George Street plans

THE COUNCIL'S plans to transform George Street have been welcomed by two thirds of those who responded to a survey.

Only 13% said they would drive into the city centre and 58% said they would take the bus. Those who responded (650 people) also commented on the way the street's open spaces might be used for public art, community events and small markets.

One of the key issues raised during discussions is the need for more trees, and the council is to look at this again. Feedback also drew attention to possible changes to delivery times for businesses, and also possible evening access for taxis.

The council also consulted organisations such as Living Streets, Edinburgh World Heritage and Edinburgh Access Panel who have been broadly supportive of the plans to radically alter the main city centre street with wider pavements and landscaped areas for play and relaxation. The plan is to largely remove any vehicular traffic, making the street people friendly.