Dear Spurtle,

In the Briefly section of Spurtle Issue 345 (November 2024) you note that 'Cllr Caldwell reports imminent works along Leith Walk will include: replacement of damaged paving slabs; a new reinforced concrete foundation at the Annandale St junction; removal of most "rusty-bucket" planters; and removal of superseded cycle-lane paint. At Elm Row, he notes work this autumn will: lay new paving where the muddy desire line now crosses grass; create a bi-directional cycleway and deeper bus stops; install bollards between Elm Row and Montgomery St; reopen Brunswick St for vehicles turning left onto Leith Walk and increase the "pedestrian plaza". Cycle parking may follow. The estimated cost of the Elm Row work is £856k (incl. interest payable over 20 years).'  

I wonder if Cllr Caldwell knows why none of this work seems to have taken place?

Do you know of any elected councillor for the City Centre or Leith Walk wards who now actually believe anything the tram team tell them in terms of dates for work? 

If the answer is no then that is a pretty shocking state of affairs as far as local democracy and accountability are concerned.

Keith Cowan