Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP
GORGIE DALRY GAZETTE (Morrison St dev., Council & Scottish Parliament elections)
Following the local council elections in May, I am pleased to see Eric Milligan and Donald Wilson re-elected for Sighthill/Gorgie and Andrew Burns for Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart. I look forward to continuing to work with them on issues that are important to you locally. They will join Councillors Toomey, Elliott-Cannon, Buchan and Lowrie in representing the two wards.
This area is covered by two new wards. The new Sighthill/Gorgie ward has about 25,000 residents and is much larger than old council wards which had around 7,000 residents. However, under the new system, you have four councillors to represent you on Edinburgh City Council. The new Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart ward has about 17,000 residents and you have three councillors to represent you.
The new proportional voting system for the Council means it will be almost impossible for any single party to gain a working majority. As you will know, the Liberal Democrats and SNP have formed a coalition to run Edinburgh City Council.
Sarah Boyack has been re-elected as your Member for the Scottish Parliament. She is hardworking and very well respected and we will continue to work closely together on local matters.
Over the last few years, Sarah and I have been contacted by many constituents concerned by the redevelopment of the Morrison Street site at Haymarket (currently used as car-parking) particularly those living in the immediate vicinity at Dalry colonies, Fraser Court and Morrison Circus. After many years, a development plan for the site which included a hotel, shops, bars and offices was approved but the owners EDI sold the site last summer. The new owners, Tiger Developments are not proceeding with the approved plans but said they are committed to consulting local residents on their own proposals. They have pledged to notify all Dalry colonies residents when the main planning application is submitted which I understand will be this summer.
I have always said that there is a real opportunity to build an enlivened gateway into the city as well as making it an attractive area in which to live and work. For many people arriving by air or rail it is the first impression they have of the city. It is essential we get it right.
Please get in contact with me to let me know your views on the latest proposals for Morrison Street car-park. My constituency office number is 0131 476 2552 and my email address is darlinga@parliament.uk.
