LIB DEMS FAIL IN GREEN TEST

The announcement about a review of the Biomass heating system for the new PPP schools is astounding in its hypocrisy. The LibDem SNP administration claim to be greener than green yet they are suggesting that Biomass heating, which is used the world over and most recently in the Queen Margaret university campus at Musselburgh can cause breathing difficulties,. This is nothing of the sort. This is a way of cutting costs. Biomass costs more to put in but will save carbon and cash over the years. But again, short termism wins with this lot. This is unacceptable and we will fight this all the way.

There has to be a realisation that the cost for future generations in not dealing with carbon generation is unimaginable. We need both to save the planet and atone for the damage that has been created over decades of neglect. The public services shoudl take the lead on this and there is no better example than in a school building programme. The children can learn from the technology and it provides a sustainable heating source with cost benefits in the future.

The UN Summit on climate change in Bali reached an agreement at the weekend after a dramatic U-turn by the US. Although some environment groups said they were disappointed by the lack of firm targets for reducing emissions. The "Bali roadmap" initiates a two-year process of negotiations designed to agree a new set of emissions targets to replace those in the Kyoto Protocol.

The international community seems ot be getting it's act together. Maybe the Lib Dems will follow suit. It's not like them to miss a bandwagon.

LABOUR GROUP PARTY

As is now traditional the Labour Group held their Christmas Party on Friday. A good time was had by all and great thanks should go to the people who organised it all in their own time. A few of the old faces were there and it was great to see them.

Many people have asked me if there was any unusual stories or scandal to report....... Well, that would be telling!!!!!!!!!!

One notable absence was our Leader from his bar shift. He claims it was his responsibility as Leader to supervise. I suspect the fine wine and nibbles were more of a distraction. Maybe his blog will have a suitable explanation. http://aitkensedinburgh.blogspot.com/.

Lastl;y, if there are any local journalists reading my blog for information. You all left just after 2am.

Merry Christmas.

LACK OF POSTING

Apologies for my recent lack of posting. The last few weeks have been very hectic indeed. I'm trying ot ensure I get to a computer at least once a day to post so hang in there.

Lots of stuff to cvome in the next few days before the Christmas Break

FULL COUNCIL - 20 DEC 2007

The agenda and papers for the Council meeting on 20th December can be found by going to the Edinburgh Labour Website. You will see several questions to the administration from the Labour Group most of which are about the consequences of the cuts programme on front line services and on the voluntary sector. (e.g. the shopping services, cuts to grants on voluntary groups, housing, cuts in investment in planning)

We will also be putting up a motion on Transition towns which is about trying to future proof the Edinburgheconomy and quality of life against the challenges of Climate change and what is called Peak Oil (where it costs more to take the oil out of the ground that the market can afford to pay for it). We know we need a radical and long term plan on this issue. I will lay money that the response is "no action" from the LibDem SNP administration.

See http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cpol/Link/index.html for the full agenda.

DINMONT DRIVE - REFUSED

The campaign run by your MP Nigel Griffiths and Councillor Ian Murray to have the Dinmont Drive flats application refused has been successful. Councillor Murray put a very strong case to the Planning Committee members expressing the concerns of the hundreds of local residents who both wrote to the Council and signed the petitions taken round the area by Nigel Griffiths MP and Councillor Murray.

The presentation to the Committee expressed the concerns of the local community based on the height, design and materials used in the 11 flats, the transport issue with regards to access via Hazeldean Terrace, the relationship of the flats to the bungalows to the rear and the loss of the community facilities that Pastor Aitken had been using for many years.

Councillor Murray commented after the meeting, "I am delighted for the local community. The Inch Community Association put in a tremendous effort to have their concerns heard and the committee have responded. Hopefully we can now get a sensible approach by he developer and get a far more sympathetic development on this site that encompasses the work of Pastor Aitken and the Church."

The developer has the right to appeal the decision but it is hoped that Nigel Griffiths and Councillor Murray can persuade them to sell the site to a Registered Social Landlord and have a more appropriate development on this site.

Well done to everyone involved and special thanks to the Inch Community Association for all their efforts. It really made all the difference.

LIBERTON PARK - FIRE RAISERS CAUGHT

The police recently informed me that they have made 2 arrests in connection with the fires in Liberton Park that destroyed both the Pavilion and the Children's play park.

The charges have been brought against a 13 and 10 year old respectively. These were dreadful acts of mindless vandalism that have left the park with no facilities. Temporary units have been installed to allow Liberton Boys Club to continue to play football matches but these are wholly inadequate in the medium to longer term.

These boys didn't just ruin the park facilities but they putboth their own lives and that of the resdients around the park at risk.

A public meeting last week with the residents was very positive indeed and it is hoped a "Friends of Liberton Park" group can be established to assist with the rebuilding of the facilities.

I'll keep you updated.

LISMORE RUGY CLUB

The ongoing sags that is the proposals by Lismore RFC to build a new pavilion and changing facilities at Inch Park seems to be starting to resolve itself. The admission by Council Leader, Lib Dem Jenny Dawe, that "someone in the Administration since May must have been asleep on this issue", prompted a hive of activity in the last couple of weeks. The result is that Lismore should be able to co-exist on the Kings Inch site with a proposed elderly care home. Additionally, the property services team have giuven an indication that the leasing arrangements for the pitch should be resolved by ealry next year allowing the club to access the funds it requires to tak ehtis project further.

We watch with interest to ensure no further, "sleeping at the wheel" occurs.