CCWEL Cycle link Small Business Compensation scheme – traders’ petition to the Council


Traders along the route of the proposed protected cycle track that will run from Roseburn to Haymarket have lodged a petition calling for a compensation scheme to Edinburgh Council.


The Council is forging ahead with its plans and will commence construction in the autumn. Traders are getting together and are going to ask the Council to consider setting up a Small Business Compensation scheme, if they lose money on account of the track. This would either be due to problems for customers gaining access during the construction or for an ongoing loss after the track is in place, for a period of up to three years.


The Council and pro-track campaigners at Spokes have consistently argued that businesses would benefit from the track and that being the case, the Council will have little to fear if they agree to the petition. If the track brings new custom, there would be no payouts. The 2015 Citylab study was particularly heavily promoted by Spokes: “The Complete Business Case for Converting Street Parking into Bike Lanes”. This is an annotated, chart-filled review of 12 cycle-tracks in cities from around the world, that showed that in, for example, US cities [with wide streets] trade blossomed.


The petition was lodged by George Rendall of Art et Facts in Roseburn; it has the backing of Murrayfield Community Council. Shops on Leith Walk got compensation because of tram works, so there is precedent. The shops are being supported by Pete Gregson and other residents at the Roseburn Vision Group.


Before a Council petition can be considered by the Transport committee of the Council, it must receive a minimum number of signatories. Petitions from businesses require at least 20 businesses to sign by the closing date Mr Rendall has chosen of 31 January 2019. The aim is for the proposal to be heard as soon as possible by Transport. If the Council agrees, they must set aside money immediately, in time for the new financial year in April. The cycling budget is not short of cash; it is the only one unaffected by austerity measures. In addition, it is hoped that Sustrans, who are funding half the costs of installing the track, would also meet 50% of any costs of the compensation scheme.


We need your help. There are 75 businesses that could benefit; we hope many will join us in asking the Council to make sure all survive the next three years. If any Grapevine readers would like to help us visit the shops, please get in touch using the link below. Traders are busy people; many will not sign up without some reminding. They can sign on paper if they prefer. If you feel like getting out, please let us know and we shall equip you with a clipboard, a list of businesses to visit and a signing sheet.


The CCWEL cycle track construction is due to commence this autumn. As well as the loss of parking, many of the side streets at Haymarket & Roseburn will become one-way or inaccessible to cars. There will be a Public Hearing on the CCWEL during the summer. Due to the nature of some of the outstanding objections to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), a Reporter, appointed by the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) at the Scottish Government, must make a final judgement. Whilst some small adjustments might be made, it is expected the scheme will still go ahead.


View the plans and find out more at www.tinyurl.com/trackmustpay 28 29 COMPUTER AND IT REPAIR IN YOUR HOME


WE COME TO YOU £60 FIXED PRICE REPAIR* NO CALL OUT FEES


LOCAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICE


VIRUSES • MALWARE • HEALTH CHECKS • SLOW COMPUTER • NO EMAIL • NO INTERNET


• TUTORIALS ON MAC AND PC Covering Edinburgh and West Lothian


*not including parts www.housepc.co.uk • info@housepc.co.uk 0131 210 01 15


J.C. WALKER JOINERY Quality joinery for the home


All Home Improvements carried out to the highest standard including :-


Kitchens / Bathrooms


Laminate / Solid Flooring Replacement Doors Skirting / Facings


Also Decking & Fencing


Free estimates & helpful advice No VAT charges


Call Jamie Walker on : Home : 0131 339 2636 Mobile : 0790 388 2858 www.jcwalkerjoinery.com


E: jamiewalker40@btinternet.com THEY ARE GOOD TO KNOW!


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31