estate walkabout report february 2015 loanhead …...11/3/15: most of the rubbish has been removed...

Estate Walkabout Report

February 2015

Loanhead

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Graeme Livingstone, Tenant Participation Officer Lesley

Connell

Due to the extensive renovation work being carried out in McNeill Terrace, it was decided that this

walkabout would concentrate solely on that street. The inspection was carried out in order to

identify any issues which would delay work being carried out to schedule.

The walkabout began by inspecting block 6 which had scaffolding up and exterior building work

nearing completion.

A bed base had been dumped in the garden area immediately outside number **.

Action: Graeme Livingstone to investigate

Update: The bed base has been removed

Harling work is being carried out to the two houses attached to block 6. These two properties are

not having work carried out to their gardens but it has been agreed that the gardens will be tidied up

and the residents will be given bags of chips to decorate their areas.

Block 5

Block 5’s exterior building work is also nearing completion.

Number ** had a long rag sticking out of the letterbox. Graeme Livingstone spoke to the tenant and

advised that this is a fire hazard and it should be removed. When the stair was inspected again the

next morning the rag had not been removed.

Action: Graeme Livingstone to contact tenant

Update: The rag has been removed

The graffiti outside number ** has become worse in recent weeks. The area will be painted over but

the stair requires a permanent solution to stop it degenerating again once work is complete.

The tenant at number ** has still not removed the storage container which is directly outside their

property and in breach of their missive.

Action: Graeme Livingstone to investigate

Update: Graeme spoke to the tenant on 18 February and advised that if the items are not removed

by Monday 23 February, the Council will remove them and charge him/her for doing so.

10/3/15: The storage container has been removed

There was a child’s bike and bags of rubbish outside number **.

Action: Graeme Livingstone to contact tenant.

Update: Ongoing

The side/back garden outside block 5 had a massive pile of rubbish dumped in it. The officers had a

quick look but couldn’t see any obvious signs of ownership.

Action: Graeme Livingstone to arrange a subsequent inspection of the street with William Reid,

Operations Officer, Waste Services.

Update: The rubbish was uplifted but a new pile has started to be rebuilt (as per 11/3/15)

Block 4

Exterior building work on this block is complete. The front garden had some litter in it but the block

looks much better.

There was a bedside cabinet dumped in the communal area outside no. **.


Update: This has been removed

There was an unknown item of furniture outside no. **.


Update: This has now been left on the ground floor (as per 11/3/15). Ongoing.

Block 3

The ground floor communal area of block 3 is full of rubbish including paint tins, a shopping trolley, a

fridge, a bed and internal doors. It’s possible that no. ** has been abandoned due to the forced

entry notice and thrown paint on the front door.

Action: Graeme Livingstone to contact tenants in connection with the rubbish in the stair.

11/3/15: Most of the rubbish has been removed with the remainder the property of Mr

********** at number **. He has advised that he will remove it all by the weekend (14th March)

Action: Suspected abandonment to be investigated.

Update: Ongoing

There were recycling bags and a bin outside no. **.

Action: Graeme Livingstone to contact tenants.

Update: Ongoing

The on-site contractors had previously reported that the tenant at no. ** has been allowing his/her

dog to foul in the communal gardens without picking it up afterwards. Graeme Livingstone chapped

on the door but as there wasn’t an answer, he put a card through the letterbox asking for the tenant

to phone him.

Action: Graeme left a message asking the tenant to contact him re. dog fouling.

Update: Ongoing

Block 2

No issues.

Block 1

There was a three piece suite outside number *. Graeme spoke to the tenant who advised that she

has arranged an uplift.

Update: The suite has been uplifted.

Number * had a lawnmower and a buggy in the communal area outside their front door.

Action: Graeme to contact tenant.

Update: The items have been removed

There was an abandoned mattress in the back garden close to the fence.

Action: This will be examined as part of the inspection with William Reid. Recharges will be

discussed.

Update: The mattress has been removed


February 2015

Woodburn

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Claire Douglas, Tenant Participation Officer Lesley Connell,

PC Iain Anderson and PC Emma Smith from Police Scotland

Tenants: Lillias Reid from Bonnyrigg, Caroline Crozier (and son) of Bruce Gardens

The Woodburn Drive enforcement and improvement plans are still in place so the decision was

taken to inspect the street for problems and signs of improvement. Councillor Margot Russell also

asked the group to inspect Bruce Gardens as she had received complaints regarding bin storage.

Prior to this walkabout posters were displayed on lampposts in Woodburn Drive and Bruce Gardens

inviting the residents to attend the walkabout or report issues in advance. A tenant had reported

offensive graffiti but no other issues were reported.

The group met in the Woodburn Miners Club carpark at 2:15pm on Wednesday 25 February and the

following problems were noted:

** Spalding Crescent – unruly hedge

Action: Claire Douglas had already spoken to this tenant who advised that they will tidy it up asap.

Update: Tenant will cut back

** Spalding Crescent – rubbish in garden

Action: Claire Douglas will contact the tenant

Update: Tenant will tidy up

Evidence of dog fouling in the alley between Spalding Crescent and Woodburn Drive.

Action: Lesley Connell will report this to street cleansing and to the dog warden.

Update: Reported to the Contact Centre. Ref no: 38782

Claire advised that the group should not continue along Woodburn Drive as a nearby tenant had

received an eviction notice that morning. In order to prevent any incidents, the group continued

along James Lean Avenue where no problems were noted. The group then walked along to Lauder

Road to inspect the graffiti.

PCs Anderson and Smith were aware of this graffiti.

Action: * Lauder Road is not a council tenancy and it is therefore the owner’s responsibility to

remove it. As per the guidance on the council’s website:

‘If it is on private property it is the responsibility of the owner to treat it. The Council

may under certain circumstances treat the graffiti but there could be a charge. Please

contact us for more information.’

As the graffiti is of an offensive nature, Lesley Connell will contact the Community Safety Team for further guidance.

Update: The owner occupier has been contacted. She has already bought paint and will paint over

the graffiti herself as it would have cost her £360 if the Council removed it for her.

Local gang tags spray painted onto a local bus shelter.

Action: It is within Midlothian Travel Team’s remit to repair bus shelters. Lesley Connell therefore

agreed to report it to them.

Update: Midlothian Travel Team emailed with details and photos – 11 March 2015.

12/03/15 update: Email from Forbes Brash, Chargehand, Transport Team.

‘Thanks for getting in touch about the bus shelter, we will come out and take pictures of the damage

done and then send a report to the department which does the repairs and they will either clean the

mess or replace the panels, hope this helps a little, due to the amount of damage we are seeing

around Mid-Lothian I can’t give you a time scale but rest assured we will get to it and take

appropriate action, thanks again.’

Dumped plywood outside ** Bruce Gardens

Action: Claire Douglas to get this removed

Update: Request sent to remove 13.3.15

As per Councillor Russell’s request, Bruce Gardens was inspected and the group acknowledged that

there is a problem with residents not putting their bins away after they have been emptied.

Action: Claire Douglas will contact the residents (numbers **-**) to advise them to store their bins

in the correct area.

Update: Letters to all residents reminding them to return there bins have been sent

The next walkabout will take place on Wednesday 22nd April

in Woodburn.


March 2015

Danderhall

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Claire Douglas, Tenant Participation Officer Lesley Connell

Tenants: Lillias Reid from Bonnyrigg

Prior to this walkabout posters were displayed on lampposts in Newton Church Road and around the

library and leisure centre inviting the residents to attend the walkabout or report issues in advance.

No issues were reported.

The group met in the leisure centre car park at 2:15pm on Wednesday 18 March and the following

problems were noted:

The tarmac in the car park was in a bad state of repair. There were many potholes which looked like

they’d been repaired in the past.

Action: Emailed the Contact Centre for advice on who is responsible for the car park’s upkeep.

Update: Email from the Contact Centre –

‘You would need to get the Leisure Centre to report this to their maintenance manager, I think it is

Peter Martin.’

The group noticed an unsafe lamp post in Newton Church Road. It was noted that a child could stick

their hands in the unsecured panel door.

Action: Lesley took a note of the lamp post number in order to report the matter.

Update: Reported to relevant department, ref. No. 39358

The group continued up Newton Church Road without any other problems. It was noted however,

that the old police station is still lying empty despite the sale closing date being over a year ago. The

amount of litter was also commented upon.

Action: Reported to street cleaning.

Update: Email from Contact Centre

‘I have raised a service request through our feedback system for the cleansing to attend to this when

possible, the reference number for this is 967798, this has been emailed to William Reid who is

incharge of this service.’

A Newton Village resident approached the group and asked why no estate walkabouts are carried

out in her area. She was informed that as there aren’t any Midlothian Council tenants in Newton

Village, the Housing department’s role there is very limited. The resident would like traffic speed

restrictions on the road connecting Danderhall to Newton Village and would also like the bus

connecting the two to be reinstated. The resident was advised to contact her Community Council for

advice on how to progress these matters.

Road connecting Newton Village and Danderhall.

The walkabout concluded by inspecting the leisure centre which had suffered from graffiti in the

past. This year was no different.

2015 2013 2012

Action: Reported to the Antisocial Behaviour Team.

Update: ongoing

On a positive note, the children’s play park in the leisure centre grounds was pristine.

The next walkabout will take place on Wednesday 22 April

in Woodburn.

Woodburn Housing Estate Walkabout 22nd April 15

In attendance:

Name Contact

Claire Douglas Housing Officer, Midlothian Council 271 6685

Simon Bain Housing Services Manager, Midlothian Council

Elaine Wilson Community Safety Officer, Midlothian Council 271 3393

Margot Russell Councillor 271 3087

Residents: Albert and friend, Caroline, Susan Ramsey and partner, Joanne Aldous

Prior to this walkabout posters were displayed on lampposts in Woodburn Drive inviting the residents to attend the walkabout or report issues in advance.

The group met in the Woodburn Miners Club car park at 2:15pm on Wednesday 22nd April 2015.

We had an increase in residents attending, compared with the last walkabout. The new attendees advised they were interested to find out what can be done in the local community. They advised that a friend had noticed the posters and told them of the Walkabout. They felt it would be better attended if we held the walkabout in the evening.

Councillor Margot Russell asked the group to inspect a garden at ** Woodburn Drive to discuss garden layouts. Accordingly, the group progressed to this garden for inspection.

The tenant at number ** queried ownership of garden ground and this lead to action 1 below.

Action 1: Claire Douglas to discuss with the neighbours ** at ** Woodburn Drive to discuss garden layout/ownership.

Update: Claire Douglas has visited and provided advice to both tenants.

The group noticed increased pride been taken in the area and specifically commentated on gardens such as below.

The group continued and various tenants approached with questions/comments and appropriate advice was given.

A dog was running around a number of the gardens, we located the owner in the street.

The group continued to ** Woodburn Drive and a missing boundary fence was highlighted leading to Action 2 below.

Action 2: Claire Douglas to report the issue to the contact centre

Update: reported 22.4.15 by CD

A tenant stopped us in the street to advise that she found it difficult to walk along the pavement due to the parked cars on the pavement, she asked if there was anything which we could do leading to Action 3 below:

Action 3: Claire Douglas to discuss with the police re parking issues.

Update: CD – liaising with Police Scotland

We then walked along Woodburn Road where we found a untidy garden at number ** Woodburn Road:

Action: Claire Douglas to speak to the tenant to remind them of their obligation of the tenancy with regard to gardens.

Update: in progress

The group walked along Woodburn Gardens through to Woodburn Park along the walkways.

The group discussed the local youths throwing stones, children jumping over fences/walls going into gardens and playing “chicken” on the road.

It is believed that some youths visit a property in the area.

Action: Community Safety to investigate and call Joanne and Susan to discuss

Update: in progress

The group walked along Woodburn Park and commented on the improvement in the dog fouling issue.

We then progressed on to Place Charente, we had a discussion about the future possibility of a community hub. The group agreed this would be a fantastic facility for the community and would likely result in a fall of issues in the area.

Next Walkabout is in Gorebridge on 20 May 2015.


May 2015

Gorebridge

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Louise Smith, Tenant Participation Officer Lesley Connell

Tenants: Lillias Reid from Bonnyrigg, Les Reilly (owner occupier), Mr Walker

Prior to this walkabout posters were displayed on lampposts in streets surrounding Gore Avenue

inviting the residents to attend the walkabout or report issues in advance. No issues were reported.

The group met in the Newbyres Village car park at 2:15pm on Wednesday 27 May and the following


The group started by walking up Gore Avenue and along Newbyres Crescent. A messy front and back

garden was noted at number *** Newbyres Crescent.

Action: This garden belongs to the tenant who took part in the walkabout. He explained that he

was sourcing an affordable strimmer so he could get his garden under control and asked for a little

time.

The pathway between Newbyres Crescent and Swan Crescent (close to the Primary School) was

covered in graffiti and there was evidence of dog fouling.

Action: Lesley to report the graffiti to the Community Safety Team

Update: Email from John Cameron, Painting Team Leader:

We had a look at the graffiti on the fence at the path way between Newbyres Crescent and Swan

Crescent. The graffiti is on a fence that belongs to *** Newbyres Crescent which is a private property

which does not belong to Midlothian Council, so we can’t touch it unfortunately.

Action: Lesley to

1. report the dog fouling to the dog warden to increase patrols in the area

2. report to the street cleaning team to clean the pavement.

Update: Reported to Contact Centre - reference number 41100

Further up the venal the group noticed a large and overgrown waste land which didn’t seem to be

serving any purpose except as a dumping ground.

Action: Lesley to find out who owns the land.

Update: Justin Venton, Land and Countryside Manager emailed on 28 May

Update: Reply from Justin Venton:

‘The area to the rear of swan crescent is owned by Melville housing. We (Midlothian Council)

maintain it on their behalf. Opening up the area in the past has led to house brake ins ,dumping and

complaints.’

The group continued along Gore Avenue and the other end of Swan Crescent where no problems

were noted.

Further along at Hillside Crescent there was litter in the communal gardens and there was a suite on

the slabbed area.

Action: Louise Smith

Update: Claire Douglas, Housing Services Team Leader reported these issues to Waste Services on

15 June 2015.

The group concluded the walkabout by walking along the new build part of Newbyres Crescent

which is due to be demolished as a result of excess carbon dioxide in the mine shafts beneath the

properties. The walkabout attendees hoped that a lot of materials from the street can be reused

elsewhere.

An attendee queried why the bins hadn’t been uplifted and used elsewhere but on investigation, the

remaining bins in the street belong to the properties which are still inhabited.

The next walkabout will take place on Wednesday 17 June in Penicuik.


June 2015

Auchendinny

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Stuart Burnett, Tenant Participation Officer Lesley Connell

Tenants: 11 in total including – Paul Power (Firth Crescent), Davie Lothian (Firth Cresent), Michael

Brown (Firth Crescent), Doreen Richardson (Firth Crescent), Ann Steadman (The Brae), Andrew

Ewart (The Brae), Joanne Mellon (Firth Crescent)

This walkabout was held as an Auchendinny resident asked for a walkabout in her area.

Prior to this walkabout posters were displayed on lampposts in streets in the Auchendinny area

inviting the residents to attend the walkabout or report issues in advance. Several issues were

reported by people who couldn’t attend the walkabout and these were duly inspected.

The group met in the Glencorse Centre car park at 2:15pm on Monday 29 June and the following


There were several complaints about the surface of Firth Road.

Action: This was reported to the Roads Department with the following response from Douglas

Glynn, Consultant Engineer:

‘We have just recently been given a pot of money for footway upgrading. The project will run over

two years and Firth Road and Firth Crescent are programmed for renewal in the second year,

2016/17. As part of these works we are replacing the gullies if the carrier pipe lies in the footway as

if there are any drainage issues we are not digging up a nice new footway to investigate. I spoke to

my inspector and he is not aware of any drainage issues, if it is a matter of cleaning them then I can

organise for our gully motor to come round and check them all.

With regard the state of the road surface we are aware that there is work required. Unfortunately

our yearly budget doesn’t come close to what we need to basically keep everything on an even keel.

The latest figure from our operating group suggest we need to spend nearly £3m a year just to stop

the road network deteriorating – not achieving any benefit. This figure is called the steady state

figure. The money we receive is only £1.1m a year however we have had an extra £1m for the past

couple of years but even with that we are some way short. This has put us in the position of having

to thoroughly assess what schemes we do programme, with state of road, class and bus usage all

major factors. ‘

The attendees are concerned that motorists drive too fast along Firth Road given that it is right

beside the nursery school. Traffic calming measures were suggested.

Action: This should be reported to Police Scotland by phoning 101.

The attendees mentioned that there is a lack of general waste bins in the village.

Action: This has been reported to William Reid and Phil Riddle (Waste Services) but more bins are

not guaranteed. The council has this advice on their website:

‘Lack of bins is often given as an excuse for littering. Although there is evidence to suggest

that more bins can reduce litter, this is not the only answer to the litter problem. For

example, most town centres contain a high number of bins but littering still occurs. Providing

litter bins is also costly. Scottish local authorities provide tens of thousands of public litter

bins each year and emptying these bins is expensive.

Studies also suggest that clearing up litter may make some people less responsible for their

waste. They are more likely to drop litter if they feel someone else will clean up after them.

Although this is especially common at large events such as music festivals, it may also be a

reason for litter in places where street cleansing staff are a visible presence. Why find a bin

when a litter collecting crew are working in the area?’

The group visited * Firth Crescent as a tenant who couldn’t attend the walkabout requested that we

have a look at his tenancy. He had problems with his guttering, pot holes and mair’s tail growing up

through his pavement which causes the pavement to leak.

Action: Ongoing

There was an unkempt garden at * Firth Crescent.

Action: The housing officer is investigating this. Ongoing.

The green area next to * Firth Crescent only gets partially cut which means that it looks very wild.

The hedge further down the walkway between Firth Crescent and The Brae also needs cut as it has

grown over the handrail.

Action: Stuart Burnett (Housing Officer) reported this to Justin Venton (Land and Countryside

Manager) on 30 June 2015.

The steps in the alleyway are dangerous and uneven.

Action: This was reported (ref. 993419) and an inspection was carried out by a team leader on 2

July 2015.

The group turned onto The Brae and witnessed some speeding through the village. There are

maximum speed limit signs and a speed awareness monitor on The Brae which would suggest that

some of the motorists don’t pay attention to them.

Action: This should be reported to Police Scotland by phoning 101.

The group noticed that Scottish Water were plumbing out an area. It transpired that there had been

problems with blocked drains causing a build up of sewage behind a wall. The problem should now

be rectified but any future issues should be reported to Scottish Water.

A tenant had reported messy gardens at ** and ** The Brae

Action: The housing officer is investigating this. Ongoing.

A couple of residents mentioned that there are problems with golf balls from the nearby Glencorse

Golf Club, hitting cars and properties. The gold club planted leylandii to shield the village but the

bushes are not thick enough to prevent the golf balls shooting through.

Action: It is recommended that the locals contact their Community Council to help with this

matter.

Back up near the top of The Brae, Stuart Burnett noticed that the handrail leading into Firth Road is

unsteady.

Action: This has been inspected by a Clerk of Works. Ongoing.

A small section of the group walked out of the village to examine the give way sign as the bushes are

overgrown and prevent motorists having a clear view.

Action: This has been reported to the Contact Centre.

Update: Landscape and Countryside Services are going to clear the sightline asap.

The next walkabout will take place on Wednesday 15 July in Loanhead.


June 2015

Penicuik

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Stuart Burnett, Tenant Participation Officer Lesley Connell,

Housing Manager Simon Bain

Tenants: Lillias Reid from Bonnyrigg, Mr Smart (* Pentland Way), Mr and Mrs Lister (** Ladywood

Court), Andrena Rankine (*** Eastfield Drive)

Prior to this walkabout posters were displayed on lampposts in streets in the Ladywood and Eastfield

area inviting the residents to attend the walkabout or report issues in advance. Several issues were

reported by people who couldn’t attend the walkabout and these were duly inspected.

The group met in Ladywood Court at 2:15pm on Wednesday 17 June and the following problems

were noted:

In Ladywood Court the group noticed two large black plastic covers littering the area. The tenants

present mentioned that some children in the area cause damage to the trees and surroundings.

A tenant approached the group outside the flats (11A-11D). He was unhappy that the stair door has

been broken for so long. Stuart Burnett agreed to visit the block with a clerk of works in order to

rectify the situation.

Action: Stuart Burnett to inspect the block with a clerk of works

Stuart Burnett left the walkabout at this point as he had a prior appointment.

The group noticed an overgrown patch of grass to the side of a property in Ladywood Drive.

Action: Lesley Connell agreed to find out who is responsible for the maintenance of this piece of

land.

The group then left Ladywood Court, walked along Eastfield Farm Drive and turned into Windsor

Terrace. The tenant at number ** had asked the group to inspect the concrete lintel adjoining his

and his neighbour’s property as he believes it is damaging the structure of the buildings.

Action: Stuart Burnett

The group then walked along to the garages at the back of Windsor Square which had been reported

by four local residents, all of whom complained that people were either allowing their dogs to foul

there or were throwing their used dog waste bags there. There was evidence of this in the area

which needs to be reported to the dog warden and the cleansing department.

Action: Report to the dog warden and the cleansing department.

A tenant had reported a messy garden at * Windsor Terrace. The front of the garden was ok but the

back area requires work.

Action: Stuart Burnett to follow up.

The walkabout continued along Eastfield Park Road where a tenant had reported three issues in her

street.

The lane beside her property is boarded up to prevent people using it but youths and adults now

congregate there and it has been targeted by flytippers. The fence which blocks off the lane has

been treated with anti-climb paint so now people climb onto her shed to avoid it.

The same resident also reported that when the new lamp post was erected outside her house, the

workmen reattached the rusty school sign but the school no longer exists.

The group then walked up Eastfield Drive as a number of people had reported uneven pavements,

potholes and sunken drains.

Lesley Connell has previously reported these issues and has been advised that the repair work will

be carried out as a priority. The white paint lines around the drains suggests that preliminary work

has begun.

The group continued up Eastfield Drive to inspect two gardens which had been reported.

Action: Stuart Burnett to further complaint against *** and *** Eastfield Drive.

An attendee requested that the group inspect Pentland Way, the new builds beside Cowan Court.

The attendee reported that the pedestrian walkway at the end of Pentland Way is being used by

motorists as a shortcut to Windsor Road who simply drive over the path and grassy area. There were

tyre tracks in the grass.

Action: Future incidents should be reported to the police or to Tom Curtis (traffic enforcer) by

phoning 101.

The group moved on to inspect Strathesk Grove as requested by a resident who was unable to

attend the walkabout. There was an over grown hedge (on the right hand side at the street

entrance) restricting access to the pavement which needs to be cut back.

The group noticed a beautiful garden in Strathesk Grove which, if it is a council tenancy, should be

nominated for the garden competition.

Action: Lesley Connell to confirm whether this is a council tenancy.


July 2015

Loanhead

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Stuart Burnett, Tenant Participation Officer Lesley Connell

Tenants: Lillias Reid

Prior to this walkabout posters were displayed on lampposts in the area surrounding the leisure

centre. The posters invited residents to attend the walkabout or report issues in advance. Several

issues were reported by people who couldn’t attend the walkabout and these were duly inspected.

The group met in the leisure centre car park at 2:15pm on Wednesday 15 July and the following


An anonymous caller asked the group to inspect the council owned ground at the cross roads

between Kennington and George Drive. The garden at the cross roads was very overgrown.

Action: Stuart Burnett, Housing Officer - ongoing

The anonymous complaint also mentioned the gable end of the bowling club. The grassy area is

messy but clarification is needed over who is responsible for maintaining it.

Action: This area belongs to the bowling club. It is therefore their responsibility to maintain it.

There were messy gardens at numbers ** and ** Kennington Avenue.

Action: Stuart Burnett, Housing Officer –

Number ** is a bought property therefore no further action can be taken. Number ** is now tidy.

The group visited ** Kennington Terrace to inspect the garden (as requested by a tenant). Due to

ongoing work between the tenant and Community Safety it was decided not to intervene further.

The group noticed that the shrubbed area on the corner of Kennington Avenue and Terrace requires

a litter pick and cut back.

Action: Stuart Burnett, Housing Officer - completed (as per 14 August 2015)

As requested by a local resident, the walkabout inspected the path between Dalum Loan and

Sainsbury’s. The resident had complained of dog fouling, people tying used dog bags onto the trees

and the area being overgrown. On the day there was no evidence of dog fouling but the area

required a cut back and litter pick.

Action: Stuart Burnett, Housing Officer – The trees have been cut back, trollies removed and there

is no evidence of dog fouling (as per 14 August 2015)

During the walkabout it became evident that dog fouling is an issue in McNeill Avenue.

Action: This has been reported to the Contact Centre (ref 43485) to be cleaned and then

monitored by the dog warden for enforcement action.

The group noticed a nice garden at ** Dalum Loan. If it is a council tenancy, Lesley Connell will

nominate it for the garden competition.

Action: Lesley Connell, Tenant Participation Officer – It is a council tenancy so Lesley will write to

the tenant inviting her to take part in the competition.

The next walkabout will take place on Wednesday 19 August in Newtongrange.


August 2015

Newtongrange

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Claire Harrison, Housing Officer Anne McKenna, Housing

Manager Simon Bain, Tenant Participation Officer Lesley Connell

Tenants: Lillias Reid

Prior to this walkabout posters were displayed on lampposts in the local area. The posters invited

residents to attend the walkabout or report issues in advance. Three residents reported issues prior

to the walkabout and these were duly inspected. The walkabout was also advertised on the Council’s

website and social networking sites.

The group met in the library car park at 2:15pm on Wednesday 19 August and the following


A caller asked the group to inspect a dumped chair on a side street off Lingerwood Road. The caller

advised that she has previously reported this to the council but they have refused to remove it as it

is on a private road. The caller was advised that as this is out with the housing department’s

jurisdiction we would take a photo and forward it to the correct department.

Action: Reported to the Contact Centre on 1/9/15. Ref no. 1010969

A resident had complained about the alleyway to the side of the Scout Hut. Whilst there was moss

along the sides of the path, there wasn’t evidence of any issues other than a piece of litter which

was put in a nearby bin.

A tenant in Beechwood Park asked the group to inspect a council tenancy in his street but as the

housing officers were already investigating the tenancy, it was deemed inappropriate for a

walkabout inspection.

Due to a lack of attendees and a lack of resident complaints, the walkabout came to an end with the

group recommending that future walkabouts in Newtongrange are only carried out as and when

required. The village and surrounding green areas were well looked after.

Housing Officer Claire Harrison went on to investigate the final tenant complaint in Reid Drive which

concerned a messy garden.

Action: The garden has been inspected and is on the borderline of being adequately maintained.

Claire will continue to monitor the situation.

The next walkabout will take place on Wednesday 9 September in Poltonhall.


September 2015

Poltonhall

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Claire Harrison, Housing Officer Anne McKenna, Tenant

Participation Officer Lesley Connell

Tenants and residents: Lillias Reid, J Temple, M Young, C McGregor, unknown resident

Prior to this walkabout posters were displayed on lampposts in the local area. The posters invited

residents to attend the walkabout or report issues in advance. Four residents reported issues prior

to the walkabout and these were duly inspected. The walkabout was also advertised on the Council’s

website and social networking sites.

The group met in the Poltonhall sports complex car park at 2:15pm on Wednesday 9 September and

the following problems were noted:

Messy garden in Dalhousie Gardens

Action: Claire Harrison to confirm whether this is a council tenancy and deal with it accordingly.

Update: Claire Harrison has contacted the tenant. Ongoing.

An attendee complained about the condition of the large and unused paved area between Dalhousie

Drive and Dalhousie Gardens. The officers explained that as this is not a housing matter, the issue

would be recorded and reported to the appropriate department.

Action: There aren’t funds available to convert this area into something more useful. If there was a

strong community feeling that the area should be altered, this could be taken to one of the local

councillors for the area.

An attendee complained about two of her neighbour’s gardens. Only one neighbour is a council

tenant (and therefore required to maintain their garden to a certain level) so this will be investigated

by the relevant officer. As the complainee has health and safety concerns relating to insects from the

other garden, she was advised to contact the Environmental Health department.

Action: Claire Harrison re-visited the property on 01.10.15 and found it to be of an acceptable

standard.

Update: Claire will continue to monitor when she is in the area

A local resident had phoned to complain that one of his neighbours keeps a large caravan parked in

a public car parking area in Dalhousie Place which is next to an entrance/exit to the high school. The

complainee was concerned that due to the caravan’s size, it may cause an accident as it doesn’t fit in

the parking bay.

Action: Claire Harrison agreed to contact the complainer to discuss the matter further

Update: Claire has left a message for the complainer to phone her back. She’ll advise him to

contact Police Scotland on 101 as they may be able to take action if the vehicle is parked

dangerously.

An anonymous caller had requested that the group inspect the vennels in and around the area. The

group noticed that there is only one bin between Hawthornden Primary and Lasswade High School

with that area also having a chip shop and newsagent.

Action: As a result of this walkabout a new Poltonhall tenants and residents group is being set up

to look at issues including litter. The first meeting is on Tuesday 20 October, 7pm in the Sports

Complex.

An attendee complained that the residents of Dalhousie Gardens don’t store their bins in their

gardens and the bins block the alleyway.

Action: Claire Harrison to investigate

Update: Email from Claire Harrison:

‘ I will go out this week and try to speak to the tenants on that block. I have checked their bin uplift

day and the bins were definitely not just out for collection.’

An attendee complained that the green areas in Cameron Crescent are not cut properly. The photo

above shows that the edges of the area were cut, allowing the area in the middle to grow longer.

Action: This could be a matter for the new Poltonhall tenants and residents group.

Most attendees were unhappy with Hawthornden Primary School’s grounds as they felt that the

area is not kept clean and tidy.

Action: This could be a matter for the new Poltonhall tenants and residents group.

There was evidence of dog fouling, especially in the area near the lamp post above. The lamp post’s

unique code will enable this to be reported easily.

Action: This has been reported to the Contact Centre for action.

Update: The Contact Centre has raised a street cleansing order. Ref no. 1016994

One resident stays in Gordon Avenue and asked the group to inspect her street as she is unhappy

that so many trees have been removed. Whilst the group inspected the area, the resident was

advised to report this issue to her community council and local councillors.

The group inspected Cameron Crescent with offensive graffiti spotted in the vennel beside number

*** and a huge pile of rubbish outside number ***

Action: The graffiti has been reported to the Antisocial Behaviour Team

Response from Keith Davie:

‘I have forwarded this to the Paint Supervisor John Cameron for removal. If considered offensive

(which this is) it is given priority’.

Action: Claire Harrison is investigating the pile of rubbish

Update: Email from Claire Harrison:

‘ I have requested this be uplifted and am due to re-check this, this week.’

The group completed the walkabout by inspecting the new build estate. A tenant in Andy Kelly View

had asked the group to visit her but as her case was known to the housing officers, it was not

deemed appropriate for a public forum. The officers visited her privately after the walkabout.

The next walkabout will take place on Wednesday 21 October in Woodburn.


October 2015

Woodburn

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Debbie Ratley, Community Safety Officer Elaine Wilson,

Tenant Participation Officer Lesley Connell, Councillor Margo Russell

Tenants and residents: Chris

Prior to this walkabout posters were displayed on lampposts in Woodburn Drive, Whitehill Drive and

Whitehill Grove. The posters invited residents to attend the walkabout or report issues in advance.

No residents reported issues prior to the walkabout. Councillor Bryant, who was unable to attend,

asked the group to inspect an area in Primrose Crescent. The walkabout was also advertised on the

Council’s website and social networking sites.

The group met in the Woodburn Miners car park at 2:15pm on Wednesday 21 October and the


Overgrown hedge obstructing the pavement at * and ** Woodburn Road

Action: Debbie Ratley to contact tenant/resident

Mattress at side of ** Woodburn Drive

Action: Debbie Ratley to investigate

Gas cover missing on pavement opposite no. * Woodburn Drive

Action: Debbie Ratley to report

Fridge dumped at side of no. ** Woodburn Drive


Rubbish and toys dumped in front of no.** Woodburn Drive


Possible abandonment at no.** Woodburn Drive


Wire gate and messy communal area in front of no.** Woodburn Drive


Old paint on pavement outside no.**


Messy garden at no.** Woodburn Drive plus cot dumped in landing


Household rubbish in front of house at no. ** Woodburn Drive


Messy gardens at no.s ** and ** Woodburn Drive


Paint spilled along right hand side pavement for many metres.

Action: Debbie Ratley and Elaine Wilson to investigate

Garden waste in general waste bin outside no. **. This won’t be picked up by the bin men as it has

garden waste in it.

Action: Councillor Russell to investigate if this can be emptied as a one off

Black bags dumped at no. ** Woodburn Drive


Window broken at no. ** Woodburn Drive


Messy garden at no. ** Woodburn Grove


Communal grass half cut in Primrose Crescent

Action: Info to be feedback to Councillor Bryant

Messy garden and ‘no mans land’ at no. ** Woodburn Avenue

Action: Info to be feedback to Councillor Bryant

Dog fouling outside no. ** Jean Armour Avenue

Ground floor, rear flat boarded up at no. **-** Jean Armour Drive


High chair dumped in bin store opposite **-** Whitehill Grove

Washing machine and other items dumped in stair outside no. ** Whitehill Grove


Computer monitor dumped near bin area outside **-** Whitehill Grove


November 2015

Mayfield

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Lesley Gillan, Housing Officer Louise Smith, Tenant


Tenants and residents: Geraldine Rock, Elizabeth Smith, Bert Bruce

Members of the newly formed Mayfield South Tenants and Residents Group were invited to attend

this walkabout in order to address some of the estate issues which had been brought up at

meetings. The walkabout was also advertised on the Council’s website and social networking sites.

The group met outside the Mayfield Community Club at 2:15pm on Wednesday 25 November and

the following problems were noted:

Bed base and mattress in ** St Luke’s Way garden.

Update: Removed

Grass verges in St Luke’s Way are being ruined by motorists parking on them

Action: Ongoing

Update: Concrete grid paving quotes carried out

Wooden pallets on grassy verge in St Lukes Way.

Action: Ongoing

Untidy alleyway between Stone Place and Waverley Park. This has been brought up at resident

meetings and despite being recently cleaned, it already has litter and evidence of dog fouling

scattered along it.

Action: Ongoing

Update: The Mayfield South residents group have sought guidance from local councillors and

waste services re. holding a community litter pick in return for additional bins

Litter scattered around Stone Place, usually after the bins have been emptied.

Action: Ongoing



Excess rubbish and belongings dumped in and around a bin store in Stone Place. This is an historic

problem, believed to be caused by those who don’t live in the flats (and therefore shouldn’t be using

those bins).

Missing bollard at entrance to Chester Square.

Update: Reported to Midlothian Council’s Contact Centre.

There’s a lot of dog fouling along Stone Place and Bevan Road. A lack of general waste bins was

noted in the area surrounding the primary schools.

Action: Ongoing



At the last residents meeting there was a discussion on bad and irresponsible parking by parents at

the start and end of the school day. Our walkabout took place at home time and the parking was by

and large, safe and responsible.

The next walkabout will take place on Wednesday 16 December in Bonnyrigg


December 2015

Bonnyrigg

In attendance:

Midlothian Council: Housing Officer Anne McKenna, Team Leader Claire Douglas, Tenant


Tenants and residents: Lillias Reid

The walkabout was advertised on the Council’s website and social networking sites but due to staff

absence posters had not been displayed in the local area.

The group met at the entrance to Auld Coal Grove at 2:15pm on Wednesday 16 December and the


Car parts and metal items in parking bays and back garden of * Auld Coal Grove. There was also a

large motorised go cart parked on the grass at the side of the property.


Update: Ongoing – tenants have been spoken to and warnings will be issued if the situation

continues

Grass verges throughout the estate have been ruined by vehicles driving over them. It was suggested

that there may not be enough parking in the new build estates as this problem has been noted

elsewhere. A long term solution suggested by a residents group in Mayfield is to cover the verges

with latticed concrete coverings which would create more parking spaces and allow the grass to

recover.


Update: Claire will continue to monitor the situation and will take further action if individuals are

identified.

Litter pick needed outside * Auld Coal Grove/Avenue

Tumble dryer outside * Auld Coal Avenue


Update: This item has now been removed

Shelving unit outside ** Auld Coal Avenue


Update: This item has now been removed

Rubbish in car park area of Auld Coal Court


Update: Unable to establish who is responsible for this – request sent to Waste Services to uplift

Car parked in garden of * Auld Coal Court. Van parked in garden of * Auld Coal Court.

Action: Claire Harrison to investigate.

Update: Tenants have been lettered on this matter and housing officer will continue to check

regularly

Drain cover missing and litter pick needed near * Auld Coal Path.

Update: Reported to contact centre

Quite a few of the new food recycling bins have been blown about the estate and there is evidence

that people are using them incorrectly.

The next walkabout will take place on Wednesday 20 January in Loanhead.

estate walkabout report february 2015 loanhead …...11/3/15: most of the rubbish has been removed...

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