2. Minutes of Meeting of 25th October
2006
The minutes were approved.
2a. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
3. George Street Christmas Decorations
The Chairman thanked Ian MacFadyen for attending the meeting.
IMacF went on to report the current state of the lights was
poor due to the recent adverse weather conditions, two of the
smaller Christmas trees were toppled by the high winds causing
damage to parked vehicles.
The material covering the square parcel decoration had been
removed in an effort to aid wind resistance. IMacF stated the
trees would be re-assessed for usage next year following dismantling
in January. He was cautiously optimistic that the Christmas
trees could be used again in 2007 with some modifications, the
electrical systems are safe, the tree lights having been replaced
earlier this year.
There followed a general discussion by the committee, it was
decided the light fittings would be removed from the squares
beneath the smaller trees for the remainder of the current festive
period. IMacF was invited to attend the next meeting on January
31st to give a further report.
4. Web Site Update and Launch
The GSA website was launched on December 3rd. It was generally
agreed the site looked very good and Chameleon Design had done
a great job producing a clear, concise easy to use site. IB
stated the all-in fee was £2,000 with logo design a further
£150. Inserting new member listings on the site £40
per new addition. The GSA have already seen increased membership.
A member firm had requested that temporary seasonal additions
could be made to their listing on the site, it was agreed by
the council that the site was set up to be low maintenance GSA
did not have the budget to finance temporary changes, however
member firms can contact Chameleon Design and pay directly for
a full page advertisement on the site currently £150.
5. Transport Initiatives Edinburgh
DS attended a presentation at Telford College designs and layout
for the trams were presented emphasising the trams will provide
a quick and efficient service.
IB, ECCM stated that a great deal of infrastructure is required
to be relocated before the tram lines can be installed. There
will be compensation through business rates for companies affected
by loss of revenue. With work likely to commence at Gogar, it
is anticipated the Waterloo Place area in the City Centre will
incur major disruption when work gets underway.
Cllr DG pointed out the TIE proposal was going before the council
for approval of Business Case subject to costs on Dec 21st.
It was agreed to invite a representative from TIE to a GSA meeting
early in 2007.
ECCM are instigating a system to keep all businesses updated
on TIE installation and disruption.
Further to this discussion IB, ECCM stated that if the seasonal
relaxed parking restrictions (5.30 stoppage) were a success
the council would extend the period.
6. Public Realm
DS presented a report on Public
Realm in particular the state of the pavements, which
have been allowed to deteriorate in some instances to a dangerous
state. To see report Public Realm copies have been sent to Andrew
Holmes, Unesco World Heritage Body, and The Cockburn Association.
IB suggested contacting Mark Turley, Dir of Services for Communities,
Cllr DG requested an additional copy be sent to Exec. Member
Ricky Henderson, IB also suggested contacting Scottish Enterprise
Edinburgh & Lothian, funding if required possibly could
be 50/50 with the City Growth fund.
VO'B suggested forming a sub-committee to follow Public Realm
matters further. DS, VO'B and IB, ECCM will arrange.
IB, ECCM - work begins on upgrade to St Andrew Square Gardens
in January, a meeting will take place on January 22nd to brief
businesses round St Andrew Square.
7. BIDs
IB, ECCM the first BID focus group meeting has taken place,
items covered included:
Services; Boundary; RV threshold £25,000 this covers approximately
600 businesses; Identity and Structure of the BID; Set Up and
name the Company; follow links for full reports BIDs
1 and BIDs
2
The Scottish Executive have resolved to take the BID forward
and have funded this by £30,000 with £90,000 next
year. Face to face meetings will take place with as many businesses
as possible over the next six months. GSA role will be to facilitate
communications with GSA members. DS - it is too soon to determine
GSA will champion a specific BID without knowing how it will
affect members.
8. Retail Forum Update
DS - retail forum mainly concentrating on the implication of
TIE installation, as detailed minute 5
9. ECCM
IB, ECCM reported that The Farmers Market in Castle Terrace
has been voted best in UK twice running.
A Polish market will take place in Castle Street on December
14th , there will be a Polish band playing and visiting dignitaries.
IB stated that all the markets were covered by a returns policy.
CEC funded taxi marshals stationed at taxi ranks in the City
Centre in the early hours, these marshals have already proved
affective. Retail Crime Database will send out bulletins to
retailers giving information on known shoplifters this will
be trialled in January.
10. Police & Crime Statistics
Insp Bruce Johnston remains on secondment David Ogilvie, Support
Sgt, Gayfield Police Station provided the statistics on behalf
of LBP, there have been a total of 270 crimes reported in the
whole CC area, solvency rate 51%, a reduction of 13%, 26 serious
assaults, 130% increase, 16 robberies reduction of 50%. 3 dedicated
detective constables in Violent Crime unit, vandalism incidents
up 7% low solvency rate. House/Office break-ins now have a specific
team - statistics up on last year.
LBP have officers working with the ASBO team to remove known
offenders from the city centre. A new team initiative is dedicated
to preventing anti social behaviour of children, if children
found with alcohol/drugs it will be ascertained how if came
to be in their possession and steps taken accordingly.
CCTV will be located in George Street from 2300 hours for 4
weeks over the seasonal period. Please contact Gayfield Police
Station if anyone has problems they wish to report.
Brian Forbes, Retail Liaison Officer will visit shops mainly
in Princes Street to recruit special constables, this initiative
has been a great success in other cities, reducing the amount
of shop lifting and giving staff increased confidence in dealing
with the public. Please contact brian.forbes@lbp.pnn.police.uk
for further information on this, he will also be pleased to
visit your establishment and advise about security.
11. Planning Applications
IW reported there was no major planning application listed,
the majority being minor alterations to premises. For full list
follow link planning
report
12. Correspondence
There was no correspondence to report.
13. Meeting Dates 2007
Please see attached list of meeting dates and venues for 2007.
14. AOB
W, NLB distributed Edinburgh Recommended a lifestyle book for
Edinburgh to the committee.
VO'B thanks Graeme Herbert for the use of Royal Society of Edinburgh
premises.
15. Date of Next Meeting
Next meeting will take place January
31st, 2007 at Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh
Click here
for a full list of meetings in 2007.
