Councillor Christopher Cowdy has been working hard for his local residents in Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart. Read below to hear some of the work he has been focused on recently.
Harrison Road
Work on the bridge is progressing well, with the existing brick jack arches now demolished and the cast iron beams removed, allowing the contractor to move into the next phase of the works.
Further works are continuing around the bridge abutment, including localised concrete repairs, breakout works around the east footpath, and protective coating of the edge beams. The new precast concrete beams are expected to arrive shortly.
Alongside this, progress continues on the Canal Bridge. Following the strengthening works, new Trief kerbs and weight restriction signage have been designed to help prevent vehicles over 7.5 tonnes using the bridge.
Reopening is targeted for early September 2026.
Dovecot Park
Having been alerted to an Unauthorised Encampment of travellers on 18th June, I have been liaising with Council Officers to ensure the site is cleared and returned to public use as soon as possible.
Council Officers must follow Scottish Government Guidelines, and an encampment review meeting has agreed to seek removal of the encampment through the courts. This process can take time and is often dependent on court schedules, but I recognise the disruption this is causing for the local community. In the meantime, Waste Services have arranged for container bins to help manage waste and reduce any impact on the area.
If you are experiencing issues relating to the Control of Dogs, these can be reported to the Street Enforcement Team by emailing [email protected] or by calling Police Scotland on 101 (or 999 in an emergency). Littering and fly-tipping can also be reported to the Street Enforcement Team.
If you witness anti-social behaviour, please report it to Police Scotland and Family and Household Support by emailing [email protected] or calling 0131 200 2000 during office hours.
Crossing Guide
I have previously highlighted the need for more local school crossing guides and, while we have recently recruited two, more are still needed. The Council is currently advertising for positions at Craiglockhart and Bruntsfield.
The salary is around £26,000 (pro rata for part-time and sessional roles), with working hours of Monday to Thursday, 08:00–09:00 and 14:30–16:00, and Friday 08:00–09:00 and 12:00–13:00.
If you are interested, or would like to find out more, please contact Paul Murrell on 07770395896 or Laura Goodall on 07770395895 — or get in touch with me directly.
Road Gullies
There is a well-known saying: “Fix the roof while the sun shines” — and the same principle applies to clearing gullies before the rain arrives.
Following an email from a resident, I carried out a survey of gullies around Craiglockhart, where the hills and slopes create particular flood risks. I have asked the Council’s Gullies Team to clear those I identified as blocked.
If you notice blocked gullies in your area, please report them online by searching “Report Blocked Gullies Edinburgh” so they can be inspected and addressed.
Lockharton Parking
It has been over two years since I first presented a Motion to the Transport Committee asking for consideration of a Priority Parking Area for Lockharton, following many emails from residents concerned about displacement parking from the neighbouring Controlled Parking Area.
It has taken a significant effort from Lockharton residents, who have continued to raise the issue and press for action. Restrictions have now been introduced, and I hope they have made a positive difference for the area and local residents.
Contact Councillor Christopher Cowdy
Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart - Ward 9
The City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ
0131 529 4052