Dear resident,
Last year I wrote to you about the Council's revived intentions to build a tramline along the Roseburn to Blackhall pathway, resulting in years of disruptive works, loss of trees and greenery, and the reduction of space for pedestrians and cyclists into a small sliver alongside the tracks.
Unfortunately, and despite this possibility being dismissed as unlikely by our ward councillors, this proposal has now been confirmed as the Council's preferred route to be prioritised for construction.
Speaking to many people around the area, I know that there is a lot of concern about the impact this project will have during construction, but also the permanent damage to our valued green route network. It is particularly alarming that it has also been confirmed that due to the reduction in widths, cycling will now be “discouraged” and cyclists will be directed onto neighbouring roads instead, taking away safe routes and putting additional pressure on Queensferry Road.
I have long campaigned for improved bus services to the area and with no disruption, minimal cost, a more direct routing to the city and no no need to wait years for construction, I continue to believe that this is the right solution to improve public transport to the area. If you agree that we should protect our treasured green spaces and instead invest in affordable, direct and convenient public transport, I'd be delighted if you would support me by signing the petition below. I promise to take this case to the Council and make sure people's voices are heard.
Yours sincerely,
Hugh Findlay
Scottish Conservative and Unionist voice for Corstorphine/Murrayfield