Messy patch of grass lands city officials in the mud

IT IS a solution that has landed the city council in the mud with residents.

For 14 months, businesses and householders on Drum Brae Avenue have called for a small patch of muddy land to be filled in – the local Scotmid supermarket has even offered to pay for repairs as its delivery lorries are the cause of the problem.

But they have been told by the council the only solution is for Scotmid to pay an annual rent of 2,000 to the council, as well as making arrangements for a 5 million insurance package to protect the public's safety.

Campaigners say they are furious at what they see as an overly-complicated response from officials.

Gerard Henry, owner of Drum Brae Veterinary Centre, said: "I'm very frustrated that a small issue that could have been solved simply, and with a bit of good will, is being obstructed.

"If the council really wanted to resolve this, it could have done so 14 months ago – but didn't."

The council has also said that if Scotmid does not enter into the proposed lease, it will put in place measures to prevent lorries from reversing on the land.

Mr Henry, who has been spearheading communication with the council, contacted the Evening News last month after failing to get a response from the local authority in over a year.

Scotmid had made repeated offers to "fill-in" the affected patch of communal grass – owned by the council – which its lorries routinely churn up when making deliveries, owing to their size and the small area in which they must turn.

Managers suggested using a harder material to cover the ground to prevent it becoming muddy and causing problems for the shoppers and pedestrians who pass by as they make their way through the area. Mr Henry said: "The council has done absolutely nothing in all this time. We have had no replies to our letters.

"It was only when we went to the Evening News that we got a response.

"I think we have embarrassed them."

In a letter to campaigners, estates surveyor Murray Sutherland advised Scotmid would have to formally lease the land in question from the council, entering into a contract and being responsible for all maintenance.

He told the Evening News: "The council is asking Scotmid to take legal responsibility for the ground it is using. When leasing and selling property, the council should ensure it is getting 'best value' and the rent asked is considered to be a reasonable market rent."

He said Scotmid should reconsider the size of its delivery lorries if it did not want to enter into an agreement with the council.

A spokeswoman for Scotmid said: "We have asked for a site visit with Murray Sutherland in order to resolve the issue and we are currently awaiting his reply."