The shocking difference in the SNP's response to two devastating fires in Glasgow and Edinburgh
The case for a Manchester-style mayor for the Edinburgh region has been made all the more compelling by the ongoing closure of Princes Street
Edinburgh’s Princes Street is one of the world’s finest boulevards. So the fact it’s been closed to traffic part-way along for three weeks because of the former Debenhams building fire is bad enough.
However, the situation is much worse than simply the closure of an iconic thoroughfare. In a week’s time, the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe will begin, with people from all over the world flocking to the city to enjoy this wonderful time.
Such an influx of people can cause congestion at the best of times. If one of the city’s main streets is blocked, the problems are only going to be worse. And, given Princes Street was already looking rather down at heel before the fire, the impression created on all these visitors is not going to be a good one.
READ MORE: Why Princes Street fire is the wake-up call that Edinburgh desperately needed – Stephen Jardine
‘Yet to see any meaningful action’
Furthermore, restaurants and other businesses in Leith are warning that the cancellation of tram services from Princes Street to Newhaven, because of the street’s closure, is costing them a fortune. Dean Banks, Scotland’s Chef of the Year, said trade in Leith had been “destroyed” and that he could incur a loss of £100,000 during August unless a solution is found. If that’s one business, the overall bill will run into millions.
Following the Union Corner fire in Glasgow, the Scottish Government moved quickly, providing a £10 million emergency package to help the city council and local businesses within a week. However, Edinburgh council’s transport convener Stephen Jenkinson has now said that “we’re yet to see any meaningful action or offers of support from the Scottish Government... in stark contrast to the aftermath of the Union Corner fire”.
This is nothing short of a disgrace, and it makes the case for a Greater Manchester-style mayor or provost for the city region – someone with the power and resources to act quickly when problems like this occur – all the more compelling. Instead, the response appears bogged down in endless bureaucracy.
The council expects it will take at least three weeks to re-open Princes Street. Could that be less with government help? Both now need to pull out all the stops to make this happen as quickly as is safely possible.
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