'Champion' to rescue Leith from trams chaos

Published on Wednesday 6 August 2008 10:36

A DEDICATED "Leith champion" is set to be appointed to help the area recover from the disruption caused by the city's tram project.

The temporary role would see one person coordinating efforts to encourage trade back to Leith, as well as ensuring the remaining tram work is completed as efficiently as possible.

Leith Walk has been the worst-hit area of the city over the past year, with several businesses going bust and dozens blaming a drop in turnover on the utility diversions for the trams.

It is envisaged the new champion role, which will last until the tram work is finished in 2011, will also involve trying to bring together the different community and business groups in the area.

A decision on who will fund the role and who will fill it has still to be taken.

The Leith champion would take on a similar role to the Essential Edinburgh organisation, dedicated to promoting the city centre.

Business groups today welcomed the move.

Economic development leader Councillor Tom Buchanan said: "If we're honest, Leith Walk has been in a bit of a state because of the trams and I think it would be good to see someone co-ordinating efforts to rejuvenate the area.

"It is simply a case of trying to get some joined-up thinking and having someone to champion Leith as a destination for shoppers but also trying to get some of the empty shop units filled.

"I would envisage the money from this coming out of TIE's budget but longer term we could be looking at a town manger-type role for Leith."

Gordon Burgess, of the traders association for Leith Walk and Constitution Street, said: "Anything that can benefit the people and traders of Leith has to be welcomed. I don't think people realise that it will take some time for Leith to recover from all of the disruption from the tram works.

"People do get out of the habit of visiting places or taking certain routes around the city so we do need someone to remind everyone that we are still here and very much open."

Earlier this year traders on Princes Street and George Street voted to pay an extra one per cent of their rateable value to fund better services.

Administered through the Essential Edinburgh group, the money will be put towards initiatives such as a team of "welcoming wardens" to help visitors around the city centre and a cleaning squad to rid the area of chewing gum and graffiti.

It is hoped this "business improvement district" model will be extended to other part of the city such as Tollcross.

Willie Gallagher, chief executive of TIE, said: "This is an interesting idea. Having a person who can pull together all the different interests of Leith will be really useful, but also someone who can work through the remaining tram works and make it as pain-free as possible would also be helpful."