporting letter

David McFarlane Case officer submitted a report to the Development Management Sub-Committee of the Planning Committee dated 3^rd March 2006 Doc 06/00842/OUT

• The Development is a departure from the development plan
• The application be granted subject to a legal agreement
• The loss of open space is acceptable
• Impact of the proposal on the surrounding transport infrastructure is acceptable
• There is no requirement for additional car parking at Dalmeny
• Mature tress around the site must be protected
• The adjacent leisure facilities are more fully used  (inferring Agilent’s isn’t and is not needed)
• Following discussion with Edinburgh Leisure it has been demonstrated that Q’Ferry is well catered for in relation to open space and leisure. There is a need to resurface seven a side football pitches at a cost of £70,000 which the applicants have agreed to pay for.
• Reserved matters application will require to provide 25% affordable housing.
• Development contributions may be required for both primary & secondary schools.
• The likely changes in transport patterns in the area is considered capable of resolution.
• Recommendation was Committee approves this application
• Outcome application approved.

In my letter I asked that the Community Council be a consultee regarding the legal agreement such that we could discuss our concerns and have them addressed.

Alan Henderson comments: “The specific requirements to be included within the legal agreement have been generated following consultation with other sections of this department within the council and external bodies during the consideration of the planning application. There is no separate provision for consultation with third parties on the content of legal agreement”.

I invite comment and will seek your views at our meeting on Monday on how we might take this forward.

 Keith Giblett

Planning Convener

REPORT : PUBLICITY

1.      Gazette – 25 January

-        Letter to the Editor from QDCC

2.    Gazette – 1 February

-        Report on QDCC monthly meeting – Queensferry Diary

3.    Gazette – 8 February

-        QDCC budget submission

4.    Evening News – 12 February

-        QDCC budget submission

5.    Gazette – 15 February

-        FRC Impact meeting including QDCC

-        Letter to Editor re Orocco Pier application and QDCC

6.    Orocco Planning Appeal – News letter – February 2007

                                (delivered by hand/e-mail on 18 Feb)

        - QDCC refusal to take the side of objectors.

T Martin

Publicity Member

REPORT - TRANSPORT

1. On 28 January 2008, along with David Wragg, I met with Vernon Hall, Operations Manager; Juliette Turner, Operations Director; and Rab Tragis, Inspector, First East Scotland, to discuss various bus-related matters affecting Queensferry.  On service 6, it was stated that there are plans to update the vehicles on the route with cascaded buses to provide a more reliable service, the current vehicles being due for retirement.  On service 43, the Almex ticket machines will be reintroduced in March for another trial period, the machines having been modified as a result of the first trial in December.  Details were also given of recent incidents of anti social behaviour/vandalism on buses and contact emails and phone numbers for First and PC Brown were exchanged.

Since the meeting, the final batch of new vehicles has arrived from the manufacturer meaning the 43/X43 route is now operated by a dedicated fleet of Volvo B9 / Gemini low floor double decker buses.  The seven Scanias have been stripped of the “Express Yourself” Queensferry branding and relocated to Livingston depot to work services 12 and 16.  The new buses are a significant improvement on those they replaced, most notably with the addition of AdBlue, a chemical version of Urea which is carried in a separate tank onboard and then sprayed into the exhaust gases, reducing the carbon footprint of the bus by up to 100 tonnes per annum compared to the buses previously used on the route.  The new fleet will soon have a route brand applied similar to that on the previous fleet.  A PR launch event and photo call is planned by First which the Community Council will be invited to participate in.                 

2. On 29 January I contacted Roger Hargreaves, Public Transport Manager, City of Edinburgh Council, regarding the closure of Echline Avenue and the effect this would have on Waverley Travel service 63: it appeared that the bus company had not been informed of the roadworks as services were attempting to drive through Echline Avenue on the first morning of the closure.  It was only as a result of my email that this came to light, so Waverley Travel was informed by CEC the next day.  A reply from CEC confirming this was received on 30 January, and information was circulated to QDCC members and placed on E-Ferry on 3 February.

3. Also on 29 January, I received notification from Jim Freeland, Network Manager, First East Scotland of a diversion to service 43/X43 in Edinburgh city centre from 4 February due to tram works.  The information was circulated to QDCC members and placed on E-Ferry on 3 February.  Notices were displayed on the buses and a news item placed on the First website.

4. On 10 February I wrote to Robert McCulloch, Project Engineer and Chris Waite, Communications Manager at FETA cc’d to Cllrs Martin, Grubb and Work regarding the lack of notification to the local community and local bus operators of the toll plaza removal works which commenced on 6 February and caused traffic chaos in the town on 7 February.  I have asked for assurances that the local community and bus operators be kept informed of future works to prevent a recurrence of the problems experienced: First management have confirmed they were not informed of these works and the 43/X43 service was severely disrupted as a result.  

5. On 11 February I contacted Robert McCulloch at FETA via email regarding the temporary toll plaza layout implemented following the abolition of tolls at 0000hours that day.  The arrangement involves traffic from the Echline ramp approaching the toll plaza in a single lane before joining the main A90 flow at a give way access with no merge.  Joining is made difficult by the speed of the traffic from the A90 as drivers are failing to adhere to the temporary 30mph limit through the plaza.  Representations were made to Lothian & Borders Police regarding this and a reply was received confirming that RADAR and speed camera signs would be installed by FETA with the Police providing a visible presence subject to availability of resources.  Stagecoach have also expressed concerns about the merge and have threatened to withdraw all services from the northbound stop until the removal works are complete (mid May) which would be extremely damaging.  FETA replied by saying that the layout complies with traffic management manuals and was approved following an independent safety audit.  One to keep an eye on…   

6. On 12 February I distributed information to the transport committee regarding the proposals to construct temporary “mini bridges” on the Forth Road Bridge during the expansion joints replacement programme next year to remove the need for an 8 week contraflow.  There are many interesting reports regarding the Bridge which can be found at www.feta.gov.uk

7. Also on 12 February I received a telephone call from Vernon Hall at First informing me that with effect from 14 February the 43/X43 would be diverted along Station Road omitting Burgess Road as a result of utility works: again the company received no notification that these works would be taking place.  The issue is one of safety and the fact that the road runs past a school and already experiences traffic problems due to indiscriminate parking by inconsiderate parents at school opening/closing hours which the CEC has consistently refused to address.  CEC is also unwilling to provide “no parking” cones at the junction with The Loan, the process for which would apparently take longer than the diversion period itself (4 weeks) as “planning meetings” are required to place a few cones on the road.  It should be noted that CEC originally proposed to install double yellow lines at this junction in December 2006 (see Traffic Regulation Order 06/126) and the objection period for the proposals ended on 26 October 2007.  QDCC responded at the time giving support to the proposal.  I have now contacted Brian Torrance, Traffic Control Manager, to ask why the DYL’s have not yet been implemented.  I have also asked the transport committee to investigate the merits or otherwise of the 43/X43 using Station Road on a permanent basis given the problems regularly experienced outside the school on Burgess Road.     

I shall be commencing employment with Stagecoach East Scotland on 10 March and as a result I will be stepping down from the Transport Convenor role at the 25 February meeting to avoid any potential conflict of interest.  I will continue to serve as Correspondence Secretary and as a member of the transport committee, but will no longer be taking a lead role on transport-related matters.   I will be proposing David Wragg to be my successor.  David is well placed to take up the Transport Convenor position, having worked at one time in the Metropolitan Traffic Area office before taking up a career in journalism and as an author, mainly writing aviation and naval history but with four books on railway history.  He was at one time interim editor of the Journal of the Chartered Institute of Transport.  He is also well attuned to the demands on business having worked in corporate communications for the P&O Group and latterly for the Royal Bank of Scotland.

 M. D. Gallagher

Transport Convenor                                                                                                                                   BACK