Edinburgh news: Traders claim traffic ban is out of order

TRADERS in Leith have claimed a major traffic shake-up by tram bosses is invalid because the council did not properly consult with the public.

The Leith Business Association said a Traffic Regulation Order which will close both Constitution Street and Shandwick Place to general traffic had been incorrectly drafted, rendering it "essentially worthless".

Despite more than 400 objections, the council is expected to rubber stamp the measures.

Pupils joining travel survey

SCHOOL pupils from across the Capital are set to take part in a national survey about the way youngsters travel to class.

The annual Hands Up Scotland Survey, organised by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, is the largest and most comprehensive survey of travel-to-school behaviour.

Cycle meeting to talk storage

CYCLING campaigners are set to hold a meeting to discuss better and more secure methods of storing bicycles in Edinburgh's tenements.

The event, which is being organised by Lothians cycling campaign group Spokes, will be held on November 25 at Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge.

Learn to let your fingers do the talking

DEAF Action is organising a day of free taster sessions in British Sign Language to help people communicate with deaf and hard of hearing people.

The one-hour sessions will run on October 7 at the Mansfield Traquair Centre on Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, and will cover an introduction to sign language and the fingerspelling alphabet.

E-mail [email protected] for details.

Bank Holiday bus service alert

LOTHIAN Buses will run a Saturday service on Bank Holiday Monday.

Only its number 67 service will run according to its normal weekday timetable.

There will also be extra buses on the number 48, which runs between Ratho and Sheriffhall park and ride via Gogarburn.

Restaurant will canvas young artists for work

YOUNG artists are being given the chance to display their own artwork at city restaurant Thyme.

The restaurant at Premier Inn Central on Lauriston Place has teamed up with George Heriot's and St Thomas of Aquin's to invite budding artists to create their own interpretations of popular Capital landmarks.

The winning piece of art will then have the honour of being displayed in the newly refurbished restaurant for one year, before being auctioned in aid of the Sick Kids hospital.

Book-signing date for Pegg

ACTOR Simon Pegg is set to meet fans in Edinburgh as he launches his autobiography.

The star of TV show Spaced and the upcoming film Burke and Hare will be at West End branch of Waterstone's to sign copies of his book, Nerd Do Well, at 6pm on Monday, October 20.