- The purpose of
the Millennium Fund is to enable dreams
to be realised. The completion of a
walking and cycling route along the
river from Balerno to Leith has been a
goal for many years.
- Individuals,
community groups and various statutory
bodies have all played a part in
raising awareness of the river and also
improving its immediate environment.
There have been annual clean-ups, new
sections of the Walkway built and some
delightful cast iron signs
produced.
- Now there is a
real possibility that not only the
basic dream of a completed walkway can
be realised, but also a whole range of
related benefits can be achieved in the
next few years.
- The very
process of this bid has energised a
large number of people. It has also
enabled a "strategic overview" to be
taken. Groups are often unaware of each
other's existence and not always
conscious of areas of overlap or mutual
interest.
- In spite of
potential conflicts between, for
instance, walkers, cyclists and horse
riders there has been remarkable
agreement and enthusiasm for the
overall project. Inevitably there are
local concerns over details such as
precise routes, path surfacing,
lighting etc., but these are issues
that will be resolved in consultation
with local people.
- It is a key
aim of this bid that it should result
in real social benefits. It is
obviously important that the project
runs smoothly with the maximum value
for money. However the opportunity must
be taken to consider long term benefits
for those working on the project
|
- and also the
wider community.
- There is
considerable interest in the idea of
"sustainability". Other Millennium
projects such as the Millennium Forest
and Sustrans' cycle paths have it as a
core purpose. There are no simple
answers to the complex and interlinked
questions of resources, energy use,
conservation, development etc.
Increasing concern over the balance
between leisure and unemployment is
likely to become much more prominent in
the next few years.
- It is
therefore vital that thought is given
to the recruitment and training of a
workforce for the duration of the
project and also to developing
opportunities when the project is
completed. These will be in maintenance
and also in commercial and
semi-commercial businesses related to
activities spawned by the Millennium
process.
- Other
sustainability issues are addressed by
some of the futuristic plans drawn up
by Forth Ports. We support their aims
and have included some aspects in this
bid for joint funding.
- This bid
represents a great many diverse
interests that have been brought
together to create a truly exciting
plan. This in itself is almost enough
to be worth celebrating in the new
Millennium. But the actual
implementation of the plan will have
immense benefits for all those involved
and a long lasting bonus for millions
of people who will visit the Water of
Leith in centuries to come.
|
