East Craigs low-traffic neighbourhood: Why the row between Edinburgh council and locals may end up in court – John McLellan

A document circulated to councillors this week outlines the advice the council has received about the legality or otherwise of its plans to turn East Craigs into a low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN).

David Hunter, chair of Get Edinburgh Moving, is among those opposed to Edinburgh council's plans (Picture: Lisa Ferguson)

I am not at liberty to divulge the details because the document is confidential and to do so would be regarded as a serious breach of the councillors’ code of conduct. It also came with an explicit warning not to pass it on and, judging by information in this newspaper, this has been more honoured in the breach.

The anti-LTN campaign sought its own legal advice which concluded that, in using the Covid emergency to implement the scheme without specific consultation, the SNP-Labour coalition has probably gone beyond its powers and a legal challenge could be mounted.

The council would then have to decide whether to defend its actions and revealing the advice would obviously compromise its position.

That the advice existed was no secret because the coalition amendment last week agreed to send a summary to all councillors, so what then was the point of an administration councillor posting the document with the detail blacked out?

After voting against a Conservative and Lib Dem move to call a halt and properly engage with the community, trying to curry favour with campaigners by giving them nothing but an insinuation alienates everyone and helps no-one.

Whatever happens in East Craigs, it is to be expected that proper process will be followed but, as with too many council issues, a court might have to decide.

John McLellan is a Conservative councillor for Craigentinny/Duddingston

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