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Edinburgh Reporter

Newbridge – no clean up as promised

The Newbridge Association is still trying to get the council to clean up their village's ancient monument after a group of travellers were moved on from the site last week. Despite assurances from the council's Transport and Environment Convener there has been no action at all from the local authority to remove any of the debris left behind. After a six week period during which two lots of travellers used the site, the residents were appalled by the rubbish left behind, and asked the council for help. Last week Transport and Environment Convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson said: 'We've taken action against an encampment at Newbridge, with sheriff officers serving a legal notice to vacate the site earlier this week. The site will now be cleared and returned to its former condition.' The villagers report there has been no action taken in the last seven days. The Newbridge Association has now written to their local MP, Christine Jardine, asking who they need to contact in order to get the matter dealt with. In the letter the Association say that they are concerned about the number of birds feeding on the waste food dumped on the site vacated on 8 July. The historical monument site at Huly Hill is on the flightpath and their worries are that there could be a possible bird strike if nothing is done to remove the mess. The villagers have already noticed rats in the area and fear a plague will result. Their letter ends: ' If they were to illegally camp on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Lauriston Castle Gardens. South Queensferry ferry Harbour, all Historical areas. these people would be forced to leave immediately ,so why does Newbridge village have to wait 6 weeks and have to get sheriff officers involved to move from our Historical Monument.' The council have been asked for comment. A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: 'A member of our Airside Operations team visited the site and advised our compliance team of the increase in gull activity. We have raised concerns with the council and asked them to expedite cleaning of the area.' Historic Environment Scotland look after the monument but the council own the land on which it stands. 10/7/2025 Huly Hill (Neolithic and Bronze Age) at Newbridge Midlothian Edinburgh where travellers were moved on and have left a real mess behind. PHOTO Alan SImpson 10/7/2025 Huly Hill (Neolithic and Bronze Age) at Newbridge Midlothian Edinburgh where travellers were moved on and have left a real mess behind. PHOTO Alan SImpson Like this: Like Related