MSP welcomes decision to re-examine underpass plans

AN MSP has welcomed a council decision to look again at proposals for an underpass link to a new £12 million health centre in Wester Hailes.

Gordon Macdonald, who represents Wester Hailes as part of the Edinburgh 
Pentlands constituency, had previously raised concerns that the proposed underpass could turn into a crime hot-spot.

At a public meeting to discuss the plan in June, local residents slammed the tunnel plan, saying it was too steep and too narrow.

At a meeting of the city council’s finances and resources committee yesterday, it was formally decided that other options for the underpass would be examined.

Mr Macdonald said: “This decision will hopefully result in a more integrated solution between the healthy living 
centre and the shops at Westside Plaza. Any redesign should take into consideration the safety fears of the local community and as a result should increase footfall in the shopping centre – a win-win situation.”

The healthy living centre is on course to open next year.