Social Infrastructure

Social infrastructure: This refers to the network of physical spaces, facilities and services (like schools, parks, libraries, community centres) that improve social well-being. 
Respondents were asked: What improvements would you like to see to social infrastructure in Balerno
Residents are saying:
“We like Balerno—but the infrastructure hasn’t kept up, and what we have needs modernising.”
The biggest opportunities are:
  • Youth provision
  • Upgrading existing assets (parks, school, library)
  • Creating a true community hub
  • Facilities for health , fitness & wellbeing
  • Better access to public buidings
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Below is AI generated summary of questionnaire responses relating to Social Infrastructure

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Main Street

The Main Street of Balerno is the key commercial zone and heart of the conservation village.   It is a Pedestrian Access only zone, but residents and respondents have expressed concern over the non-compliance of the pedestrian-only zone.
Main Themes from Responses:
Strong support for restricting or banning vehicles entirely
Repeated calls for physical barriers (bollards)
Desire to retain limited access for:
 Disabled users
 Deliveries
 Emergency vehicles
Frustration with lack of enforcement
Some minority views:
Allow short-term parking (5–15 mins)
Create designated drop-off zones
Concern about impact on local businesses



Below is an AI generated summary of the responses received in the survey regarding comments made about Main Street

Digital Infrastructure

Digital infrastructure.  Digital Infrastructure is the essential foundation of hardware, software, networks and data centres that enables digital services like the internet to help people and businesses.  One example is fibre optic cable.
 
Summary of Responses
1) Overall sentiment: “Generally good, but uneven”
Most respondents feel digital connectivity in Balerno is already decent or good, especially where fibre broadband is available. However, this is not consistent across all areas.
Many: “fine”, “satisfactory”, “already good”
But: specific areas report slower speeds or gaps (e.g. outskirts, certain streets)
2) Strong demand for full fibre coverage
3) Mobile coverage is patchy
4) Reliability matters as much as speed

Below is AI generated summary of responses related to Digital Infastructure