Tab‘kd Item no 9.1 EDI NBVRG H Report no CEC/16/09-1 O/CSEC THE CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL Calder Road Underpasses The City of Edinburgh Council 28 May 2009 Purpose of report 1 To refer to the Council recommendations by the South West Neighbourhood Partnership on proposals for the Calder Road Underpasses. Main report 2 At its meeting on 19 May 2009, the South West Neighbourhood Partnership considered the attached report by the South West Neighbourhood Manager on ongoing works and proposals for the Calder Road underpasses and seeking approval to bid for additional funding to upgrade lighting and install CCTV in seven underpasses. 3 The South West Neighbourhood Partnership agreed: i. To make a bid for additional funding through the Capital Programme to carry out proposals contained in paragraph 4.2 of the South West Neighbourhood Manager’s report. ii. That the installation of a surface crossing at Parkhead Cross be included as a medium term solution, subject to a feasibility study and audit by the Director of City Development. iii. To request that the Council consider undertaking an audit of longer term measures which would consider, together with the recommendations in the Neighbourhood Manager’s report, reducing the speed limit on Calder Road and introducing CCTV at the seven underpasses detailed at Appendix 1 of the Neighbourhood Manager’s report Recommendations 4 That the Council: i. Consider allocating additional funding from the Capital Programme to carry out the proposals detailed in paragraph 4.2 of the South West Neighbourhood Manager’s report and to install a surface crossing at Parkhead Cross, subject to a feasibility study and audit by the Director of City Development 1 ii. Agree to undertake an audit of longer term options identified in the Neighbourhood Manager’s report and also investigate the feasibility of reducing the speed limit on Calder Road and introducing CCTV at all seven underpasses. Appendices Report by the South West Neighbourhood Manager; Map of Calders Underpasses - Designational and Numbering Contact/tel/Email Morag Stevenson, Assistant Committee Officer, City Chambers, Edinburgh Tel: 0131 529 41 25; e-mail morag.s tevensonaed inbu rg h .gov.u k Wards affected 7 - SighthiWGorgie Single Outcome See attached report. Agreement Background South West Neighbourhood Partnership 12 August 2008 (item 3), Papers 11 November 2008 (item 5) and 10 February 2009 (item 4). Calders280509/DH 2 Item no Report no Calders Underpasses South West Neighbourhood Partnership I9 May 2009 1 Purpose of report 1 .I To advise the Neighbourhood Partnership (NP) of thetongoing works and proposals for the Calders underpasses and to seek agreement to bid for upgrade to lighting and CCTV installation to selected underpasses 2 Summary 2.1 The underpasses will be numbered 1 -7 (west to East), with names allocated to each underpass discussed for the purposes of this report. 2.2 The underpasses differ in design, layout and state of repair. To this end it must be recognised that a “one size does not fit all” approach is not appropriate and various recommendation will be made in order to address the issues raised by the local community. 2.3 It is noted that some of the underpasses suffer from disrepair, damage to stonework, lighting and varying graffiti. These issues will be managed through existing repair programmes across services but are subject to available funding. Any area which presents a health and safety concern will be considered as a priority. 2.4 Officers across services within the City of Edinburgh Council have met to discuss the issues raised. It has been agreed as a direct result to increase the frequency of litter collection and to manage the landscaping as required to enable better vision from entrance to exit within relevant underpasses. 3 Main report 3.1 The local community have raised the matter of the Calder underpasses through varying public forums. There is a general perception that the underpasses are not safe for public use due to anti social behaviour, crime, bad lighting and poor vision. 3.2 A crime report, detailing criminal activity from 20 August 2008 to 31 March 2009, has been received on request from Lothian and Borders Police. This report contains restricted information and is not for public dissemination. The report notes 4 criminal offences were recorded across the 7 underpasses during this period. This includes underpass 3 which is currently monitored externally by CCTV. 3.3 The following advises of the current works/ proposals for the underpasses: Section 75 h Napier University to create pedestrian crossing at underpass view. The current timetable for this proposal is still under discussion as part of the planning detail; however the Neighbourhood Partnership will be updated on progress as this becomes available. = Upgrade to all underpasses is proposed within the bridges capital programme, several underpasses - as noted below - have undergone upgrade or upgrade is currently underway, however the timetable for completion of all the underpasses is not known as this is subject to available funding. Upgrade work includes; repair to stonework, application of graffiti paint and repair to lighting (this does not include external lighting). Each underpass is estimated to cost f50k per upgrade. - Upgrade to underpass No2 - Calder Road Junction and No3 - Napier, Stevenson & Health Centre access ongoing. This work is being carried out by City Development within the bridges capital programme 200911 0. - Upgrade to No7 - Saughton complete. Residents have noted they consider this underpass safer to use. 4 Discussion 4.1 The following provides a summary of possible short, medium and long term proposals for discussion: Short Term Ontions Idea I Pros Cons Improved Improves perception of cost lighting safety Reduce maintenance lights Parabolic As above May be vandalised mirrors Increase As above Resource issues frequency of cleaning/ litter pick Frequent patrols As above Resource issues Grafftt i- p roof As above paint Easier to clean Medium Term OD ons Idea Pros Cons Additional CCTV May deter crime Identifies perpetrator (CCTV currently Improves perception of after the event installed at safety underpass 3) Subject to vandalism Competing priorities across city Murals/painting Involves community May be defaced of underpasses May deter graffiti Cost, resource, Improves underpass community support “experience” Consider closure No alternative crossing or gates to Crimes don’t appear to underpasses at be limited to night time niaht Long Term Optio Pros Cons Meets public demand Cost Sec 75 to assist funding City wide priorities (one location) conflict/ co mp I ete Traffic flow implications Meets public demand Cost Safer than level Design implications crossing Safety 4.2 In light of the current works ongoing to two of the underpasses and the improved environmental works agreed, the officer would recommend that the following minimal cost short term solutions are considered: Bid for additional funding to improve lighting to underpasses No2 and 3 through capital funding programme Bid for installation of CCTV to underpass No3 4.3 It should be noted the installation of additional CCTV equipment would require to be considered along with other requests to install cameras across the South West area. Installation will be prioritised based on evidence of crime and discussed at the local TAC 4.3 The South West Neighbourhood Office will then continue to monitor usage, crime, maintenance and other relevant matters and provide an update to the Neighbourhood Partnership with further recommendation if required. Other Considerations 5 Financial Implications 5.I Funding has been allocated within varying capital budgets for the existing works, however additional funding has not been secured and will need to be resourced. It should be noted therefore, that any additional improvements or installations are subject to available funding and cannot be guaranteed. 6 Environmental Impact 6.1 It is anticipated the ongoing improvements and the recommended proposals to the underpasses will create a safer, greener environment in and around the underpasses. Providing a more positive perception for local communities, visitors, university students and users of the business facilities 7 Recommendations 7.1 The Partnership is asked to: Note the content of this report, the upgrade works currently being carried out; and agree the recommendation to make bid for additional funding to carry out proposals contained in paragraph 4.2 Mike Avery South West Neighbourhood Manager Appendices 1 Contact Mike Avery, South West Neighbourhood Manager Tel: 527 3801, email [email protected] Yvonne Wemyss, Housing Investment & Regeneration Manager Tel: 527 3802, email [email protected] Single Outcome National Outcome I:We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing Agreement business in Europe. National Outcome 9 - We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger. National Outcome IO: We live in well designed, sustainable spaces where we are able to access the amenities and services we need. National Outcome 11: We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others. National Outcome 12 - We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations. Local outcome: The percentage of people satisfied with their neighbourhood increases. Local Outcome: Quality of Life within Neighbourhoods is improved. Communities feel able to influence decisions that affect their neighbourhood. Background Papers CALDERS UNDERPASSES - DESIGNATION AND NUMBERING 1. Burtons underpass (Calders) 2. Bankhead Roundabout (Wester Hailes Road) underpasses 3. Sighthill Shops/Health Centre underpass 4. Broomhouse Roundabout underpasses 5. Parkhead Shops underpass 6. Longstone/Whinpark Roundabout underpasses 7. Saughton underpass .