New Conservative leader: Jeremy Balfour

That is the Council we are talking about. Jeremy Balfour was elected unanimously leader of the 11 Conservative councillors on Edinburgh Council earlier this week. See here for more details.

Newington parking plans move forward

The Transport committee will consider recommendations to deal with some of the parking pressures south of the controlled zone in the Grange area known as S1. The report can be found here and an article describing some aspects of the proposals can be found here.

Newington Library's Bookstart Rhymetime

Parents/carers and tots from 0-3 years are the clientèle at 11:30 every second Wednesday (next this Wednesday 28th). The programme involves action rhyme and song sessions and more details can be found here.

Leafletgate reaches Edinburgh South

For those who have been following the spat between David Cameron and Gordon Brown over false Labour claims about Conservative policies, today's Evening News weighs in. This article cites examples, including from the Labour campaign in Edinburgh South.

Viewcraigs traffic calming consultation

A proposal to make the whole of the Viewcraigs (Gardens, Street and Dumbiedkes Road) a 20mph zone is now out for consultation. It will include speed bumps. Details have been delivered to all addresses in the area. Comments can be made to:

20mph Zones In Residential Areas
FREEPOST NAT 18051
Edinburgh
EH1 1BR

Final list of candidates for May 6th

Edinburgh East:
Conservative: Martin Donald
Green: Robin Harper
Labour: Sheila Gilmore
Liberal Democrats: Beverley Hope
SNP: George Kerevan
Socialist: Gary Clark

Edinburgh South:
Conservative: Neil Hudson
Green: Steve Burgess
Labour: Ian Murray
Liberal Democrats: Fred Macintosh
SNP: Sandy Howat

Bristo robbery culprit pleads guilty

Nicholas Wynne, currently of Saughton Prison has admitted the robbery in Bristo Square on 7th January (reported here and here). The heroin addict's appearance in court today is reported here.

£20 admin fee for Blue Badge

The Blue Badge Scheme is a program for people with disabilities who find it difficult to get around without using a car.

From May 1st the Council will introduce a fee of £20 for the issue of the badge which lasts three years. Badge holders make savings through the exemption from on-street parking charges, and those who live in a Controlled Parking Zone can continue to be issued with a free Residents’ Parking Permit. Entitlement can be found here.

Community Council meets Wed

It is Grange/Prestonfield and it meets on Wednesday 21st in Cameron House Community Centre.

1 year: 225 bikes stolen in ward

This is the number reported to the police in the last year. That is one bike stolen for every 133 people in the ward. Details here with news of attempts to reduce the number.

Register to vote by Tuesday 20th

The last date for applying to register to vote - or for a postal or proxy vote - is next Tuesday (20th April).

You can download the application forms here. You can get help from the registrar on any connected matter by telephoning 0131 344 2500.

Further information can be found here.

Wedding bells for local councillor

Steve Burgess is one of the four councillors for Southside and Newington. Warmest congratulations to Steve and Julita who were married today.

Hector (3) to run mini marathon

Hector Eccles, aged 3 and from the Grange, is set to run the mini Great Edinburgh Run on May 2nd. See the story here.

NHS to apologise to Newington widower

Tom Arbuckle, a resident of Newington, lost his wife in Liberton Hospital in 2008. Following his persistent campaign about the circumstances, NHS Lothian has been instructed by the Local Authority Ombudsman to apologise for the circumstances of her last hours. More details in this article.

Manifesto now available

For those who want to look a bit deeper, you can download the Conservative manifesto here - or order it mail order here for only a fiver (plus postage).
Comment can be found here (smaller state) and here (a radical attempt to strengthen communities and civil society) and information about Oliver Letwin, who developed and co-ordinated the manifesto, here.

Dalkeith Road temporay lights

Information from British Gas indicates that the expected removal of the temporary traffic lights will be delayed another 24 hours until tomorrow afternoon (13th). (It is understood this additional delay is due to a breakdown The good news is that the complete work is now expected to be completed by the end of this week. See here for previous posts on this subject.

Mescaline at the Apothecary

Yesterday this newsblog reported on the seizure of 3.5kilos of drugs in the 'Nicolson Street area'. In fact the police raid took place at The Apothecary shop in Clerk Street. More details here.

Ammonia leak closes Sick Kids A & E

The incident took place in the Sciennes hospital last night at 9:30pm. No serious consequences were reported. Details here.

Nicolson Street drugs raid nets 3.5kilos

Yesterday police raided an address in the Nicolson Street area and recovered 3.5kilos of Class A drugs. A man and a woman were arrested. More details here in the police press release.

Racism case thrown out

In September 2008 (yes, 2008) this newsblog reported on a disturbance during a performance at the Queen's Hall by the Jerusalem Quartet. The disturbance was part of a demonstration and campaign by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Movement when demonstrators were dragged from the premises and subsequently charged by the police.

At the time it was understood they were charged with a breach of the peace but it emerged seven months later that the Fiscal was proceeding on charges of racially aggravated breach of the peace. You can find an eye witness account of the incident here.

Now Sheriff James Scott has thrown out the charges as this article in today's Times reports.

The detailed judgement may be technical (and perhaps correct) but confidence in Scottish justice is the loser. In the first place, we have yet another example of the delay which still appears to be endemic in our judicial system. Secondly, it is difficult to see the disruption of the concert (described in the article above) as anything other than a breach of the peace. I appreciate the prosecutor has a difficult decision to take in selecting which crime to libel but that is of little solace to the law abiding citizen.

Night porter steals from the Prestonfield

Alan Weir has been convicted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court of stealing wine from his employer at the Prestonfield Hotel. Details here.

The Times features Edinburgh South

Here is the article which focuses on Conservative candidate Neil Hudson.

Tae see oorsels as ithers see us . . .

Lucy is a New York girl who is spending a year in Edinburgh. Many in the Southside will recognise some of the characters and situations she has written about in this post in her blog. The post is titled Scottish Problem #7: Alcohol slalom and is a graphic reminder to us long term residents of how the ugly side of alcohol has become an accepted part of our culture.

Dalkeith Road roadworks update

Just under two weeks ago I reported the expectation (not quite a promise!) that the temporary traffic lights controlling roadworks in Dalkeith Road at Prestonfield Avenue were likely to be removed around Good Friday last week.

I am told there have been a number of setbacks - all to do with getting assurances that the gas main had been properly and safely installed. The latest projection for completion of the road way part of the work is this coming week-end or early next week.

It is very frustration for everyone but I suppose this is a case where getting it right at this stage is important.

Update 9.4.10: I am told the road is expected to be resurfaced on Monday (12th) with it being opened in time for the evening rushhour.

Two Hudson brothers standing

Here is an article from the Times earlier in the week featuring Edinburgh South Conservative candidate Neil Hudson - and his brother - a candidate in the Rutland and Melton constituency. Well worth a read for the human story.

Police arrests: Newington Library

Last August this newsblog reported a break-in at Newington Library in Fountainhall Road.

There have been several further similar incidents at the library since August and police have this week arrested and reported a male for a further three incidents.

Election: Constituency and candidates

The election is under way. First, Southside and Newington ward spreads over two Westminster constituencies.

Edinburgh South: You can have a look at the map here. It includes Newington, Blackford, Blacket and Sciennes - from the west side of Dalkeith Road across to Canaan Lane by the Astley Ainsley hospital; and from Melville Drive to Cameron Toll and the north side of Lady Road. (NB. Polling stations can be found as the yellow tadpoles on the helpful map here. Your polling station will be named on the polling card which will be sent to you.)

Edinburgh East: You can have a look at the map here. It includes the Southside, Dumbiedykes and Prestonfield parts of the ward. (NB. Polling stations can be found as the blue tadpoles on the helpful map here. Your polling station will be named on the polling card which will be sent to you.)

If you are still not sure, you can find your constituency from this website via your postcode.

Finally (for now), you can register to vote if you have not already done so here.

Details of runners and riders will be posted soon.

Craigmillar Park Blind school pressures

The Royal Blind School is under a bit of pressure from finances currently - as this article explains.

Glenorchy Terrace gas main renewal

Glenorchy Terrace is the latest to have gas main work beginning - in this case from Monday 12th April for a period of around 6 weeks. There will be disruption to parking and through traffic.

And now. . Sciennes Orchestra Ensemble

Well, actually the Edinburgh Orchestra Ensemble meeting on Monday nights in Sciennes Primary School. See here for details.

Cadenza Choir ceilidh comes to Church

Lutton Place Church Halls is the scene for the latest event of the local and longstanding Cadenza Choir - on Sat 17th April. Thunderdog Ceilidh Band will be calling.

New Sick Kids possible delay on horizon

This article suggests the move of the Sick Kids from Sciennes to Little France may be delayed by at least 6 months

Craigmillar Park Open golf next week-end

Here are the details of the Craigmillar Park Open Golf Tournament next weekend.

12,500 people to change to bikes?

That is the challenge set by The Bike Station who were recently awarded a £750,000 grant by the Government. In December this blog reported on the award and details are beginning to emerge on how it will be spent. Here is an article in today's Evening News highlighting the work they are undertaking to encourage more people to use bikes as an alternative to the car.

The Bike Station is to be found here in Causewayside.