Gillian Mackay, Scottish Green Party candidate for Forth, and Chas Booth, Green councillor for Leith, set out their priorities for Newhaven if elected on 4 May.
Newhaven has a proud heritage and a strong sense of community. As Greens, we will do what we can to preserve and protect that heritage, and to foster and develop the sense of community.
Victoria Primary is well-loved and well attended. Greens have listened to the views of local parents and residents about the council’s proposal to move the school to Western Harbour. Most seem supportive, so long as issues such as outside play space and safe travel to school are addressed. We will continue to press the council on these points, and will continue listening to residents.
Greens support the proposal to retain the school building in community use. Newhaven is one of the few areas of the city that doesn’t have its own community centre, so the argument for a community hub is compelling.
Greens will push to improve the quality, affordability and availability of housing – we would use new powers to set a rent pressure zone over Edinburgh to limit increases in private rents, and we propose a freeze in council rents.
High quality, affordable public transport is crucial. Greens are committed to maintaining our excellent bus service in public ownership. We support extending the trams to Newhaven, so long as the lessons from the previous mismanagement are learned, and the new business case adds up.
Access to high quality greenspace is essential to our physical and mental health, and Greens want to protect our greenspace and see stronger action on tackling litter and dog fouling.
But the crucial message from Greens is that we listen carefully to local people and community groups, and will work to put power in your hands.