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ABOUT EDINBURGH AT RISK
EAR supporters include a former government adviser
who has
criticised
the Labour party in Edinburgh for representing the interests of
developers instead of their constituents. Sir Bernard Crick, who worked
with David Blunkett at the Home Office, is appalled at the way the
local council has repeatedly decided to "sell off the family silver"
for a quick gain and without proper consideration of the long-term
consequences.
An honorary fellow at Edinburgh University, Sir Bernard thinks
councillors have allowed themselves to get too close to developers. He
said: "As a life-long member of the Labour Party and former
government
adviser on citizenship, I am deeply embarrassed, indeed angry, at how
close leading Edinburgh Labour councillors have got to the developers
all over the city."
"Of course the council is desperate not to have to raise council tax,
but the answer cannot be to sell off the family silver. This is
irreversible sale, not even a pawnshop."
EAR will share advice and information between groups
and
coordinate
demands for a much closer and earlier consultation with residents on
proposed developments.
EAR is planning a series of initiatives to raise
awareness, stimulate
debate and highlight democratic abuse. Its first act has been to
question all candidates in the forthcoming council elections about
their stance on a range of issues including, housing, Common Good,
planning and the retention of publicly owned green and leisure spaces.
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