Residents are being invited to submit their views on plans to transform the layout of Picardy Place and the surrounding area in Edinburgh.

A number of proposals are being put forward including increased provision for pedestrians and cyclists to improve safety while facilitating public transport, as well as future proofing the area for extending the tram to Newhaven, if approved next year.

Contractors are scheduled to begin enabling works this month, including the removal of the Paolozzi sculptures and Sherlock Holmes statues in the area. However, the council said this will not include any work on the construction of the layout currently under discussion.

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Two events where people can submit opinions on designs and hear from the Council on how plans have evolved since their inception are set to take place at;

• 10am to 7pm at the City Art Centre, Market Street on Tuesday, 21 November.

• 3pm to 7pm at Broughton St Mary's Parish Church, Bellevue Crescent on Wednesday, 22 November.

Views will also be sought on the piece of land at the top of Leith Walk, where a roundabout currently sits.

Cllr Lesley Macinnes said: "It is essential that we strike the right balance at this key junction, which is central to the regeneration of Edinburgh's east end.

"We've received a good deal of useful feedback on proposals which has already informed some changes to designs, but we're keen to hear more from the public. I would encourage anyone who's interested to come along to one of our information events.

"Comments and ideas gathered will help us to create a final design for Picardy Place that best meets the needs of all road users, benefiting pedestrians and cyclists while enabling the smooth flow of public transport and other traffic to and from the city."

(LM/MH)