[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sta,—The writer of the
article in your issue of February 23rd draws a sombre picture of life in our large towns, and questions whether there is such a thing as a civic sense in this country. While it is undoubtedly true that far too little attention has been paid to civic amenities in the larger industrial towns, the writer's strictures arc too sweeping. The older University towns, including Edinburgh, may be exempted from these strictures. Recreational facilities, on which great stress is laid in the article, arc most abundantly provided in Edinburgh. For example, the total area of the public parks and open spaces here is 1,874 acres, or about 1 acre for every 225 of the popula- tion. The Corporation have laid out a magnificent golf course Di the Braid Hills, and they have provided in addition eight ether public golf courses. They have also provided 73 public
tennis courts, and 31_ public bowling greens, and they give facilities for cricket, football, hockey and other games in the public parks. They also provide public libraries and reading rooms, public baths with swimming ponds, children's gym- nasia, &e. This enumeration of recreational facilities does not take account of the provision made by private clubs and associations, which is very 'extensive. In the above respect it may be said that all classes of the population are adequately Catered for here.
While the lay-out of what was called the new town of
Edinburgh is, an example of good town planning, as under- stood at the time, and considering the' requirements of the period, there are other (newer) districts in the city where the development has been very unsatisfactory. If regard is to be had to civic amenities, in future development of cities much may be accomplished by means of well considered town- planning schemes. In this connexion I heartily endorse the view that consultation with other Local Authorities and exchange of ideas would be of great value. We have recog- nized this to some extent in Edinburgh. The Corporation have invited the assistance of citizens with special skill and knowledge, and as aresult a Consultative Committee on Town Planning, to consider and report upon the development of the city generally—in its central as well as in its outer areas—has been formed.
; Though we in Edinburgh are so well endowed by nature— we have over ten miles of sea front on our northern boundary, and the great range of the Pentland .Hills on our southern boundary—we shall still have to take care that we avoid in future development the dull, depressing monotony that is so apparent in certain parts of our city, and, alas! in too many other places less favoured than we are.—I am, Sir, &e., THOMAS B. WHITSON. .
(Chairman of Town Planning Committee.) 27 Eglinton Crescent, Edinburgh.
Previous page
