Demand to clean steps in ‘deplorable’ spiral of decline
FRESH demands were made today to clean-up a set of Old Town steps that have been plagued by vandals and people urinating and sleeping rough.
Labour councillor Norma Hart has lodged a motion calling for the city council to take action at the Scotsman Steps, which link North Bridge and Market Street.
The general manager of The Scotsman Hotel on North Bridge today also demanded measures to improve the steps.
The luxury hotel and the City nightclub in Market Street agreed in 2003 to pay for shutters to be installed at both entrances to the steps, to prevent access at night.
But the shutters have since been vandalised and not repaired.
Cllr Hart, who represents Liberton and Gilmerton, said
: “The condition of the Scotsman Steps is deplorable. This famous staircase has become such an embarrassment most of us are unwilling to use it.
”
Her motion, which is due to be tabled at a full council meeting on September 20, calls for the council to “recognise the iconic status and strategic importance” of the Scotsman Steps and acknowledge that “their current state is unacceptable”.
The general manager of the Scotsman Hotel, Daniel Pereira, renewed calls for the local authority to take action.
He said sturdier gates to block off the steps at night would be one option to pursue.
“The steps are currently being used as a toilet or for people to take drugs and that is a real shame when you consider the history of these steps,” Mr Pereira said.
He added: “We would be more than happy to assist the council in any way we can.”
Mark Turley, the council’s director of services for communities, said: “There is no doubt that the Scotsman Steps are a particular trouble-spot for our street cleansing taskforce, but we are doing our best to keep on top of it.
“The steps are cleared of litter on a daily basis and every second day the taskforce team cleans them using a powerful hot-wash.
“A few years ago, gates were fitted to both entrances in partnership with the Scotsman Hotel, and this strategy had a positive impact.
“Unfortunately these gates were, in time, so badly vandalised that they had to be removed.
“We welcome Cllr Hart’s motion. If passed, we would be keen to work with stakeholders to find a sustainable solution.”
