Sunday July 26th 2015
Produced by the Bonnyrigg, Lasswade and Poltonhall Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, the plan outlines people’s views about their community – including what they like best, what they most want to see improved and how those improvements could be made. It was written following extensive consultation with local residents of all ages, along with community groups and local service providers.
The plan sets out a series of actions to address the challenges that lie ahead. These are grouped under seven key priority areas – the need to access GP appointments more easily, having more people feel better about their local environment, actively engaging more people in their local community, giving more people access to improved broadband speeds, making sure more people feel safe in the community, making sure more young people feel valued in the community and improving public transport.
A number of the priorities identified are common across Midlothian. These include tackling problems with litter, dog fouling and traffic. However, many positive comments were also received from residents during the consultation process. These mainly relate to public transport, schools, sports and leisure facilities.
A total of 31 actions are set out in the plan. These will be rolled out over the next five years by Midlothian’s Community Planning Partners, including Midlothian Council, Police Scotland and NHS Lothian, along with Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council, Poltonhall and District Community Council, Lasswade Civic Society and a wide range of community groups.
“Neighbourhood planning is about improving our communities by bringing together local residents, the Council and other agencies, to find solutions to local issues,” said Midlothian council leader, councillor Catherine Johnstone. “The Bonnyrigg, Lasswade and Poltonhall Neighbourhood Plan has been produced following several months of engagement with the community, and clearly sets out the key challenges that the council and its partners need to address. We look forward to working with residents and local groups to help deliver the improvements they have asked for.”
The plan is available to download HERE.
Copies of the plan will be available on Tuesday 28 July from 10am to 3pm in The Lasswade Centre and on Thursday 30 July from 10am to 3pm at Bonnyrigg Health Centre, where local people will also have the opportunity to discuss the proposed actions with members of the steering group. Additional copies will be available from the local library.
If you would like to get involved in helping to deliver any of the actions in the Neighbourhood Plan, contact neighbourhood.planning@midlothian.gov.uk or telephone Derek Welsh in Midlothian Council’s Communities Team, on 0131 271 3452.
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