On Thursday, 1 May, local elections were held in Edinburgh, at the same time as the Scottish Parliament elections. While both elections were important, the outcome of the local election was probably more important for quality of life issues.

While Labour lost one councillor in Edinbrugh, they still have a majority of two and will control the Council Executive. The three local wards, Broughton, Lorne and Harbour all returned Labour councillors, with turnout generally down in line with the trend elsewhere in Scotland. Holding Scottish Parliament and local elections was, perhaps, not such a good idea after all.

Below, full results are provided for each ward. Please note that tte Green Party was not fielding candidates in any of the local wards.

Before the election, candidates in all three wards were contacted (on 23 April). Their replies (in reply to our questions and received) are below: click on candidate's name to read their views on local issues.

If you have any information or comments on the above, please let us know.

There were seven candidates for the Broughton ward (Pilrig south of Pilrig Street)

There were four candidates for the Lorne ward (Pilrig north of Pilrig Street)

There were five candidates for the Harbour ward (Pilrig south of Bonnington Road to Pilrig House)

QUESTIONS for candidates

PILRIG PARK AND PLAYGROUNDS
If elected, how would you ensure that park and playground/s will see substantial improvements within 12 months?

SHRUB PLACE
Do you think the latest proposal for the redevelopment of the site is good enough for Pilrig and Edinburgh? If not, what will you do about it?

TRAFFIC
Do you support reduction of traffic volume and slowing of traffic speed through Pilrig Street? If elected, what measures would you support and actively promote?

Where do you stand with regard to the following measures (for/against):

• extension of controlled parking into Pilrig
• introduction of home zones in Pilrig
• congestion charging
• central Edinburgh traffic management
• anti-pollution powers available to councils (fining drivers who leave their engines idling for prolonged periods)

PUBLIC SPACES
What public space issue in Pilrig do you consider most pressing? If elected, how would you ensure that public spaces in Pilrig add to the quality of life in the area?

AIR TRAVEL
In the context of proposed new runways and underground rail access to the airport, how would you reduce the impact of arriving aircraft flying over Pilrig and North Edinburgh rather than the Forth?

BIKE TRAVEL
Do you think bicycle use in Pilrig (and Edinburgh) needs to be further encouraged? If so, how?

WATER OF LEITH FLOOD PREVENTION
How do you feel about the costs and environmental impact of the proposed Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme?

CANDIDATES' STATEMENTS

Trevor Davies (received 24/4/03)

PILRIG PARK AND PLAYGROUNDS: If elected, how would you ensure that park and playground/s will see substantial improvements within 12 months?

There is money set aside for the improvement of Pilrig Park and I will work with the councillor for Lorne ward to see that this money is spent in the current year and that there is full consultation with local people.

SHRUB PLACE: Do you think the latest proposal for the redevelopment of the site is good enough for Pilrig and Edinburgh? If not, what will you do about it?

As you know it was my intervention in the planning committee, following the presentation by the Pilrig Residents Association,which resulted in the first Wimpey application being sent back.

The first version of the new application was, to my mind, also not good enough to be approved. there have been extensive behind-the-scenes negotiations between Wimpey and planning department staff since then and a decision will have to be made next month when we see the result of those negotiations. The application should only be approved if it matches closely the development brief that was approved by committee following my resolution to refuse the first application.

TRAFFIC: Do you support reduction of traffic volume and slowing of traffic speed through Pilrig Street? If elected, what measures would you support and actively promote?

Traffic volumes are increasing rapidly throughout the city as a result of our increasing prosperity. there are roughly twice as many cars in the city than there were twenty years ago. If we continue in this way then the city as a whole will clog up. We must tackle congestion and pollution issues head on. So I doubt if there is much to be done for Pilrig Street in isolation from the rest of the city. An additional set of lights at Dryden Street, with pedestrian facilities, will help and is currently being considered. There will also be traffic signals at Pilrig Gardens.

On a city wide basis we need to control the number of people commuting by car into the city centre. We need to improve public transport significantly so that people move from cars to trams and buses. We need to make walking and cycling easier and safer. already that is happening - bus use and cycle use are increasing. but major change will only come from bold measures. Labour's integrated transport initiative is such a measure and we have already be promised over £800million from the government to start making it real.

Where do you stand with regard to the following measures (for/against):

- extension of controlled parking into Pilrig

We need to wait and see what happens when controlled parking comes out as far as Mcdonald Road. And then we need to take the views of local residents. my hunch is that we will need to see it in due course

- introduction of home zones in Pilrig

Again - the essence of this is that local residents need to want it. but I will support any measures that are designed to give people precendence over vehicles.

- congestion charging

None of us will like it. But I think it will be needed. both to reduce congestion (and the pollution that goes with it) and to help fund the tram, road, bus, pedestrian and cycling improvements we all want. But we need to get the plans right first of all. And then we will let the people of the city decide in a referendum.

- central Edinburgh traffic management

It is people that make a city centre lively, safe and prosperous. At the moment we use George Street as a car park - I would love to see it converted to one of the great pedestrian boulevrds of europe . I would also love to see Princes Street with more room for people and its traffic confined to buses and trams.

So to divert private traffic from Princes Street to Queen Street makes sense. What i am not sure about is whether it makes sense to make so many road closures in the New Town. So if the public inquiry says we can go ahead with the scheme I want to see if we can try out different solutions for that.

- anti-pollution powers available to councils (fining drivers who leave their engines idling for prolonged periods)

I imagine this is deeply impractical to enforce. reducing congestion and traffic volumes is the key to reducing pollution. And that's what our integrated transport initiative seeks to do. the world health organisation says that more people now die from pollution from traffic than in traffic accidents.

PUBLIC SPACES: What public space issue in Pilrig do you consider most pressing? If elected, how would you ensure that public spaces in Pilrig add to the quality of life in the area?

The most pressing public space issue is the quality of pavement and road space. that's what most people use most of the time. I want to look at whole new ways to manage our "streetscape" to make it safer, cleaner and more pleasant.

AIR TRAVEL: In the context of proposed new runways and underground rail access to the airport, how would you reduce the impact of arriving aircraft flying over Pilrig and North Edinburgh rather than the Forth?

I don't think that rail access to the airport will have any impact on the flight paths of aircraft. and any plans for a new runway are a long way off. The council has no powers to control the flight paths of aircraft.

BIKE TRAVEL: Do you think bicycle use in Pilrig (and Edinburgh) needs to be further encouraged? If so, how?

I think i've answered this above. it is interesting that as bicyle use increase so does cycling safety. and i think people see me around the place on my bike!

WATER OF LEITH FLOOD PREVENTION: How do you feel about the costs and environmental impact of the proposed Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme?

The costs are huge - £30million for the Water of Leith and Braid Burn. Most of this will come from a special government grant. The present scheme, which almost everyone supports, does its best to reduce environmental impact. and we must make sure that we do not build on any more flood plains [and therefore reject the plans put forward by the Scottish Rugby Union]. What I feel, though, is that the costs are worth it - all those of my constituents who had water two feet up in their living rooms two years ago will agree!

Ailsa Sheldrake (received 24/4/03)

Born in Edinburgh in 1964 I went to school at Stockbridge Primary, Broughton High School and then Edinburgh University. At University I obtained a Bachelor of Commerce with Law. I have worked in Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong in legal and finance firms, becoming a Director of the largest stockbroking house in Asia - Jardine Fleming. I currently work in Edinburgh for a property trust doing financial planning and investor relations. I am married to a professional athlete. My hobbies include triathlon, hiking and photography. I speak a number of languages - French, Cantonese (my Japanese and Thai are very rusty now!) and am learning Gaelic. I have been a member of the SNP for nearly 10 years.

I have just talked to Hillary Brown who is the Council Candidate for Lorne and she said that as we would be more or less be replying with the same answers it would be appropriate that she reply on behalf of both of us as Pilrig is covered by both Broughton and Lorne.

Hilary Brown (received 25/4/03)

PILRIG PARK AND PLAYGROUNDS: If elected, how would you ensure that park and playground/s will see substantial improvements within 12 months?

If elected I intend to prioritise not just the already planned (though very delayed) improvements to Pilrig Park and playground, Leith Links and the play park in Dalmeny Street, but to pursue the return of a 'Parky' to oversee the daily management of each park. I know the Council has spent money on Leith Links play park and intends to spend a substantial sum sometime in the future on Pilrig Park. However, unless any one off spend is accompanied by a change in management and security in the parks any good work done may well be wasted, as with the planting and almost immediate destruction of new trees in Pilrig Park and vandalism of the play area.

I believe that the return of proper, regular management of the park would improve the situation dramatically. Coupled with the Environmental Wardens patrol and increased police on the beat (fully costed SNP Scottish Parliament policy would see 170 more officers in Lothian and Borders, specifically for beat work) would undoubtedly improve the attitude of some of those who spoil the parks. I would also support the Friends of Pilrig Park in initiatives to involve young people and others in the local community to make sure the park provides the facilities they need and therefore will care for rather than deface.

I genuinely think residents would be surprised at what can be achieved on this and other issues with the support of a proactive Councillor with a desire to improve things, to work hard and make the Council work hard for residents.

SHRUB PLACE: Do you think the latest proposal for the redevelopment of the site is good enough for Pilrig and Edinburgh? If not, what will you do about it?

I note the current state of abeyance of Wimpey's planning application to the Council and the Pilrig Residents' Association's objections to the first and second applications. You make a very convincing case against many aspects of the each. I agree wholeheartedly with your points about the density and size of the accommodation. This part of the city needs more accommodation for families and more green space for their and existing residents' needs. The additional traffic, parking and shop servicing traffic that would be created should be a major concern for the Council, given the existing levels of concern throughout Lorne and Leith Walk about parking, congestion and pedestrian safety, particularly for older residents and children. The Council is aware of these concerns and yet continues to sell land to the highest bidder for the most dense and lucrative developments possible. This is also the case in Halmyre Street where residents and Lorne community council have successfully objected to an existing proposal for a high density development in an area where child safety, parking and traffic are already major problems.

I would support your objections to the Council and your quest for improved design, more green space, and genuine integration with the Local Development plan. When sites are developed in isolation like this it rides roughshod over the supposed overarching vision for a locality.

TRAFFIC: Do you support reduction of traffic volume and slowing of traffic speed through Pilrig Street? If elected, what measures would you support and actively promote?

I do support both a reduction and slowing of traffic on Pilrig Street. I would want to take advice from the Council about the various measures (traffic management systems, speed bumps, 20 MPH scheme etc) available to tackle speeding traffic and reduce the volume. I don't think every measure suits every street and with Pilrig Street being a bus route a practical approach must be found. But, particularly with the amount of parked traffic Pilrig Street is dangerous particularly for children and older residents crossing anywhere but the top and bottom.

Where do you stand with regard to the following measures (for/against):

- extension of controlled parking into Pilrig

FOR I would be for this measure, and indeed further down Leith Walk. You face the prospect of being swamped with the cars who can no longer park in the new controlled parking zone coming down to Pilrig, which is already over parked and congested anyway.

- introduction of home zones in Pilrig

FOR (in principle) I think genuine consultation with residents would have to happen before introducing this widely and I note the pilot in Balfour Place.

- congestion charging

FOR The SNP is in favour of congestion charging. It is a stated policy commitment. But we will not support a scheme until public transport options are improved and an integrated transport system that is attractive and easy to use has begun to be introduced, not just put down on paper.

- central Edinburgh traffic management

FOR the concept of CETM but concerned with some of the effects. I would vigorously pursue objections and suggested changes to proposals on behalf of Pilrig and other residents in Lorne.

- anti-pollution powers available to councils (fining drivers who leave their engines idling for prolonged periods)

FOR I am supportive of anti-pollution powers for Councils, though I think the carrot is better than the stick approach and I believe that park and ride and other traffic management schemes must be urgently pursued to get drivers out of their cars. The introduction of Greenways was a significant step for Edinburgh City Council and I am sorry that the vision seems to have stopped there. Planning law and the constant building of high density housing developments in already overcrowded areas are short-sighted and do nothing to support the City's attempts at decongesting itself.

PUBLIC SPACES: What public space issue in Pilrig do you consider most pressing? If elected, how would you ensure that public spaces in Pilrig add to the quality of life in the area?

Speaking for the North side of Pilrig I consider Pilrig Park to be the most pressing issue. Like other parks in the area it is potentially a wonderful facility used by a minority of the community and abused by a minority. See my answer to the first question for proposals to enhance its use by the public.

Also, pavements throughout the area remain uneven and often fouled, which is a major issue, particularly for Arthur Street and Arthur Street Lane (and therefore Pilrig Cottages residents). The Environmental Wardens are pursuing as hard hitting and regular a 'beat' as they can at the Balfour Street end of Arthur Street, and have put anti dog fouling labels up on the lamp posts pointing out the penalties for dog fouling (following a request from the SNP. They will replace these temporary ones with permanent signs in due course). However, this in itself will not solve the problem. I would suggest dog mess bags be made available on the way into Pilrig Park and also maybe at the Balfour Street end of Arthur street - indicating to those few dog walkers who do not take responsibility that they are expected to do so. I would pursue this issue with the Environmental wardens and the head of that department and also make sure that they continue to prioritise Pilrig and to clamp down on persistent offenders. It has been proven to be effective in other parts of the ward/city.

Furthermore Arthur Street as a whole is congested particularly with the cars from the garage. If residents chose to do so I would support a petition to the Council about the lack of residents' parking in Arthur Street and the dangers to children posed by such dense parking and inaccessibility for emergency vehicles, including the Council school bus for children with a learning disability which I understand finds difficulty negotiating the street.

AIR TRAVEL: In the context of proposed new runways and underground rail access to the airport, how would you reduce the impact of arriving aircraft flying over Pilrig and North Edinburgh rather than the Forth?

I would have to take advice on this one. Certainly the SNP is supportive of a proper transport link to the airport and of the need to increase destinations available to passengers at Edinburgh Airport. As your Councillor I would seek early meetings with management at the airport and Council officials to pursue the least noisy and most safe options for residents living in my ward.

BIKE TRAVEL: Do you think bicycle use in Pilrig (and Edinburgh) needs to be further encouraged? If so, how?

I do - existing cycle lanes are good, but often parked in, making them less safe and accessible than they should be. Other than making them statutorily exclusive to cyclists (which they are not at present, they are really just red paint on the road) I do not think this will be tackled, given the huge amount of traffic driving and seeking parking spaces. Obviously all new housing developments should have bike parking space as well as car parking space. And the city must pick up where it left off at Greenways with bold and mandatory public transport and cycle promotion measures.

WATER OF LEITH FLOOD PREVENTION How do you feel about the costs and environmental impact of the proposed Water of Leith Flood Prevention Scheme?

Answer to follow.

BIO: Hilary Brown is 38 and lives with her partner and their two daughters in Leith. A graduate of modern languages from Bradford University she spent 10 years working for an Edinburgh based medical publisher. Most recently she worked in the Scottish Parliament as Parliamentary Assistant to Nicola Sturgeon. She stood for the Lorne seat on Edinburgh City Council in 1999 when she came within 300 votes of winning the seat for the SNP.

Iain McGill (received 26/4/03)

My name is Iain McGill, I am 26 and went to Drummond Community High School in the middle of Broughton Ward. I worked as a postman in Leith for 3 years on leaving school before working overseas on a number of humanitarian projects, a literacy project with the Apurina Indians in the Amazon rainforest of Brasil, driving ambulances in Albania for a childrens hospital/hospice and flying hovercraft in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia. I currently work with the homeless in Edinburgh. I am a member of my local Church, manage an amateur football team and run marathons in my spare time.

PILRIG PARK My first priority would be to fix the mess that is Broughton Road playpark as it in a worse state than Pilrig Park having suffered even more from a lack of funding and maintenance from the Labour council.

SHRUB PLACE The latest proposal by Wimpy is a great improvement on their last ones but their are still some local issues to be taken into account.

TRAFFIC I support the introduction of a 20mph limit on Pilrig Street as it is next to a childrens playpark. I am against extending the controlled parking, home zones, road tolls and central Edinburgh traffic management and am for making powers available to fine drivers who leave their engines idling for long periods.

PUBLIC SPACES The Shrub Place redevelopment and its effects on the community and the environment is the most pressing issue, and I would be keen to encourage more events such as the Mela to use Pilrig Park as a venue and so enrich the life of the community.

AIR TRAVEL I was not aware this was an issue, it is the first time I have heard it raised. I am pleased at the extension plans for the airport, it is vital for a city like ours that relies so much on tourism and I enjoy being able to fly direct from Edinburgh to many European destinations.

BIKE TRAVEL I am a cyclist and am well aware of the hassles of cycling round Edinburgh, not least the hills and the weather! What would I do to encourage more cycling? A return to routine road maintenance would help get rid of the potholes and I would be keen to improve the off road cycle paths round the city. I would also be happy to work alongside groups like Spokes to examine ways of encouraging people onto their bikes.

FLOOD PREVENTION After years of neglect and underspending over the last 20 years by the Labour Council we have now been hit with a £24million bill AFTER we have been flooded! Its simply not good enough. We should have been investing in flood prevention over a long period of time. I also share the concerns of the communities downstream of Murrayfield at the stance taken by the SRU and hope that common sense will prevail.

Sebastian Tombs (received 29/4/03)

Regarding the particular queries, the majority can be answered by examining the LibDem local manifesto - for example matters related to public spaces, air travel and bike use. On the critical issues of transport, the LibDem budget allows for traffic calming in areas that Labour has ignored; controlled parking and home zones will be actioned where residents want them. RE central Edinburgh traffic management, see our manifesto. On tolls, our position is that the tram system should be installed first. On the Shrub Place proposals, I have not been able to see the latest details. The Planning committee was justified in seeking the highest quality in this large scheme, and that approach must continue to prevail. Of course, if elected I would aim to represent residents' views to the planning committee to those same ends. I do apolgise for the brevity of these remarks, but trust that you will be able to assess the details of our policies from our manifesto, for the benefit of all your readers.

I am an architect, and am chief executive of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, where I have worked since 1986. Before that I worked mainly in housing, for architects, a housing association, the Housing Corporation, and Edinburgh District Council. I was a founder of the Scottish Ecological Design Association in 1991, and the (now UK national) Association of Planning Supervisors which promotes health and safety in construction, in 1995. I served on the Lord Provost's Commission on Sustainable Development in 1997/8. I have been living in Edinburgh since 1975. With my Homoeopath wife, I have been responsible for the upbringing of our 6 children. I enjoy singing, playing guitar, writing songs and doggerel, and sketching.

Gordon Munro (received 29/4/03)

Pilrig Park - Although not in Harbour I would work in tandem with the Cllr. for Lorne for improvements in facilities & equipment . More bins for dog owners & improved emptying of same could be acheived in 12 months.

Shrub Place - This is outwith Harbour & I would be guided by th member for that ward .

Traffic - Labour policy is to reduce traffic volume by citizens using multiple modes of transport e.g. foot , bike , public transport , private transport . Labour also aim to increase 20mph zones throughout the city wher demanded by a majority of residents .

Your other points are pertinent to the local member .

Public Space - Improvements to Pilrig Park in particular play equipment .

Air Travel - I would continue to press for flights to use the Firth of Forth approach to the airport .

Bike Travel - As a lifelong cyclist I would support all initiatives to increase cycling . Labour also aim to increase cycling to work by citizens from 4% to 10% over the next 4 years.

Water of Leith Flood Prevention - I support the proposed scheme .

Douglas Chisholm (received 29/4/03)

PILRIG PARK and PLAYGROUNDS: I dont think a week goes by when I dont take my daughter to a play park, I know that these facilities are much appreciated by kids and parents. So they deserve proper funding and as your Councillor I vote to ensure that that playgrounds and parks were decently maintained. I would also liek to explore ways to involve local groups such as Residents Associations, Community Councils and Schools in their management and maintenance. In general I believe the role of voluntary organisations such as yours should be much encourgaed.

SHRUB PLACE: During the Broughton by-election last year local Liberal Democrats were very concerned at the density of the proposed developments. Personally I do not support high-rise or high density developments, the massive devlopments in north Edinburgh are a threat to local residents quality of life - and of course that of the new residents as well. The Council should not be blackmailed by developers who always claim that their proposal is necessary to make a profit. City developments should be opportunties not threats to local communities.

TRAFFIC: I fully support traffic speed control - but am less convinced by the need for "speed-bumps". I would like to see the extension of "Twenty-Plenty" to all residential streets - but beleive that these measures are a matter for local people and not politicans. As for your specific questions -

Extension of Controlled Parking & Home Zones - I would like to consult local groups and opinions as I have no strong opinion in these issues - I dont think there is any harm in politicians listening as well as talking.

Congestion Charging - I am not oppossed to congestion charging in principal, it looks like the scheme is working in London. Liberal Democrats believe that there should be improvements in public transport before any congestion charging scheme is introduced, in London they already have an exensive public transport and we need more services in Edinburgh. If in the future officials still recommend a charging scheme then I would still be concerned at the cost of collection. Liberal Democrats have called for any such scheme to be approved by a public referendum.

Central Edinburgh traffic management - I am in favour of reducing traffic in residential streetbut I am not aware of what measures your are specifically refering to here.

Anti-pollution powers for local councils - Definetely in favour.

PUBLIC SPACES - see my comments with respect to Pilrig Park.

AIR TRAVEL I would like to see all air approachs to Edinburgh Airport be routed over the Forth or to the west of the city. Why should planes flt over the city centre when the airport is on the outskirts of the town?

BIKE TRAVEL Bike travel does need to be encouraged in Pilrig and Edinburgh. I think twenty zones, and cycle routes will help. Also there has to be bike parking at all amenities such as shops and parks ans schools. Children should be able to cycle to school, I wonder how many do, is it that unsafe? Cyclist should have the same rights and responsibilites as car road users but none of the financial penalties.

WATER of LEITH FOOD PREVENTION I am in favour of the flood prevention scheme I would like to beleive that the Labour Council has minimised the costs and environmental impact. I think that the environmental reasons for increased flooding should be addressed and I suspect that this is related to over development of housing but under development of amenties like drainage.

Biography Douglas Chisholm is a former pupil of Leith Academy and a graduate of Edinburgh University. He is married with one daughter at primary school. His relatives still live in the area and for the last twenty years he has been an active member of the Leith Liberal Democrats. He has stood for the Harbour ward on several occasions, including the by-election where he ridiculed the Labour plan to introduce charges for stair lighting.

Phil Attridge (received 29/4/03)

PILRIG PARK & PLAYGROUNDS: The main problem regarding the park is water retention. We do know that the ground water level has risen in the past few years due to the heavy rainfall, but it is also highly likely that the drainage system needs improved. Therefore I think that a full ground survey should be carried out on the park. There will be improvements in the playgrounds in Pilrig Park this year as the capital programme for leisure contains £50,000 which has been allocated to improve the playgrounds in Pilrig Park. The reason the capital money was not spent on Pilrig Park in the 2002/03 financial year is that the Culture & Leisure Department was in discussions with local housing developers with a view to receiving a contribution from the developers towards play facilities for young children, to date these do not appear to have been very successful.

SHRUB PLACE: I do not believe that the latest proposal for the redevelopment of the site is good enough for Pilrig and Edinburgh. I do believe that the developers first and only consideration is to jam the site with as many properties as possible for as much profit. I have not been a member of the Planning Committee and as a candidate for Lorne and the development being outside the Lorne ward, then I would not be a competent objector.

TRAFFIC: I do support the reduction of traffic volume and slowing the traffic speed through Pilrig Street. I would actively promote the use of public transport as an alternative to private transport to try and reduce traffic volumes. If the local residents wished traffic calming measures and the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on Pilrig Street, I would actively promote this as well. Extension of controlled parking into Pilrig - If consultation showed that the residents of Pilrig thought this was highly desirable then I would support it.

The introduction of home zones in Pilrig - I would entirely support this on the grounds of safety for pedestrians and children.

Congestion charges - Again personally, I do support some form of congestion charges, but this will ultimately be up to the citizens of Edinburgh as it will be decided by a public referendum.

Central Edinburgh Traffic Management - The Lorne ward is not in central Edinburgh, but some form of Edinburgh central traffic management is highly desirable.

Anti-pollution powers - Yes, I do support measures to control pollution, such as illegal emissions etc.

PUBLIC SPACES: The largest public space in Pilrig is Pilrig Park which we have already discussed and which I would like to see developed for the greater enjoyment of the residents in the area. The pavements/streets of Pilrig are also public spaces that could be enhanced if the public took their civic responsibilities seriously and helped by not littering and dog fouling the area. I believe that the council should be even more pro-active in issuing fixed penalty fines to individuals for dog fouling and littering, but at the end of the day, the residents, not just of Pilrig, but of Edinburgh, must develop a sense of civic pride and responsibility as regards looking after their own environment.

AIR TRAVEL: If their were proposals that flight paths for aircraft arriving and leaving Edinburgh Airport were to fly over north Edinburgh, then I would lobby against them. The same as I am quite sure that most other representatives for north Edinburgh and surrounding areas would.

BIKE TRAVEL: I do believe that bicycle use in Pilrig and Edinburgh needs to be further encouraged. We need to keep developing bicycle lanes. I also believe that new bicycle lanes if possible, should be in a recess, so therefore they are less vulnerable to cars and other road users. I am quite sure that SPOKES and other cycling organisations are a fund of ideas in how we could increase bicycle use in the Pilrig and Edinburgh area.

WATER OF LEITH FLOOD PREVENTION: In any project such as this, there will be an environmental impact. The damage caused by the last floods from the Water of Leith caused huge amounts of damage to residents along the Water of Leith. At the end of the day, a balance must be achieved to protect the environment and the likes of residents along the Water of Leith.

Sian Gibson-Watt (received 30/4/03)

Pilrig and Playgrounds: Labour is obviously underfunding parks and playgrounds as it is with roads and pavements. If the Councillors cannot come up with funding for this I suggest that the local community could perhaps get together and start a group to decide what could be done under perhaps the name of the Pilrig Parks and Playgrounds Plan. Then present it to Mr Munn and ask him to put more pressure on the Council.

Shrub Place: This is obviously a Brown site redevelopment area and as such the council do have the right to build on it. The question is whether local people have been consulted and what is their opinion on this?

Traffic: As a mother with two children living in a busy street myself I would whole heartedly support the reduction of traffic speed in Pilrig Street by putting humps in the road. This seems to be the only way of slowing any traffic. I do not think it is realistic to imagine that with the growing amount of traffic in Edinburgh as a whole partly due to commuters that it is possible to reduce the amount unless the traffic situation in Edinburgh as a whole is tackled.

Controlled parking would be a very good measure. Home zones are something that may be another idea depending again on how much the residents wanted it. I do not agree with congestion charges as we need a park and ride system to keep commuters out of Edinburgh and get them onto buses. Central Edinburgh traffic management is simply not working. I would agree with anti pollution powers as traffic in Edinburgh is polluting the atmosphere as we can see from the colour of the stone on our buildings.

Public Spaces: There is a legal limit for public spaces in different areas. I would hope to keep public spaces at the maximum possible. The Conservatives have been fighting in Pentlands for instance on this issue for a long time and we are in favour of keeping as much land as possible unspoilt as it is very much a benefit to the quality of life in a city.

Air Travel: This is a devolved matter and would have to be discussed with the Civil Air Authority.

Bike Travel: I admire people who travel on a bicycle but I know from experience how vulnerable they are to cars. I would not particularly encourage bicycle use although I would agree it does cut down on pollution and is a streamline way to travel but I would be worried about the safety aspect.

Water of Leith Flood Prevention: The Prevention Scheme needs to start much further upstream I think although I am not an engineer and I think the Labour Council has probably used huge amounts of money already not really getting to the real issues such as environmental impact sadly. I hope they do sort this out as I have seen my own friend in Warriston Crescent and many others flooded out and it effect every aspect of ones life and is deeply distressing. There is a health aspect as well and this comes with a flood such as the of Leith.

BIO: I have lived in Edinburgh for 4 years and I am a divorced mother with two boys of 5yrs and 8yrs. I work as a self employed secretary and travel to wherever my work takes me.

I am standing in Harbour because I believe that the money that should be going into our communities is not and that it is being squandered on things like the Holyrood Parliament. I feel the Council Tax is absorbitent and if we are to pay this amount we should be getting pavements that we can walk on without falling over and roads that our cars can cruise on, not bump across. It is the pure waste that I detest. I also think that to tackle the drugs problem in Edinburgh we need more police on the streets now.... Children are dying from drugs every day and we need to stop the drug suppliers. There are many other issues that I would like to tackle but the electorate of Harbour have elected Robert Munn from the SNP to be their Councillor. I suggest that they need a change if they are not happy with the way he is serving them.

E. G. Dunbar (received 1/5/03)

Pilrig Park: would press for the necessary finances

Shrub Place: a reasonable proposal

Traffic: what abpout speed bumps? Against controlled parking and congestion charges. We need to free traffic flow - not constriction.

Public Spaces: no encroachment on Pilrig's lungs.

Air Travel: cannot affect flights.

Bike Travel: bike use numbers unlikely to increase sufficently to rduce car use.

Flood Prevention: we must have an adequate scheme.

BIO: am a retired professinal engineer . Carreer mainly in the oil industry - many yeras abroad - in project management. Hobbies - reading, keeping fit, hill walking in Pentlands. Happily married - and interested in current affairs and politics.

Links to Party Websites

Scottish Conservatives
Scottish Green Party
Scottish Labour Party
Scottish Liberal Democrats
Scottish National Party
Scottish Socialist Party