Working Together
It was standing room only at the recent public meeting organised by
residents of the Barratt houses at Park Grove, Manor Park, Squires Gate
and East Kilngate.
Held in Gilmerton Community Centre, over 120 residents from the
estate attended the meeting to find out about setting up an Action
Group.
Following the collapse of a number of bungalows in Ferniehill last
November, an investigation by engineers showed that there were
underground limestone mineworkings. This is further complicated by coal
mines.
Local resident John Millar, who decided to find out all he could and
arrange the meeting after a drilling rig turned up outside his front
door, was unanimously voted Chair of the new Action Group.
Following the meeting, John said: "Many people feel that
questions have been left unanswered. This first meeting was arranged to
find out overall opinion and work together to get the answers and
reassurance we need."
An independent survey, commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council,
is nearing completion and residents will have access to the final
results.
Cllr Sheila Gilmore was keen to offer reassurance to all residents:
"There will be a presentation by Arup on the full findings of the
investigation at a public meeting. Hopefully the residents will find
this useful and will help answer any questions they may have."
Councillor for Gilmerton, Ken Harrold, added: "All residents in
the area, whether council tenants or home owners will be given the same
consideration with regard to information and assistance."
Early indications are that some remedial work will take place using a
process called ‘grouting’. This is where a special concrete is
poured into the under-ground voids and will stabilise the ground.
A spokesperson for Barratt told the Echo: "Tests have confirmed
that there are no voids under any Barratt homes."
She continued: "Obviously this situation is very distressing,
but Barratt will live up to their responsibilities and any further
remedial works are entirely precautionary."
The Action Group will be sending out a list of key concerns to all
parties prior to the Public Meeting which should take place before the
end of July.
If you would like to find out more about the Action
Group, or more
background information, visit the website which was set up by the group:
www.kilngateresidents.8k.com
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