The gloves are off in Roseburn transport path stooshie

Last week I wrote about the impending tram extension public consultation plan: “The public will be asked their views on the proposed route for the tram extension and will no doubt generate some considerable feedback, both for and against – particularly from those who live alongside the tramline.”

Granted, hardly of Nostradamus proportions, but it would seem that the gloves are off already. Before the consultation period has even started interest groups have already determined what corner they are in. Despite officials only wanting to consult on part of the new line that is planned to run along the Roseburn/ Telford Path, councillors thought otherwise and decided to throw in the alternative route via Crewe Road South and Orchard Brae.

First out of the blocks was Liberal Democrat Councillor, Kevin Lang, who opined “The Telford /Roseburn path is a well-used and much loved green corridor running through the west of Edinburgh.

"It would be a travesty for such a major active travel route and important part of our natural environment to be lost for the tram extension. After all, council officers’ own assessments show other feasible options exist.

"If there was one lesson that came out from the tram inquiry it's the need for complete openness and transparency about what building tram and tram extensions means in reality."

Others have weighed in behind him with the setting up of a thousand-plus campaign group on Facebook taking off.

So, it looks like the momentum lies with the opposition to taking over the cycle path for a tramline and it is only likely to get stronger as the official consultation period opens.

It will be interesting to see how councillors line up when called upon to vote on which proposal is to be taken forward.

But given that experience tells us that it is easier to side with better organised protest groups than to defy them, it is difficult to see the Roseburn/Telford proposal gaining traction.