... a big "thank you" to Bob Jefferson and all at Portobello Online for conducting this poll - with thanks too, of course, to all who took the time to register their vote.
The result is overwhelmingly the correct one - and the fact that it wasn't 100% and that it involved a good number of folk, able privately to cast their electronic ballot paper, makes it all the more credible.
It's an important piece of evidence to back up my arguments against this proposed development when it comes to committee - still awaiting a date, I'm afraid.
Thanks once again.
Lawrence
Superstore - New Petrol Station - Parking - New Access
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Brian Butler
Thanks Councillor Marshall for letting us know that the result of the poll was the correct one (as opposed to the one you had hoped for). I guess if it wasn't the correct one then someone would have been guilty of massaging the figures?
I voted for the superstore, but don't consider this to have been incorrect. I was simply outvoted. But that's hardly surprising given the speculation and bias surrounding the entire issue.
I voted for the superstore, but don't consider this to have been incorrect. I was simply outvoted. But that's hardly surprising given the speculation and bias surrounding the entire issue.
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Guest
Hallelujah! After seven months and 107 posts, finally someone from the pro-superstore campaign has had the courage to raise their head over the parapet. Brian, you are a brave man. I don't agree with your comments but I defend your right to be wrong and, as has been said before, it makes for a much more interesting discussion forum if we have a variety of views.
So, what is the case FOR the superstore?
So, what is the case FOR the superstore?
SUPERSTORE
Why can Brian Butler not accept that he is in a tiny minority on the superstore issue? And does he believe that he is not biassed? Is his criticism of the campaign objective (“hystericalâ€Â
I respect every single point, but I don't agree with very many of them.
The anti-campaign can be accused of hysteria - being morbidly and uncontrollably emotional. A quick scan of these pages shows that the campaign was unofficially launched before anyone knew a single hard fact about the planning application. The prevalent attitude was along the lines of 'Let's attend public meetings and lodge objections. Does anyone know what's being proposed?' Surely a response based on pure emotion? Then again, perhaps reactionary might be more apt?
We're worried about the independent traders. Why? Given the massive support on these pages, surely the independents have nothing to fear? You said it youself, those supporting the development are in a tiny minority. Logic dictates, therefore, that very few locals will shop at the superstore and the independents will continue (?) to thrive. Unless either (i) the polls, as usual, only reflect the opinions of those with an axe to grind and aren't representative, or (ii) Surrealist's point on the Flyposting thread - 'you are what you do, not what you say' is right. Which do you fear?
I can't comment on the BRC survey. I checked their website to look for the report you mention, but gave up after half an hour. Essentially, the unqualified use of statistics worries me. Without seeing the report, how can I be sure that the nett loss of 270 jobs applies consistently across the board, or that it doesn't consist mainly of those involved in the supply chain rather than locals. This is relevant since the supply chain consists mainly of big businesses too.
The argument about a large choice of local supermarkets is true - if you have access to a car. Then you can drive to the Asdas, Tescos and Sainsburys. Let those without cars struggle onto buses with their shopping. Actually, they could choose to shop in Portobello and pay the much higher prices that those of us with cars already manage to avoid.
Walk along Portobello High Street and see how it compares with the urban villages everyone is so fond of mentioning - Corstorphine, Morningside, even Leith. They all manage to do what we can't - have thriving shopping centres with a variety of attractions. They all also have large superstores slap-bang in the centre. Unless, of course, you happen to like fast food outlets, charity shops or flyposted windows! Of course, there are exceptions of which Portobello can be proud. The ladies clothing shops and gallery spring to mind. If the butchers is truly exceptional (slightly different from having won awards) it too will survive.
I suppose the definition of backyard is open to debate. Strictly speaking, it applies to the yard at the back of a house. However if we accept that we are the community, and the superstore may be built with the bounds of the community, then it is in our backyard. To change the argument from the macro (we represent the community) to the micro (it won't be in my own personal backyard) appears selective and probably wasn't worth dignifying.
I do not actually support the development. I am simply not against it. The only strong argument I can see for opposing the development is the likely increase in traffic levels. Therefore, I will await the Traffic Impact Analysis and any proposed mitigation methods before making my final decision. On the basis that 'if you're not with us, you're against us', I guess I'll be accused of being part of some wider campaign.
My fear is that the anti-campaign is largely driven by protectionsim based on personality and is being run by, and on behalf of, the middle (chattering?) classes. I've read enough pages on this site, and had enough conversations with locals to know who's in and who's out. It just happens that those that are in are opposed to the superstore. But maybe that's because they know that they provide second rate service and won't be able to compete?
The anti-campaign can be accused of hysteria - being morbidly and uncontrollably emotional. A quick scan of these pages shows that the campaign was unofficially launched before anyone knew a single hard fact about the planning application. The prevalent attitude was along the lines of 'Let's attend public meetings and lodge objections. Does anyone know what's being proposed?' Surely a response based on pure emotion? Then again, perhaps reactionary might be more apt?
We're worried about the independent traders. Why? Given the massive support on these pages, surely the independents have nothing to fear? You said it youself, those supporting the development are in a tiny minority. Logic dictates, therefore, that very few locals will shop at the superstore and the independents will continue (?) to thrive. Unless either (i) the polls, as usual, only reflect the opinions of those with an axe to grind and aren't representative, or (ii) Surrealist's point on the Flyposting thread - 'you are what you do, not what you say' is right. Which do you fear?
I can't comment on the BRC survey. I checked their website to look for the report you mention, but gave up after half an hour. Essentially, the unqualified use of statistics worries me. Without seeing the report, how can I be sure that the nett loss of 270 jobs applies consistently across the board, or that it doesn't consist mainly of those involved in the supply chain rather than locals. This is relevant since the supply chain consists mainly of big businesses too.
The argument about a large choice of local supermarkets is true - if you have access to a car. Then you can drive to the Asdas, Tescos and Sainsburys. Let those without cars struggle onto buses with their shopping. Actually, they could choose to shop in Portobello and pay the much higher prices that those of us with cars already manage to avoid.
Walk along Portobello High Street and see how it compares with the urban villages everyone is so fond of mentioning - Corstorphine, Morningside, even Leith. They all manage to do what we can't - have thriving shopping centres with a variety of attractions. They all also have large superstores slap-bang in the centre. Unless, of course, you happen to like fast food outlets, charity shops or flyposted windows! Of course, there are exceptions of which Portobello can be proud. The ladies clothing shops and gallery spring to mind. If the butchers is truly exceptional (slightly different from having won awards) it too will survive.
I suppose the definition of backyard is open to debate. Strictly speaking, it applies to the yard at the back of a house. However if we accept that we are the community, and the superstore may be built with the bounds of the community, then it is in our backyard. To change the argument from the macro (we represent the community) to the micro (it won't be in my own personal backyard) appears selective and probably wasn't worth dignifying.
I do not actually support the development. I am simply not against it. The only strong argument I can see for opposing the development is the likely increase in traffic levels. Therefore, I will await the Traffic Impact Analysis and any proposed mitigation methods before making my final decision. On the basis that 'if you're not with us, you're against us', I guess I'll be accused of being part of some wider campaign.
My fear is that the anti-campaign is largely driven by protectionsim based on personality and is being run by, and on behalf of, the middle (chattering?) classes. I've read enough pages on this site, and had enough conversations with locals to know who's in and who's out. It just happens that those that are in are opposed to the superstore. But maybe that's because they know that they provide second rate service and won't be able to compete?
Go and live next door to it then
Its easy to see you have read and considered the arguments very carefully (not). You say you respect all the arguments and then 'very emotionally' and with a touch of 'hysteria' launch into invective against the campaign - the 300 people who came to a public meeting, the 3000 people who signed a petition, the 100's who have sent letters of objections (at least twice) and followed the rules and regulations of Planning, which must be a lot easier if you have a tidy wad of dosh (unlike ordinary people) such as developers have. Words fail me - if you have been totally unmoved by any of the arguments over the last 11 pages as to why we should not have a 24 hour, 8000 square foot superstore, with all the associated traffic, petrol station, delivery lorries of massive variety, and destruction of local shops, and community - I can assure you I won't be hanging about in a superstore car park to have a chat with pals as I do on Porty High Street - there's nothing more anyone can say to you and why waste words. You have your view - you are welcome to it.
thank you
Thank you for responding again in the same over emotional fashion as before - your case seems to be based on invective I repeat as per quote you: "My fear is that the anti-campaign is largely driven by protectionsim based on personality and is being run by, and on behalf of, the middle (chattering?) classes. I've read enough pages on this site, and had enough conversations with locals to know who's in and who's out. It just happens that those that are in are opposed to the superstore. But maybe that's because they know that they provide second rate service and won't be able to compete?" Ned
This is hardly the stuff to sway us to your cause is it.....
This is hardly the stuff to sway us to your cause is it.....
LATEST SURVEYS FOR APPLICATION
The latest sureveys to do with the planning application are now available on the Council’s Planning and Building Control portal on their website.
The two surveys are:
a preliminary investigation of potentially contaminated land and
the revised transport assessment.
To view them go to "planning applications" and put in the application no (03/03021/OUT), press "click to view" on the RHS of the screen, then click on "view associated documents" on the red tab at the top. You'll see another "view associated documents" button. Click on that and then you'll see the documents listed.
The Council does not intend holding another public consultation exercise as they feel all points have been raised and are considered material to the case, however, if people believe there are further points to be made pertaining to the surveys then by all means write in again.
The two surveys are:
a preliminary investigation of potentially contaminated land and
the revised transport assessment.
To view them go to "planning applications" and put in the application no (03/03021/OUT), press "click to view" on the RHS of the screen, then click on "view associated documents" on the red tab at the top. You'll see another "view associated documents" button. Click on that and then you'll see the documents listed.
The Council does not intend holding another public consultation exercise as they feel all points have been raised and are considered material to the case, however, if people believe there are further points to be made pertaining to the surveys then by all means write in again.
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administrator
- [admin]
- Posts: 208
- Joined: 11 Nov 2002, 22:40
Porty Protest Group Uncover Ticking Traffic Time Bomb
I have been asked to post the following press release by Dickie Alexander, chair of CATS:
The Portobello group CATS ( campaign against the superstore) has produced evidence indicating that the siting of a superstore at the Scottish Power site in Portobello will cause an increase in local traffic leading to gridlock in the immediate area by 2006. Chairman of CATS, Dickie Alexander stated “ When we saw the traffic figures submitted by the applicants, Duddingston Properties, they looked suspiciously low.We commissioned our own study and the results are extremely disturbing showing that junctions along Portobello High Street cannot cope with the existing traffic volume at many times of the day. Extrapolating the present traffic figures to 2006 (which is when the developers hope to open the superstore) coupled with the extra traffic engendered by the superstore, indicates that there would be an extremely serious problem which will not only bring the neighbourhood to a grinding halt but will be an environmental and social nightmareâ€Â
The Portobello group CATS ( campaign against the superstore) has produced evidence indicating that the siting of a superstore at the Scottish Power site in Portobello will cause an increase in local traffic leading to gridlock in the immediate area by 2006. Chairman of CATS, Dickie Alexander stated “ When we saw the traffic figures submitted by the applicants, Duddingston Properties, they looked suspiciously low.We commissioned our own study and the results are extremely disturbing showing that junctions along Portobello High Street cannot cope with the existing traffic volume at many times of the day. Extrapolating the present traffic figures to 2006 (which is when the developers hope to open the superstore) coupled with the extra traffic engendered by the superstore, indicates that there would be an extremely serious problem which will not only bring the neighbourhood to a grinding halt but will be an environmental and social nightmareâ€Â
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Guest
Hmm, this thread seems to have lost some impetus. I'm rather disappointed that no-one has responded directly to the points made by 'Ned Ludd' in his recent post. As the first (and only) person to dare to speak AGAINST the campaign his arguments merit inspection, and should have sparked an interesting discussion. There is a real debate here and I'm sure there are people in the 'Don't know' category who want to hear it. I think it's over to you 'dccairns'!
Hmm
Perhaps DCC is a bit busy campaigning against the superstore and working fantastically hard - to try to persuade someone who has already read 11 pages of many people's views and decided we are all a bit over emotional or whatever - if not persuaded now, well I respect that person's right to hold those views - but really not worth a lot more info being put on here unless its new info...
I've kept silent up to now (mainly because I can get a nasty allergic reaction to self appointed community representatives who think they have a hot line to the feelings of an entire community and because I'm wary of the backlash which will inevitably hit me) because I can see both advantages and disadvantages to the superstore. However , Ned's post echoed a few of my views so here goes.
For me, the pros outweigh the cons and believe me, there are plenty of people in Porty who can't wait for a "superstore" to be built. What about the poor, the pensioners, the carless?
You people with cars have the choice to be able to pop up to Asda or Safeway.
Where do I get fresh tarragon for my roast chicken on a Sunday - Not Scotmid that's for sure!!!!!
If Scotmid was YOUR only option what would your attitude be??
What if the superstore brought people IN to Portobello??
Local businesses claim to offer quality goods and services.
If they can't keep their share of the market, when they are never done boasting about the quality of their product and their local service then perhaps they deserve to go to the wall. It's called "Capitalism". They should have some faith in their product. If they're good enough, they'll survive. If not then they go to the wall. Thats the way it works.
REAL entrepreneurs would embrace the opportunity.
I know (because I've spoken to them) that there are other people out there who think like me that given the present nature of the planning laws Porty is probably on a hiding to nothing with regard to this application.
If the superstore does goes ahead then the "Say No to the Superstore" campaign can start to put pressure on the council and the developers to mitigate some of the more serious environmental effects you doom-merchants are predicting.
For me, the pros outweigh the cons and believe me, there are plenty of people in Porty who can't wait for a "superstore" to be built. What about the poor, the pensioners, the carless?
You people with cars have the choice to be able to pop up to Asda or Safeway.
Where do I get fresh tarragon for my roast chicken on a Sunday - Not Scotmid that's for sure!!!!!
If Scotmid was YOUR only option what would your attitude be??
What if the superstore brought people IN to Portobello??
Local businesses claim to offer quality goods and services.
If they can't keep their share of the market, when they are never done boasting about the quality of their product and their local service then perhaps they deserve to go to the wall. It's called "Capitalism". They should have some faith in their product. If they're good enough, they'll survive. If not then they go to the wall. Thats the way it works.
REAL entrepreneurs would embrace the opportunity.
I know (because I've spoken to them) that there are other people out there who think like me that given the present nature of the planning laws Porty is probably on a hiding to nothing with regard to this application.
If the superstore does goes ahead then the "Say No to the Superstore" campaign can start to put pressure on the council and the developers to mitigate some of the more serious environmental effects you doom-merchants are predicting.
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Guest
Carla - here are two of the pics you emailed me recently. I was offline yesterday so this is the first chance I've had to post them. I will be happy to post a selection of photos from tomorrow's event so please email them ASAP.
(I have now removed these photos as Surrealist has since posted them on another thread.)
(I have now removed these photos as Surrealist has since posted them on another thread.)
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Guest
Ali - clearly there are local people who think the superstore is a good idea and your views on this subject are welcome on this board. I can understand your reluctance to post when the poll so clearly shows that you are in a minority, but it doesn't make for much of a discussion unless we hear both sides of the debate. I think the way to win over people like yourself is through reasoned argument, rather than beating you over the head with tired old slogans.
The carless - OK, let's be honest. For those people who currently travel by bus to Asda or wherever, this might be handier, although shopping habits tend to be ingrained. However, many other people (myself included) do have access to a car but nevertheless choose to shop locally.
Scotmid does sell a limited selection of fresh herbs, as do some of the local fruit and veg shops. I'm sure they would be happy to stock fresh tarragon if you (and people like you) were willing to buy it. Let's start a new thread - 'Things we would like Scotmid to stock' and I will alert the Head of Retail.
The superstore will attract people to the superstore, predominantly by car, who will do their shopping and leave. There will be no spin-off for local business - we all know that.
Regular readers of this forum will know that I feel that local traders don't do NEARLY enough to promote themselves (with a couple of obvious exceptions) and the fact that they can't get it together to form a traders association, at a time when their very existence is under threat, or to have a representative on the Community Council is very disappointing. However, I think that the High Street is slowly improving and I remain optimistic that someone will step forward to unite the retail and small business community. To survive, local traders need support and encouragement. I don't want to live in a world governed solely by market forces, otherwise I'd relocate to the US.
For me, the doom-mongers are those who seem to think the superstore is an inevitablility. I don't believe it will ever be built and I look forward to a busy and thriving 21st century Portobello High Street at the heart of the community with fresh tarragon for your roast chicken, which I hope will be of the free-range variety stocked by Findlays. TIP - they come in on a Thursday and sell out quickly. More expensive than your intensively farmed supermarket factory product but worth every penny!
The carless - OK, let's be honest. For those people who currently travel by bus to Asda or wherever, this might be handier, although shopping habits tend to be ingrained. However, many other people (myself included) do have access to a car but nevertheless choose to shop locally.
Scotmid does sell a limited selection of fresh herbs, as do some of the local fruit and veg shops. I'm sure they would be happy to stock fresh tarragon if you (and people like you) were willing to buy it. Let's start a new thread - 'Things we would like Scotmid to stock' and I will alert the Head of Retail.
The superstore will attract people to the superstore, predominantly by car, who will do their shopping and leave. There will be no spin-off for local business - we all know that.
Regular readers of this forum will know that I feel that local traders don't do NEARLY enough to promote themselves (with a couple of obvious exceptions) and the fact that they can't get it together to form a traders association, at a time when their very existence is under threat, or to have a representative on the Community Council is very disappointing. However, I think that the High Street is slowly improving and I remain optimistic that someone will step forward to unite the retail and small business community. To survive, local traders need support and encouragement. I don't want to live in a world governed solely by market forces, otherwise I'd relocate to the US.
For me, the doom-mongers are those who seem to think the superstore is an inevitablility. I don't believe it will ever be built and I look forward to a busy and thriving 21st century Portobello High Street at the heart of the community with fresh tarragon for your roast chicken, which I hope will be of the free-range variety stocked by Findlays. TIP - they come in on a Thursday and sell out quickly. More expensive than your intensively farmed supermarket factory product but worth every penny!
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Guest
Link to yesterday's EN article:
http://news.scotsman.com/archive.cfm?id=376862004
Congratulations to everyone involved in this morning's demo. Good speeches, great sausages! Hope to get some photos up later today.
http://news.scotsman.com/archive.cfm?id=376862004
Congratulations to everyone involved in this morning's demo. Good speeches, great sausages! Hope to get some photos up later today.
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Guest
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Hawkeye
Ali is very interesting in developing a ‘nasty allergic reaction to self appointed community representatives’ because this obviously allows him/her to speak for the poor, the pensioners and the carless. Many poor pensioners already enjoy good access to supermarkets by bus, to Tesco, Asda, Safeways, Sainsburys to name just half of the supermarkets already a few minutes ride away. It’s disingenuous to believe that hordes of poor pensioners would be tramping along the High Street to any new superstore.
Bob has already stated that Scotmid provide a range of fresh herbs, although as with all supermarkets the term fresh is relative. And yes, I really do hope that Ali’s chicken was free range from a verifiable source and not from the far east, transported, re-packaged and sell by date adjusted.
Ali has not followed the arguments based on actual studies of the effects of edge of town supermarket developments on existing shopping areas. Superstores do not bring shoppers into the existing shopping area because they are designed for the car owning middle chattering classes who drive to the superstore, load up with a fortnight’s or month’s provisions and then drive out again. I thought that the Thatcherite ‘Capitalism’ experiment in the UK had been rejected by the majority of the population. Uncontrolled capitalism serves a very few - and certainly not the poor pensioner. The supermarkets are so powerful in controlling the supply of food and other commodities in this country that checks have to be put in place to try to balance this. One check is to prevent superstores being built close to existing shopping centres and squeezing them to death with their loss-leaders.
I’m glad that Ali recognises that given the present nature of the planning laws that Porty is probably on a hiding to nothing - especially with the evidence of recent planning decisions. However, we can but try to influence those who take planning decisions in the imperfect democratic system in which we live. No one has a hotline to the feelings of an entire community - how can they tap into a non existent consensus. But, during the last seven months since the application was lodged, of those who have expressed feelings on the superstore, there is a huge majority of local people, including poor pensioners, against the proposal. Remember, the best way of mitigating the serious environmental and social effects of the superstore is to oppose its construction in the first place. Come on Ali, join us in this.
Bob has already stated that Scotmid provide a range of fresh herbs, although as with all supermarkets the term fresh is relative. And yes, I really do hope that Ali’s chicken was free range from a verifiable source and not from the far east, transported, re-packaged and sell by date adjusted.
Ali has not followed the arguments based on actual studies of the effects of edge of town supermarket developments on existing shopping areas. Superstores do not bring shoppers into the existing shopping area because they are designed for the car owning middle chattering classes who drive to the superstore, load up with a fortnight’s or month’s provisions and then drive out again. I thought that the Thatcherite ‘Capitalism’ experiment in the UK had been rejected by the majority of the population. Uncontrolled capitalism serves a very few - and certainly not the poor pensioner. The supermarkets are so powerful in controlling the supply of food and other commodities in this country that checks have to be put in place to try to balance this. One check is to prevent superstores being built close to existing shopping centres and squeezing them to death with their loss-leaders.
I’m glad that Ali recognises that given the present nature of the planning laws that Porty is probably on a hiding to nothing - especially with the evidence of recent planning decisions. However, we can but try to influence those who take planning decisions in the imperfect democratic system in which we live. No one has a hotline to the feelings of an entire community - how can they tap into a non existent consensus. But, during the last seven months since the application was lodged, of those who have expressed feelings on the superstore, there is a huge majority of local people, including poor pensioners, against the proposal. Remember, the best way of mitigating the serious environmental and social effects of the superstore is to oppose its construction in the first place. Come on Ali, join us in this.
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Guest
More photos of today's demo, this time by Jane Seagrave, at:
http://www.porty.org.uk/planet_porty/su ... /index.htm
http://www.porty.org.uk/planet_porty/su ... /index.htm
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Surrealist
Edinburgh East SSP have a page of photos from todays demo up at :
http://www.edinburgh-east-ssp.org/ssp_photos/pcats/
here are a few of them, including some famous faces
(from left to right - Mark Ballard, Dickie Alexander, Caroline Hosking, Gavin Strang, Tony Blair (seated), Susan Deacon, Colin Fox)
http://www.edinburgh-east-ssp.org/ssp_photos/pcats/
here are a few of them, including some famous faces
(from left to right - Mark Ballard, Dickie Alexander, Caroline Hosking, Gavin Strang, Tony Blair (seated), Susan Deacon, Colin Fox)
I had drafted a long response to some recent posts, when the photographs of the demo were posted and a new thought struck me.
Based on the facts and figures throughout this thread, it's obvious that the majority of people in Portobello oppose the superstore. I guess the next question is - how much do they oppose it?
3,000 people oppose it enough to sign a piece of paper which is presented to them (i.e. if they don't have to make any sort of an effort).
200 people oppose it enough to attend meetings in warm halls or make representations to the Council (i.e. limited effort, comfortable surroundings).
But, looking at the photographs, only a couple of dozen people oppose it enough to demonstrate (i.e. make reasonable effort). In fact, a good proportion of them were children which makes it even less impressive. One very young child did appear to have some inside knowledge though - when did 'Tesco' become involved?
So, is it possible that the majority of people in Portobello are mildly opposed to the store, with only a small number strongly opposed? Just a thought.
Based on the facts and figures throughout this thread, it's obvious that the majority of people in Portobello oppose the superstore. I guess the next question is - how much do they oppose it?
3,000 people oppose it enough to sign a piece of paper which is presented to them (i.e. if they don't have to make any sort of an effort).
200 people oppose it enough to attend meetings in warm halls or make representations to the Council (i.e. limited effort, comfortable surroundings).
But, looking at the photographs, only a couple of dozen people oppose it enough to demonstrate (i.e. make reasonable effort). In fact, a good proportion of them were children which makes it even less impressive. One very young child did appear to have some inside knowledge though - when did 'Tesco' become involved?
So, is it possible that the majority of people in Portobello are mildly opposed to the store, with only a small number strongly opposed? Just a thought.
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Surrealist
THANKS
It was great to see 150 locals of all ages, our local MP, MSP and councillor plus two other MSPs at the demo on Saturday. Thanks to all of you who generously donated £100 to the collection. And let's not forget the generous donation of sausages by Joe Findlay to the assembled crowd, which included a couple of vegetarians who lapsed - but only for a moment!
Superstore campaigns
For anyone who didn't see it, have a quick read of the article in yesterday's Sunday Herald on Walmart and also campaigns against the huge developments of superstores, overwhelming small towns and cities in the USA - at http://www.sundayherald.com/41211
It makes horrific reading, especially the treatment of staff, but also cheering to note that there are many campaigns against superstores out there - lots of people realise the many down sides of a monopolistic capitalistic development of this size in their midst - effects on jobs, local communities including shops, staff conditions and also what people can buy locally and for what price and of what quality.....this is not choice in my way of thinking.
It makes horrific reading, especially the treatment of staff, but also cheering to note that there are many campaigns against superstores out there - lots of people realise the many down sides of a monopolistic capitalistic development of this size in their midst - effects on jobs, local communities including shops, staff conditions and also what people can buy locally and for what price and of what quality.....this is not choice in my way of thinking.
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Guest
Speaking to Joe Findlay this afternoon. Hmm, what shall I do with my chicken this week? I did tarragon last week (dried admittedly) - any suggestions? Sorry, I digress.....Joe was telling me that the superstore demo (and his sausages) had got a mention on Terry Wogan's radio show! Did anyone hear this? Maybe we could get him to post a message of support? How about some local celebs - Gail Porter, Shirley Manson?
MY CHICKADEE
In answer to Bob's question about what to do with his chicken, why not put slivers of garlic and rosemary under the skin on the breast and underneath, brush wih olive oil and season well? The rosemary and garlic infuse the meat beautifully. Maybe we should start a cookery thread. Is this a takeover bid by the WI?
And for those who have difficulty getting their hand on fresh herbs, why not grow your own? Most are very easy to grow in the garden or on the windowsill.
And for those who have difficulty getting their hand on fresh herbs, why not grow your own? Most are very easy to grow in the garden or on the windowsill.
twiddling our thumbs!
interesting tips - do they work for quorn?! probably - I guess we are biding our time while the Planners decide on a date for the superstore planning application/s to come to committee and what decision they are going to recommend - hopefully rejection but nothing is certain - we are geared up for a big leaflet of the entire area, door to door, and would welcome additional leafletters - contact infa@pcats.org.uk with your details if you would like to do leafletting - Carla
PS I grow Bazil and coriander on my window sill v successfully - very nice to have a passing sniff - reminds me of greek hols....perhaps we could have a herb garden on the SP site along with affordable housing, skatepark, c centre, grass etc! actually just wanted an excuse to use this emoticon..
PS I grow Bazil and coriander on my window sill v successfully - very nice to have a passing sniff - reminds me of greek hols....perhaps we could have a herb garden on the SP site along with affordable housing, skatepark, c centre, grass etc! actually just wanted an excuse to use this emoticon..
globalise local resistance!
....the slogan of Globalise Resistance is 'Think Global, Act Local' - well we seem to have someone who is supporting our local campaign who is applying it in a global way! thanks to whoever it is - I thought I was in Portobello for one minute this afternoon....a poster for Stop the Superstore (1st Edition, luminous yellow paper) spotted in a flat window above shoe shop on corner of Princes Street and Hanover Street - really great - having got home I'm wondering if my eyes deceived me and I just thought I saw it - please let me know! I don't think I am dreaming this up...love to know if this is in solidarity with Porty or if it is proving useful as a tool against some other superstore or all superstores (I can go with that! - see article about Walmart above - I'm not against supermarkets but am if they are the size of football pitches or bigger! ie superstores.....) 
still no news from planners - C
still no news from planners - C
I was on the phone to my mum the other night and she'd heard a rumour that Wetherspoons wanted to open a pub in the shopping centre complex?
Not had a chance to look at the planning application to see if there would be space for it, but if so, I bet the Porty publicans will be out in full force!
James
Not had a chance to look at the planning application to see if there would be space for it, but if so, I bet the Porty publicans will be out in full force!
James
Well if might make the Publicans sit up and take some notice as well! (since I'm in a ranting moodJamesie wrote:I was on the phone to my mum the other night and she'd heard a rumour that Wetherspoons wanted to open a pub in the shopping centre complex?
Not had a chance to look at the planning application to see if there would be space for it, but if so, I bet the Porty publicans will be out in full force!
James
). Apart from the Ormelie and the Bedford the pubs in Portobello are the pits.SUPERSTORE UPDATE
The latest on the superstore planning application is that the planning officer is waiting for the transport officer’s report. Once he receives this, it will take approximately another three weeks for the application to go to committee. This means that it may be heard sometime this month, or it may be next month. Once we have received confirmation of the date of the planning committee meeting, we will let people know as quickly as possible.
For those who remain unconvinced about the damaging effect supermarkets have on our lives, eminent food writer Joanna Blythman has a new book out on Wednesday, entitled “Shopped: The Shocking Power of British Supermarkets" (Fourth Estate).
For those who remain unconvinced about the damaging effect supermarkets have on our lives, eminent food writer Joanna Blythman has a new book out on Wednesday, entitled “Shopped: The Shocking Power of British Supermarkets" (Fourth Estate).
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Guest
While we await an update on the Superstore application, good news for local butchers, as reported recently at:
http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/in ... 0519165550
Findlays has been enjoying a lot of high profile publicity recently and the next TV chef to pay homage to his haggis is Ainsley Harriott, who will be filming at the shop on 1 July for his forthcoming TV series '50 Things to Eat Before You Die.'
Remember - you read it here first!
http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/in ... 0519165550
Findlays has been enjoying a lot of high profile publicity recently and the next TV chef to pay homage to his haggis is Ainsley Harriott, who will be filming at the shop on 1 July for his forthcoming TV series '50 Things to Eat Before You Die.'
Remember - you read it here first!
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Guest