Police to be 'told off' by Edinburgh council after blocking Princes Street Gardens path with advertising board

Police Scotland is to be told off by Edinburgh Council after blocking a footpath with an advertising board.

Edinburgh Council’s leader said such a thing ‘can’t be happening’, and she would raise the matter with the police.

Green councillor Alex Staniforth raised the issue during Thursday’s full council meeting, during a session where members asked questions of Labour council leader Jane Meagher.

He said: “Last week I sent an image of a police A-board advertising their special operations placed right in the middle of a walkway by Princes Street Gardens.

“Does the council leader think it’s appropriate for the police to be flouting at least the spirit of council rules like this, and is this what they’re spending their TVL money on?”

A significant sum from Edinburgh’s recently-passed visitor levy is to go to hiring additional policing resources for the city centre of the capital.

Cllr Meagher replied: “Thank you Councillor Staniforth, of course I don’t support the obstruction of a pathway.

“I shall make it my business to tell the police off and I’m sure that will get me somewhere.

“No, you’re absolutely right, seriously, you can’t have that happening. So yes, I agree with you.”

Later in the Thursday meeting, police provision and high rates for events cover in Edinburgh, with a motion later in the session requesting an enquiry into the matter being passed.