Would seem CCEers don't use it much as it's apparently been shut for a while.
This has been sent by a local resident. If you agree with the ideas you might want to contact BB.
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A traffic order for closure of the path from 27/06/16 to 02/07/16 was granted in order for Balfour Beatty to carry out work on the overhead power lines running above the embankment adjacent to the path. Barriers were placed at both ends and diversion signs (for pedestrians) were placed at various places nearby. Little or no work was done on the overhead lines during that initial period, and the path blockages remained in place after 02/07/16.
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On Sunday 10th July a letter was delivered to nearby households from Balfour Beatty stating that from 11/7/16 they will be carrying out work on the overhead lines and mentioning closure of footpaths. The letter gave Carl Cousens (07791 926 789 carl.cousens@balfourbeatty.com) as the contact for any questions.
I emailed him on 10/7/16 and received the following reply:
"Unfortunately due to technical difficulties in the first section of work we have been delayed with the full mobilisation to this section. On-going survey works have been progressed during this time on a regular basis, soil testing was undertaken yesterday afternoon for instance, and we have vegetation removal starting around the pylon today with full mobilisation of works scheduled for the end of this week. Once works commence we anticipate that will be in the area for eight weeks."
I spoke to him on the phone today and informed him that there was rising local concern about the unnecessary early closure, that the information made available so far to people using the path (cyclists, walkers and dog-walkers) was very inadequate, and that an eight week closure would have serious impact on pupils going to Portobello High and St Johns once the Autumn term commences. He agreed to take this back for consideration and inform me if the work could be speeded up, but seemed doubtful that this could happen.
He also explained that the work involves replacing the actual power cables between the pylons. Apparently sections of the Harry Lauder road on the other side of the embankment will also be closed off at times, but the Christian Path needs to be shut both to stop any possible unauthorised access to where the work is taking place and also because materials or equipment will be stored on the path.
I can quite understand why such work might require closure for a few weeks, but I would suggest that a further 8 weeks on top of the existing three-week closure is not acceptable.
By restricting the works to another four weeks they would avoid disrupting the route to school. I would also suggest that as Balfour Beatty seems to have already inconvenienced local path users by unnecessary closure for three weeks, they should also agree to undertake a proper cutback of the vegetation which is already almost blocking the path. This gesture would be appreciated by local path users and also save money for Edinburgh Council. If it simply isn't possible to complete the job before mid August I suggest that they reschedule the work to a time when it can be undertaken more speedily.
This proposal has just been sent to Carl Cousens. I would welcome support from you all, and hope that we can put sufficient pressure on Balfour Beatty.
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