Councillor Pauline Flannery for Southside Newington

One of the best parts of this job is hitting the streets, and I was delighted to with Jane Alliston Pickard for Edinburgh and Lothians East and some of the Edinburgh University Lib Dems who helped get our regular Citizen newsletter out!

The Meadows is currently very far down the Council's priority list for lighting.

While I'm disappointed by the answer to my three questions yesterday (below), I'm pleased the Culture and Communities Convenor has pledged to look into what constitutes "new information" that could push it up.

I will keep pushing for vital safety upgrades in our parks.

Yesterday I quizzed the Council Administration on how communication is made with residents when major repair works were needed.

While we were discussing the below buildings on the Housing and Homelesness committee, there are examples in Southside/Newington too where it's very important we as a Council properly work with tenants and owners on major repairs.

Failure of communication on flat demolitions There has been a failure of communication around the proposed demolition of two Edinburgh multi-storey blocks, according to city councillors. Documents published two weeks ago spelled out that councillors are set to be asked to approve the demolition of the Inchmickery Court and Oxcars Court blocks,...

The September edition of my E-Citizen newsletter is now live; with updates on the Council's deep clean programme, the Astley Ainslie Local Place Plan, and the ward's Community Grants Fund.

September 2025 news from Councillor Pauline Flannery This month's edition includes updates on Community Grants, City Plan 2040, Astley Ainslie engagement event, Launch of City App, and Sprucing Up Southside/Newington.

CONSULTATION: TRAM TO ROYAL INFIRMARY?

While a lot of focus on the proposed new tram line has been on the north of the city, vitally this new consultation also asks about trams to the BioQuarter (Royal Infirmiry) right through the middle of Southside / Newington.

It's incredibly important to get your voice heard before mid-November.

Council seeks views on tram expansion plans Council seeks views on tram expansion plans

Looking for entertainment over the weekend? Come to the Meadows Festival!

There’s food vans, car boot tables, live bands, and South Edinburgh Lib Dems' interactive stall!

Take the challenge - ‘How should the Council spend its income from fees and charges 2025-26? Which would you increase, which decrease?’. You’ll find us on Middle Meadow Walk. Look for the green gazebo with its orange diamonds!

It was an honour to attend the inaugural Tartan Day Parade on Saturday alongside so many residents and organisations including the James Gillespie's Pipe Band, Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland, and Grassmarket Tartans, among many others.

The City of Edinburgh Council have had to take action to keep school accounts secure. Please see the below webpage for their statement.

"Students currently sitting exams will be given priority support to reset their password. They can access their personal revision materials by going to their school tomorrow (Saturday 10 May) between 10.15am -12 noon and a member of staff will issue them with a new password."

Targeted phishing attack on schools and early years network Targeted phishing attack on schools and early years network

Hot off the presses... my Spring Citizen is making it's way out to the doorsteps across Southside/Newington.

If you want the latest Council developments to your email inbox, please sign up for my e-Citizen at www.edinburghlibdems.org/team/southside-newington

Construction at Cowan's Close is now underway 🏡

The residential development in Newington will provide 19 modern, fully wheelchair accessible homes for social rent.

Find out more www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/14181/work-begins-on-new-affordable-homes-at-former-cowan-s-close-depot-site

While this event was a great time the other week, many residents and volunteers from The Causey have been strung along with the funding goalposts being changed.

I intend to continuing to the follow this up in the Chambers after my Council Motion last year.

The Causey to host first free on-street projection event of the year This Saturday (22 March), The Causey will be brought to life by Folk Tales for New Scots, a one-off exhibition, live storytelling and on-street projection event courtesy of Beetroots Collective CIC…