Edinburgh's City Centre Neighbourhood Partnership launched an ambitious three-year community plan at the City Chambers yesterday. The event also played host to an interesting exhibition of nursery school children's photos of what they think is 'good' and 'bad' about the city.

The main aim of the plan is to improve the quality of life for people living in the City Centre by developing programmes of activities and initiatives with other partners such as the Police and the NHS which will deliver better neighbourhood services.

The plan has been drawn up following a series of consultation events that involved listening to a wide range of city centre residents, workers, students, and visitors who told us what they think are the issues affecting the quality of life in the area. These included:

• Improving the cleanliness of city centre streets and public areas
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• Protecting, supporting and promoting the smaller retail areas in the city centre
• Improving city centre pavements, roads, and drainage
• Providing a more visible police presence in the city centre
• The city centre remaining a living city centre where residents have access to a full range of services

The plan deals with how the different Partnership members will address these issues over the next three years. Goals will be broken down into short, medium and long term actions so improvements can be measured over the three years.

A photographic exhibition of competition entries highlighting the 'good' and 'bad' aspects of the city centre as seen through the eyes of the children who attend the Grassmarket Nursery School will offer an interesting insight to another view of the city centre. Images of graffiti, litter and empty cider bottles are examples of the 'bad' category. The children thought green and clean things were nice, in particular play areas and parks.

Charles Dundas, Chair of the City Centre Neighbourhood Partnership said: "This three-year plan will make a big impact on the city centre. Sometimes people forget that this area is home for many besides being a thriving business district and transport hub. By working together we can improve life in the city centre for all those who live, work, study and visit our beautiful and historic city."

(GK/JM)