I've had a leaflet through my door and my wife was telling me that there is a petition going about suggesting that there is a possibility that the pedestrian precinct in Penicuik might be opened up to traffic. I also understand that one of the reasons behind the proposal may be to provide car parking for the new flats that are being built. Is this the case? I'm not sure that it would be a good idea to open it up again and it would definitely be a bad idea to allow parking as the width of street is too narrow as it is. Does anyone have any more information about what is being proposed?

As far as I know the Cooncil have pushing to get the precinct open for a while now but I haven't heard more about it recently. Its seems stupid doing it now, they developer has just spent all that money on the wonderful Obstacle course that is now the main part of the shopping centre. really can't see it happening. I know years ago someone tried to build flats where Edwards was (where the new flats are now) and they were refused as there was no parking/access to the properties. So I don't understand why they were allowed to build these flats now - who knows

The cooncil have been considering this for a few years now but I don't see any chance of it happening with the current financial situation (ie: they are skint!)
The fact that the sale of Jackson Street school has fallen through along with the lack of progress at Ladywood and Eastfield sites also make it likely to be another of those "much-discussed-but-never-happen" schemes we so often hear about in Penicuik

You're right, if they do have any spare money they should be spending it on fixing the Roslyn-Rosewell road instead.

Really don't know what reopening to traffic would achieve. On another note I noticed today that the empty shop next to the takeaway at the 'tower shops' is being worked on which what looks like a counter on the inside - any ideas?

hold on to your hats - I have heard that the new shop at the tower is going to be an Itailian deli/cafe.

See that there is more about the precinct idea in this month's Town Crier. The vast majority of people seem to be opposed to the plans which may mean that the cooncil will try to go ahead with them since that is their usual form of "consultation". It does seem crazy when a lot of money has just been spent resurfacing the road and putting in crossings.

Although not unexpected, this seems to confirm that people do not want the pedestrian area opened up again http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/latestnews/Ban-on-traffic-should-remain.5554755.jp

To all you people that complain about the amount of take-aways/cafes/hairdressers in Penicuik, just what sort of businesses do you want anyway?

corner shops ,abody neds a corner som times

Looks like we can have a serious debate here then!

A decent electrical and clothes shop would be nice. A newsagents would also be useful but that's been tried and the neds disagreed

I think if McColls was profitable enough then the owners would of invested in improved security. Most people get there paper on the way to work anyway. Or from grocery stores - Sommerfields sell papers, only a stones throw from McColls. Electrical - think most people prefer comet, currys etc at the out of town retail parks as they can float from one to another to compare prices, either that or they shop online. Ditto for clothes - at kinnaird you got next, new look etc etc.

Dont get me wrong I am in favour of vibrant town centres, but people shop with there feet (or cars!) and they seem to choose not to shop in town centres. I wouldnt blame the businesses, blame the residents.