Balerno Community Council is pleased to launch the newest edition of its newsletter the Balerno Forum – Issue 14 – albeit a little later than originally anticipated.

It's been a turbulent year so far, with the coronavirus pandemic and its restrictions here longer than we might have initially expected when Issue 13 was published in April. But the community of Balerno has pulled together, and despite many current projects having to be put on the back burner, more new and exciting collaborative projects have opened up than ever before.

In this issue of the Balerno Forum, the council looks at Balerno's only community park and looks at how this can be improved and safeguarded for the future, questions what CEC can do to improve safety of walkers, cyclists and horse riders on our core path network, and praises the community for their collaborative approach to the pandemic.

Download and read Issue 14 below.

This weekend we celebrate, and remember, the 75th anniversary of VE Day. We remember all those affected by war and conflict as we mark 75 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe. In particular we remember and thank all those who gave so much. 

These pictures were kindly supplied by Rev Dr Andre Groenewald, who planted these ceremonial poppies in the Balerno Parish Church grounds.

The Community Council recently responded to Edinburgh Council’s two major planning consultations; Choices for CityPlan2030 and City Mobility Plan. The period for responses closed on 30 April having been extended by one month in view of the Covid 19 outbreak. 

Balerno Community Council believe that the Covid19 outbreak is likely to have very significant implications for development  planning in Edinburgh and elsewhere, and that it is unlikely that we will be able to assess those for some time to come. Ideally we would have preferred that the Choices and City Mobility Plan consultations could have been deferred but we understand that it was thought necessary to proceed with the consultations because of the necessity to have Development Plans in place by next year. 

We have also noted that the Sottish Ministers issued a decision on 30 April on the Garden District, the same day as the period for comments on the consultations, closed.  Ministers decision supports development of 1350 houses in a first phase of what may be a much larger development  in the area bounded by the City Bypass, the the A8 and the Edinburgh Glasgow rail line. Eventually 6000 homes could be built over the next twenty years on the site. The first phase is said to include also a new primary school, shops and a 40 acre community park. 

It is unfortunate that the decision on the Garden District application was issued immediately prior to the close of the Choices and City Mobility Plan consultations allowing no time fo comment as its effect. The original application for permission was lodged in 2015 and was an issue during the preparation of the still current 2016 Local Development Plan. It might have been hoped that Scottish Ministers might have considered that preparation of responses to the Choices and City Mobility Plan might have benefitted by prior knowledge of Ministers intentions.   

The impact of the Garden District decision on development planning in both West and South West Edinburgh will be very significant, and again that decision would argue for a delay in the CityPlan2030 and City Mobility Plan processes.

The BCC responses can be read below.
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Think Local and Act Local. It’s all about being a good neighbour!
Balerno Community Council are in touch with Currie and Juniper Green CCs along with our City Councillors to try to assess how we are doing in terms of resilience planning in the Water of Leith Valley, in light of the Coronavirus outbreak.
We are liaising to see whether there is anything we should be considering, that could usefully be rolled out across our communities.

​Most readers of the BCC Facebook grou will already be well aware of the fantastic initiative by residents in our community in starting the Balerno Cares group. Already, the Facebook page has over 1000 members. Their resourcefulness has led in turn to the development of some 20 plus WhatsApp groups designed to ensure that neighbours can look out for each other. If you haven’t yet looked at Balerno Cares then please do so now; it is truly inspiring. 

Balerno Community Council want to ensure that people stay safe and can be as comfortable as possible in uncomfortable times. The key to making sure that happens does lie with communities volunteering. 

Balerno Cares inspired WhatsApp groups are covering a large part of Balerno; amounting possibly to between a third and a half of all streets; all from a standing start. 

The current outbreak of Covid 19 will cause general disruption to services, both essential and non-essential, and basic neighbourliness is absolutely vital in a crisis. So please check on neighbours, especially anyone who may live alone (regardless of their age), and anyone elderly. If some-one is self-isolating or unable to get out for whatever reason you may be the person who is able to offer help when it is needed. It is often the little acts of kindness which have the most impact. 

Naturally if someone is self-isolating or unwell then precautions have to be taken; so please always follow NHS advice. 

Remember also that offers of help or support can be made by phone, or on a note like the one used by Balerno Cares. There are copies of the Post Card used by Balerno Cares can be sourced from the Facebook group.

The need for people to help will increase over the next few weeks. This is the time to reach out to neighbours and let them know you are able to help. One of the most significant risks is peoples' sense of isolation and loneliness. A phone call, a note through the door or an offer of help can make all the difference. It’s very simple; it shows that someone cares. 
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And if you can tell Balerno Cares which street you're volunteering in then that will mean we're better able to ensure that everyone is being cared for.