Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Next residents association meeting
The next meeting will be help at the Slateford Green Community Centre on Monday the 2nd of July, 7.30pm.
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
Next residents association meeting
The next meeting will be help at the Slateford Green Community Centre on Monday the 4th of June, 7.30pm. Please come along and see! It's a great way to meet some of you neighbours and others part of your local community.
Slateford Green – 2007/08 Landscaping Upgrading
The residents association received the following breakdown on what will be happening over the next year to improve our general landscape:
The format is in following order:
Internal
The format is in following order:
- Action
- Completed by date
- Remove chespale fencing at entrance barrier.
- End of April ‘07
- Replant railway fenced area with laurel and dogwood shrubs to provide additional cover
- Oct / Nov ‘07
- Prepare and apply fertilizer to grasscrete areas throughout Slateford Green.
- May
- Maintain and replant Community Centre planted areas.
- May
- Beech hedging - Remedy by infilling where appropriate with Escallonia and transplanting beech hedging to provide uniformity of appearance
- Spring planting followed by autumn replanting
- Remove chespale fencing from front gardens at 4,5,6 & 7.
- May ‘07
- Grasscrete opposite stairs 8 – 9 apply top soil and reseed.
- May
- Wooded area adjacent to allotments. Apply top soil, grass seed .
- May
- Banked are adjacent to pump chamber – remove upper chespale fencing – plant area with dogwood & laurel
- May
- Stairs 13 -16 remove chespale fencing on road side
- June
- Develop plan or improvement of visitors parking spaces.
- July
Internal
- Ensure hedging is trimmed to fence height throughout internal garden area
- May
- Island bed – remove jaggy shrubs and replace with specimen tree
- July
Residents Meeting results
The main subject covered was the election of new office bearers for the residents association. Alan Barnett, from Gorgie Park Close, was elected chairman, Stephen Stormonth as secretary and David Metzger remains on as treasurer, both are Slateford Green residents.
In the coming meetings the new committee will discuss what projects and subjects should be looked at. Please let us know if there's anything you would like us to consider.
We'd like to thank Harry Woodward from Dunedin Canmore for coming along and chairing the meeting.
In the coming meetings the new committee will discuss what projects and subjects should be looked at. Please let us know if there's anything you would like us to consider.
We'd like to thank Harry Woodward from Dunedin Canmore for coming along and chairing the meeting.
Thursday, 10 May 2007
A little history about the Slateford Green housing development
Most of the following text is taken from www.edinburgharchitecture.co.uk.
This car-free 'urban village' for the Canmore Housing Association sits on six hectares of former railway goods yard in the suburb of Gorgie. The traditional Scottish enclosed tenement is wrapped round a tear-shaped green space like 1930's German schemes by May or Taut. Inspired by the shapes of Skara Brae in Orkney and the Aran Isles of Eire the competition design was by Bryan Thomas and Andrew Lee, both of Hackland & Dore Architects.
The Slateford Green project is one of the most sustainable and energy-efficient schemes in Edinburgh of the last few decades, and the district heating system uses waste heat from the local distillery. There are 120 flats, of which 25 are shared ownership, 60 for social rental by the Canmore Housing Association including 17 for those with hearing difficulties and 4 for wheelchair users.
Ironically the Slateford Green design was almost refused planning permission by the City Council due to lack of car spaces despite being fully supported from the start by the City Council as the first of seven sites for housing to reduce car usage. Following acquisition by the Canmore Housing Association parking was reduced from 150% to 10%, influenced by the GWL Terrein masterplan in Amsterdam. Other influences included Ralph Erskine's Byker Wall social housing scheme in Newcastle, Japanese Edo frame techonology and Fumihiko Maki's YKK guest house in Kurabe.
The District heating system borders the Slateford Green site and each flat is connected using stairwell ducts. This is complemented by rainwater collection, reed beds, wintergardens and passivent ventilation by stack effect.
This car-free 'urban village' for the Canmore Housing Association sits on six hectares of former railway goods yard in the suburb of Gorgie. The traditional Scottish enclosed tenement is wrapped round a tear-shaped green space like 1930's German schemes by May or Taut. Inspired by the shapes of Skara Brae in Orkney and the Aran Isles of Eire the competition design was by Bryan Thomas and Andrew Lee, both of Hackland & Dore Architects.
The Slateford Green project is one of the most sustainable and energy-efficient schemes in Edinburgh of the last few decades, and the district heating system uses waste heat from the local distillery. There are 120 flats, of which 25 are shared ownership, 60 for social rental by the Canmore Housing Association including 17 for those with hearing difficulties and 4 for wheelchair users.
Ironically the Slateford Green design was almost refused planning permission by the City Council due to lack of car spaces despite being fully supported from the start by the City Council as the first of seven sites for housing to reduce car usage. Following acquisition by the Canmore Housing Association parking was reduced from 150% to 10%, influenced by the GWL Terrein masterplan in Amsterdam. Other influences included Ralph Erskine's Byker Wall social housing scheme in Newcastle, Japanese Edo frame techonology and Fumihiko Maki's YKK guest house in Kurabe.
The District heating system borders the Slateford Green site and each flat is connected using stairwell ducts. This is complemented by rainwater collection, reed beds, wintergardens and passivent ventilation by stack effect.
Gorgie Park Close Newsletter
Dunedin Canmore recently delivered the following newsletter to all Gorgie Park Close households.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GORGIE PARK CLOSE?
Residents in Gorgie Park Close have been attending meetings of the Slateford Green & Gorgie Park Close Residents Association over the past few weeks to try and raise the profile of Gorgie Park Close within the Committee, and with Dunedin Canmore.
Five residents met with Dunedin Canmore’s Tenant Participation Officer Harry Woodward last week to discuss some of the issues in the area, and talk about improving things in Gorgie Park Close for residents.
One of the decisions made was to produce this Newsletter, to highlight some of the concerns that people have within the area, and also to encourage more people to take part in what is going on in Gorgie Park Close.
The Slateford Green & Gorgie Park Close Residents Association Committee has tended to have more Slateford Green residents on it than Gorgie Park Close residents, and some people felt that this makes Gorgie Park Close people feel that they don’t have as much a say as the ’Green’ residents. This looks like changing, as the five people are all willing to speak up for Gorgie Park Close and help bring improvements to the area. They will keep you posted on their progress over the coming months, but if you’d like to get involved, you can contact Alan Barnett at 16/1 Gorgie Park Close, or Harry Woodward at Dunedin Canmore on 0131 624 5629 (e-mail tenant.view@dunedincanmore.org.uk)
RESULT OF THE MINI WALKABOUT IN GORGIE PARK CLOSE
One of the first things the ‘Famous Five’ wanted to do after the meeting on 17 April was to have a short walkabout around part of Gorgie Park Close – this followed up the recent walkabout by Dunedin Canmore staff, which some people felt didn’t look at all the area. The small group of residents highlighted things needing fixed at the bottom or far end (north) of GPC, at Stairs 17, 18 and 19 and these have been passed to Dunedin Canmore to deal with. Main points raised in the visit:
INTERESTED IN ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE?
One of the issues discussed at the meeting last week was the need for play facilities for young people in the area – it’s felt that maybe having more facilities and opportunities for young people to meet and play and take part in activities would stop some of the behaviour like playing football (and golf!) in the street and drying areas.
Dunedin Canmore staff have been in conversation with a range of local organisations to look at the possibility of providing some activities for young people throughout the year – some of this may take place in the Slateford Green Community Centre, and some at places like Fountain Park, the Corn Exchange and other venues where excellent facilities are available for children and young people can play, dance and do what they like doing. If you would like to be involved in discussions to look at developing a programme that may start before the next school holidays in June, contact Harry Woodward on the contact number or e-mail address below.
N.B. see the Slateford Green community centre noticeboard for details on the new Drop in Club for 13 to 17 year olds.
IT’S A DOG’S LIFE PICKING UP DOG POOP WHEN YOU’RE GARDENING
We’ve been asked to highlight the problems for our Gardening Team when they are cutting grass in Gorgie Park Close. You will be aware that there have been occasions when some dog owners have not picked up their dog’s ‘poop’ after letting their pet ‘do its business.’
We’d like to mention this as we enter the ‘cutting season’ – do keep this in mind for the future as the grass can also become affected by this – grass gets spoilt and ‘scorched,’ and the poop can also affect people who touch it (usually kids) and it can get on shoes and be trailed indoors, where anyone (again, especially kids) can be affected.
The Gardening Team also have to wear protective goggles and masks for their own safety, which causes delays when they are working in hot weather, having to change and cover up clothing when it’s hot is not pleasant work – thanks in anticipation of your cooperation.
AND FINALLY… DON’T DUMP RUBBISH AND YOUR OLD HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Some people have been dumping old fridges, washing machines, etc in the area recently, and we’d like to remind you to contact the Council’s Services for Communities Department (0131 529 3030) to arrange a free ‘Special Uplift.’ If you see anything being dumped, it can be removed by calling 0808 100 3366, when the Council’s Rapid Response Team will call to lift it as soon as possible.
CONTACT DETAILS FOR LOCAL ISSUES TO BE REPORTED, & FOR NEWSLETTER ITEMS
Repairs- Maintenance Department, Dunedin Canmore, Telephone 0131 478 8888
Other issues & News, etc - Harry Woodward, Dunedin Canmore
Call 0131 624 5629 or e-mail tenant.view@dunedincanmore.org.uk
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GORGIE PARK CLOSE?
Residents in Gorgie Park Close have been attending meetings of the Slateford Green & Gorgie Park Close Residents Association over the past few weeks to try and raise the profile of Gorgie Park Close within the Committee, and with Dunedin Canmore.
Five residents met with Dunedin Canmore’s Tenant Participation Officer Harry Woodward last week to discuss some of the issues in the area, and talk about improving things in Gorgie Park Close for residents.
One of the decisions made was to produce this Newsletter, to highlight some of the concerns that people have within the area, and also to encourage more people to take part in what is going on in Gorgie Park Close.
The Slateford Green & Gorgie Park Close Residents Association Committee has tended to have more Slateford Green residents on it than Gorgie Park Close residents, and some people felt that this makes Gorgie Park Close people feel that they don’t have as much a say as the ’Green’ residents. This looks like changing, as the five people are all willing to speak up for Gorgie Park Close and help bring improvements to the area. They will keep you posted on their progress over the coming months, but if you’d like to get involved, you can contact Alan Barnett at 16/1 Gorgie Park Close, or Harry Woodward at Dunedin Canmore on 0131 624 5629 (e-mail tenant.view@dunedincanmore.org.uk)
RESULT OF THE MINI WALKABOUT IN GORGIE PARK CLOSE
One of the first things the ‘Famous Five’ wanted to do after the meeting on 17 April was to have a short walkabout around part of Gorgie Park Close – this followed up the recent walkabout by Dunedin Canmore staff, which some people felt didn’t look at all the area. The small group of residents highlighted things needing fixed at the bottom or far end (north) of GPC, at Stairs 17, 18 and 19 and these have been passed to Dunedin Canmore to deal with. Main points raised in the visit:
- Bushes needing cut back in drying areas, and more clothes poles needed in drying greens, some overflow pipes are causing moss to gather on gable end walls, some ‘chespale’ (boundary) fencing needing repaired
- Dumped items (fridges, etc) and rubbish dumped by passers-by needs uplifted regularly, and a notice to all residents about dumping rubbish needs put in the Newsletter (see over the page)
- Some of the planted areas need more shrubs and the brickwork around some of the areas needs repaired or reinstated
- Some people are throwing out bread for birds into drying green areas and also leaving washing on clothes lines for days – please don’t do this!
INTERESTED IN ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE?
One of the issues discussed at the meeting last week was the need for play facilities for young people in the area – it’s felt that maybe having more facilities and opportunities for young people to meet and play and take part in activities would stop some of the behaviour like playing football (and golf!) in the street and drying areas.
Dunedin Canmore staff have been in conversation with a range of local organisations to look at the possibility of providing some activities for young people throughout the year – some of this may take place in the Slateford Green Community Centre, and some at places like Fountain Park, the Corn Exchange and other venues where excellent facilities are available for children and young people can play, dance and do what they like doing. If you would like to be involved in discussions to look at developing a programme that may start before the next school holidays in June, contact Harry Woodward on the contact number or e-mail address below.
N.B. see the Slateford Green community centre noticeboard for details on the new Drop in Club for 13 to 17 year olds.
IT’S A DOG’S LIFE PICKING UP DOG POOP WHEN YOU’RE GARDENING
We’ve been asked to highlight the problems for our Gardening Team when they are cutting grass in Gorgie Park Close. You will be aware that there have been occasions when some dog owners have not picked up their dog’s ‘poop’ after letting their pet ‘do its business.’
We’d like to mention this as we enter the ‘cutting season’ – do keep this in mind for the future as the grass can also become affected by this – grass gets spoilt and ‘scorched,’ and the poop can also affect people who touch it (usually kids) and it can get on shoes and be trailed indoors, where anyone (again, especially kids) can be affected.
The Gardening Team also have to wear protective goggles and masks for their own safety, which causes delays when they are working in hot weather, having to change and cover up clothing when it’s hot is not pleasant work – thanks in anticipation of your cooperation.
AND FINALLY… DON’T DUMP RUBBISH AND YOUR OLD HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Some people have been dumping old fridges, washing machines, etc in the area recently, and we’d like to remind you to contact the Council’s Services for Communities Department (0131 529 3030) to arrange a free ‘Special Uplift.’ If you see anything being dumped, it can be removed by calling 0808 100 3366, when the Council’s Rapid Response Team will call to lift it as soon as possible.
CONTACT DETAILS FOR LOCAL ISSUES TO BE REPORTED, & FOR NEWSLETTER ITEMS
Repairs- Maintenance Department, Dunedin Canmore, Telephone 0131 478 8888
Other issues & News, etc - Harry Woodward, Dunedin Canmore
Call 0131 624 5629 or e-mail tenant.view@dunedincanmore.org.uk
Tuesday, 24 April 2007
Problem Solving Partnership, part 2
A member of the residents association attended the last PSP meeting which took place last Thursday. One of the aims of these meetings is to provide activities for the younger population since it was determined that this was one of the requirements in order to prevent future generations following the same cycle of behaviour that has led to the current behaviour issues.
The major conclusion that was reached concerned the lack of available youth workers. The various organisations involved appeared willing to provide the space and funds for various activities to occur. The only sticking point was the lack of youth workers that could be present. The current plan of action is to write to our local politicians to try and get the funding for more full time youth workers in our area. If you have any ideas on this, feel free to chine in.
The major conclusion that was reached concerned the lack of available youth workers. The various organisations involved appeared willing to provide the space and funds for various activities to occur. The only sticking point was the lack of youth workers that could be present. The current plan of action is to write to our local politicians to try and get the funding for more full time youth workers in our area. If you have any ideas on this, feel free to chine in.
Problem Solving Partnership
The following article is taken from the Gorgie Dalry Gazette (April 2007).
Partnership aims to address anti-social behaviour
During the past year, residents of Slateford Green, Gorgie Park Close, Hutchison, Moat and parts of Gorgie Road, have been suffering major problems with behaviour.
Numerous instances of vandalism, break-ins, intimidation and damage to property have been recorded and reported to Lothian and Borders Police.
SOLUTIONS
However, a new initiative involving landlords, retailers, the police and the council in a 'Problem Solving Partnership' aims to find solutions to the problems afflicting these communities and improve the quality of life and security of residents. A range of initiatives has been developed, including:
- proposals for the introduct ion of additional mobile and permanent CCTV cameras monitoring problematic areas
- a far closer liaison between shop owners, the police and the council
- a youth cafe is being established at Slateford Green Community Centre to provide alternative recreational arrangements, advice and assistance for local young people.
The police and landlords are working very closely with the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team in order to ensure that no stone is left unturned in identifying and tackling the problems of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
DIFFICULTIES
Only recently, an interim ASBO was granted by the council against one young man who was causing considerable difficulties in the area, and he now faces arrest and imprisonment should he breach this ASBO.
Graeme Russell, Tenancy Services Director at Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, commented:
"The actions of a very small minority of young people have made the lives of locals extremely difficult during the past year.
"Dunedin Canmore Housing Association will simply no longer tolerate such action and will do everything in its power, working with other agencies, to ensure actions are taken against such individuals."
CONFIDENT
Mr Russell also pointed out that while legal sanctions are available, it is also important for the Problem Solving Partnership to develop practices and initiatives which will help prevent young people falling into a cycle of vandalism, whilst also ensuring that local communities feel reassured and confident that if issues occur, they can be reported and acted upon by the appropriate authority.
Local residents with concerns or reports of anti-social behaviour should:
- If they are tenants - immediately contact their landlord
- Notify the police - there are dedicated community police officers who can provide assistance and advice on 229 2323. If the matter is serious Phone 999
- Contact the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Helpline on 529 7057 (24 hour)
- Environmental Wardens can be contacted on 469 5328.
Local retailers, Sommerfield, are also involved in the Problem Solving Partnership and have agreed to co-operate and work with those seeking to minimise vandalism and disturbance.
RESPONSIBILITY
The youth cafe, which will run each Wednesday evening from 7 - 9pm starting 4th April, is being organised by youth inclusion workers from the council, with the aim of greater responsibility, plan activities and contribute to the communities in which they live. On offer each week will be IT facilities - including internet access - games, refreshments and other activities.
This article is sponsored by the Slateford, Moat, Hutchison Problem Solving Partnership. The Partnership intends to publish regular updates on its work in the Gazette.
Partnership aims to address anti-social behaviour
During the past year, residents of Slateford Green, Gorgie Park Close, Hutchison, Moat and parts of Gorgie Road, have been suffering major problems with behaviour.
Numerous instances of vandalism, break-ins, intimidation and damage to property have been recorded and reported to Lothian and Borders Police.
SOLUTIONS
However, a new initiative involving landlords, retailers, the police and the council in a 'Problem Solving Partnership' aims to find solutions to the problems afflicting these communities and improve the quality of life and security of residents. A range of initiatives has been developed, including:
- proposals for the introduct ion of additional mobile and permanent CCTV cameras monitoring problematic areas
- a far closer liaison between shop owners, the police and the council
- a youth cafe is being established at Slateford Green Community Centre to provide alternative recreational arrangements, advice and assistance for local young people.
The police and landlords are working very closely with the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team in order to ensure that no stone is left unturned in identifying and tackling the problems of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
DIFFICULTIES
Only recently, an interim ASBO was granted by the council against one young man who was causing considerable difficulties in the area, and he now faces arrest and imprisonment should he breach this ASBO.
Graeme Russell, Tenancy Services Director at Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, commented:
"The actions of a very small minority of young people have made the lives of locals extremely difficult during the past year.
"Dunedin Canmore Housing Association will simply no longer tolerate such action and will do everything in its power, working with other agencies, to ensure actions are taken against such individuals."
CONFIDENT
Mr Russell also pointed out that while legal sanctions are available, it is also important for the Problem Solving Partnership to develop practices and initiatives which will help prevent young people falling into a cycle of vandalism, whilst also ensuring that local communities feel reassured and confident that if issues occur, they can be reported and acted upon by the appropriate authority.
Local residents with concerns or reports of anti-social behaviour should:
- If they are tenants - immediately contact their landlord
- Notify the police - there are dedicated community police officers who can provide assistance and advice on 229 2323. If the matter is serious Phone 999
- Contact the council's Anti-Social Behaviour Helpline on 529 7057 (24 hour)
- Environmental Wardens can be contacted on 469 5328.
Local retailers, Sommerfield, are also involved in the Problem Solving Partnership and have agreed to co-operate and work with those seeking to minimise vandalism and disturbance.
RESPONSIBILITY
The youth cafe, which will run each Wednesday evening from 7 - 9pm starting 4th April, is being organised by youth inclusion workers from the council, with the aim of greater responsibility, plan activities and contribute to the communities in which they live. On offer each week will be IT facilities - including internet access - games, refreshments and other activities.
This article is sponsored by the Slateford, Moat, Hutchison Problem Solving Partnership. The Partnership intends to publish regular updates on its work in the Gazette.
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
Duckings UPDATE
The ducklings and the their mother appear to have wondered off, no sightings have been made in the last day. Shame, maybe next year? In the meantime, here are a few more pictures taken of the mother having a stretch followed by them all sliding down the waterfall!
UPDATE!
Alan spotted some feathers which would suggest that they might have been attacked by a cat. Hopefully, next time round, they'll use the duck house as their night time shelter.
UPDATE!
Alan spotted some feathers which would suggest that they might have been attacked by a cat. Hopefully, next time round, they'll use the duck house as their night time shelter.
Monday, 16 April 2007
More Ducklings
A new batch has just hatched! This is from a second nesting female. There appear to be 11 ducklings just as with the previous batch. So, get your carrot peelings and other veggies out there for them. See the previous post for more information on how and what to feed the ducks. If you see them trying to leave, please let David know on 07879 072782 immediately. They have the best chance of survival inside the complex rather than out since they need to be close to water.
Here are some pictures:
Here are some pictures:
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