Liberal Democrats Continue Fight on Boundary Changes
Ward Boundary Changes for Silverknowes and Davidsons Mains
In 2005, the Local Government Boundary Commission brought forward proposals to change the council ward boundaries in this area putting Silverknowes into Forth Ward, the House o’Hills and some Corbiehills into Inverleith Ward and the rest of Davidson’s Mains into Almond Ward.
Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West, says:
“John Barrett MP, Councillor Jim Lowrie and I objected to this proposal at the time along with hundreds of other local residents and community organisations. However, in its final report the Commission has ignored these objections. The Commission claimed there was no way of accommodating them along with the other changes they proposed to make. I have written to them in the strongest possible terms raising concerns not only at their decision but at the length of time it had taken to be made.
“I am appalled that the Commission has ignored over 600 letters of objection to the proposal to split Davidson’s Mains and Silverknowes. Splitting an established community into three separate Council wards goes completely against the Commission’s legal requirement to protect strong natural, social and community ties.
“The matter is now out of the Boundary Commission’s
hands. Their report is due for
approval by the Scottish Executive, and objections can be raised with
them up until 31st August. Ensuring that the Executive is aware of
this area’s concerns may help tilt the odds against this division.
John Barrett MP and I have written to Tom McCabe, the Minister responsible
for making the final decision, urging him to listen to the voices of
the people of the Davidson’s Mains and Silverknowes community.”
Cllr Jim Lowrie and Margaret Smith MSP have both objected to the proposals
WHAT YOU CAN DO
The proposal is now being considered by the Scottish
Executive. There is still time to register your objections, representations
should
be
sent to:
Tom McCabe MSP
Minister for Finance and Public Services
St Andrews House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
CLOSING DATE 31st August 2006
Smith and Barrett object again to boundary changes >>
Letter to Boundary Commission >>
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