New Portobello High School - PPAG Judicial Review

[seanie]

[Porty]

I thought Betty Windsor was Gillian Dunn.

[Epykat]

[seanie]

Which opinion in particular?

[Porty]

[seanie]

It is a little astonishing.

[seanie]

[Porty]

I don't believe the Deputy Director - were he looking for an "honest and trustworthy third party" why on earth would he be writing to PPAG?

[Porty]

Hot off the press : PPAG are rumoured to be planning a "recruitment " event the second weekend in April in order to garner support for an appeal.

[storky]

Surely it would make more sense for PPAG to have a fund raising event to pay for the Council's legal expenses that have been incurred so far? I certainly hope that our Councillors are going to pursue these costs.

I have challenged my local Councillors to obtain legal costs from PPAG. I would urge others to do likewise.

[seanie]

The possibilty of the Council pursuing them for costs may not have occured to PPAG yet, although I understand that the Council generally don't.

[seanie]

[Chas]

[Porty]

Bravo Seanie!

i believe there is one thing on which both pro-school and PPAG can agree. We are all glad you are on our side.

[Epykat]

[seanie]

To be fair, the Portobello Park Action Group has achieved something. They were the ones who raised the issue of Common Good status in the first place, without which that status of the land wouldn't have been established. Whilst PPAG may not recognise it at the moment, that is an added protection for the land; it makes it more difficult to sell, more difficult to lease, and difficult to use for any function that isn't of benefit to the community in general. So there is at least one positive to come out of their campaign.

[Doris]

Does anyone know if PPAG intend to appeal the decision? Thought the deadline was today......

[seanie]

Not heard anything. May not know for sure till Thursday.

[joeshmoe]

[seanie]

If there us no challenge (and given PPAG's track record they'll leave anything till the last minute) then the Council will most likely approve the contract at their April meeting. They did however approve £200,000 towards initial works to speed up the process if successful in court, so they could start work prior to then.

[Porty]

I think PPAG are still planning the "recruitment/funding" event in April, pinning their hopes on legal precedent.

[storky]

One local councillor has informed that he is consulting with the councillors solicitors about seeking legal costs from PPAG.

I also discussed this matter with Kenny Macaskill as this is within his constituency, plus he is well qualified to comment on legal matters. Kenny's opinion was 'It’s obviously a matter for the council but the standard rule in court proceedings is that expenses follow success. I cannot see any reason why the council should desist from that.'

[Porty]

If they have to stump up costs it will be a real kick in the nuts. Let nut kicking commence.......

[joeshmoe]

[Betty Windsor]

We can expect a press release tomorrow, I'm told.

[Bob Jefferson]

A press release from PPAG?

[Betty Windsor]

I believe so.

[seanie]

Go on, give us a hint...

[Makaveli]

I know alot of local people that are writing to their local councillor asking that costs be chased in this case.

[joeshmoe]

What's our councillors email address, I'd like to write to them to ask for costs to be claimed as well

[Porty]

[storky]

Joeshmoe, these are the email addresses of the Councillors (that I could find) in the two local wards. I would also cc Kenny Macaskill, as he has expressed an interest.

michael.bridgman@edinburgh.gov.uk
maureen.child@edinburgh.gov.uk
stephen.hawkins@edinburgh.gov.uk
ewan.aitken@edinburgh.gov.uk
gary.peacock@edinburgh.gov.uk
stefan.tymkewycz@edinburgh.gov.uk
Kenny.MacAskill.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

[storky]

Would I be correct in assuming the Councils legal expenses incurred thus far could be obtained under the freedom of information act?

[wangi]

[Makaveli]

Wangi you are correct that is probably the fairest way of dealing with it.