East Edinburgh shops are to be spruced up with a £100,000 cash injection from the city council.

The Portobello and Craigmillar Neighbourhood Partnership have agreed the funds should go towards improving the appearance of the Magdalene Drive shopping area after it came out as a top priority for residents during a consultation earlier in the year.

The shopkeepers, residents of the area and Magdalene Neighbourhood Association were asked for input into the final designs and landscaping work is due to start in early November and completed by the end of the year.

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The improvements will include adding to the existing greenery by upgrading the planters and adding shrubs and trees.

Young people and children will be invited to help with the planting of bulbs and some plants. Asphalt on the paths will be replaced and new bollards put in place. Walls will be refurbished and paving replaced.

Three new litter bins will be added as well as two seating areas. The shops will also receive a coat of anti-graffiti paint in early spring.

Jim Hunter, Manager for the East Neighbourhood said: "This street and the shops are at the hub of the community and I'm positive this investment will make a considerable difference to the look and feel of the place."

John Clark, Community Councillor for Magdalene, is part of the Project Team overseeing the work, added: "This has been on the cards for 2-4 years and now it's coming to reality. I'm pleased that there will be a big improvement here, benefiting the whole community."

(GK/BMcc)