The Big Neighbourhood Debate - Leith

Ocean Terminal, a symbol of the ongoing regeneration of Leith, was the venue for the Big Neighbourhood Debate. The issues under discussion affect many similar parts of Scotland and included affordable housing, regeneration of communities, youth unemployment and training.

As usual, we have broken the debate down into managable sections that you can listen and view directly on this page. You can also view videos on the Scottish VotePod Channel on You Tube, subscribe to the audio podcasts on iTunes or directly download the audio files. Our audio clips allow you to listen to the discussion in detail, while the videos will feature shorter highlight clips.

The panel were
Labour - Malcolm Chisolm
Conservative - Iain Whyte
SNP - Davie Hutchieson
Lib Dems - Siobhan Mathers
Green - Stuart Callicon

Watch Lesley Riddoch introduce the panel

AUDIO

Section 1: All around Leith there are major new housing developments. However for many local people the properties are too expensive. The debate started off with this question from a young local woman, Danielle.

Download the file here.

Section 2: The debate over housing widened out to discuss the impact new builds have had on reducing the amount of parks, recreational and other green spaces in the city.

Download the file here.

Section 3: The second half of the debate started off with discussion on the impact the regeneration of Leith is having on the traditional working class nature of the area. It then moves on to the lack of support local people get for their own regeneration projects.

Download the file here

Section 4: The issue of the stench from the sewage works at Seafield, raised considerable passion amongst bothe the panel and this member ofthe audience.

Download the file here.

Section 5: Concern over access to an Accident and Emergency unit prompted this question to the panel.

Download the file here.

Section 6: The final section includes some quickfire Q&A's on smoking, skateboard facilities, shops on Leith Walk and the state of the roads.

Download the file here

VIDEO

This video features several members of the audience putting their questions and points to the panel

The topic of affordable housing for locals is raised in this video.

The stench from the sewage works at Seafield prompted this question.

This video asks whether the Accident and Emergency Unit at the Western General Hospital will be reopened.

The failure of regeneration professionals to respect the working class culture of Leith was the next point raised.

Videos Produced by Journalism students from Napier University.

Comments

[Eddie Douthwaite]

I am the Publican Party Regional list candidate for the Lothians regions and attended the debate in Leith last night.
The debate was a great success and the problems of the people of Leith and their views were clearly presented by the members of the public present. Lesley Riddoch was excellent in keeping the debate flowing smoothly and in getting answers from those politicians at the main table.

The aim of the Publican Party is to get the current law amended to allow well ventilated smoking rooms in pubs and clubs,this is a freedom of choice matter and many non-smokers I have spoken to have said they will vote for the Publican Party because of this. I realise that these debates have to be edited but although my comments on the Council planners was mentioned my comments on the smoking ban have not. A vote was taken in the room and although it was three to one against any change I am happy with the outcome. One in three votes would be a tremendous result if reflected in the regional vote.