Community Fund – Greener Leith – September Update
The aftermath of the Tram Works
With the depressing news that there will be no tram for Leith, Greener Leith has been working very hard to influence the refurbishment plans on Leith Walk. Earlier this year we organised a series of consultation events asking local people how the regeneration of Leith Walk should take shape. More than 450 people took part. We are confident that the outcomes of the consultation will inform Edinburgh Council’s strategy for the regeneration of Leith Walk in terms of cycle way provision, pedestrian access, seating, local market provision, parking, provision of public realm and greenery. One of the priorities that were identified are improved facilities for cyclists on Leith Walk. Greener Leith, which already is one of the leading organisations campaigning to improve the lot of cyclists in North Edinburgh, has been pursuing this goal vigorously. Considering that Edinburgh Council recently had in mind not to have any cycle pathson Leith Walk, there is now the expectation that dedicated bicycle lanes will become a permanent fixture in this busy thoroughfare.
What Next?
Greener Leith is pushing for the highest possible standards in public realm refurbishment on Leith Walk; safe and comfortable surfaces for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as bringing back the much-missed trees and greenery, so that Leith Walk can once more become a busy local high street where local businesses and shops thrive.