Your views

We spent an afternoon at the City Centre Neighbourhood Office finding out what services you use, what you think of the customer service, what could be improved and what you think the big issues are in the community.

Anna Stanton, Dunedin Street

Anna was in the office to get help with her housing benefits. “I find the staff excellent,” she said. “They always answer all your questions – and there’s no queue!”

But Anna feels the city centre is dirty compared to her native Finland which, she says, is “very tidy”.

Liam Kerr, Leith

Liam was in the office for support services. He said the service was good and the system is better than in Fife, where there’s a waiting list. But he feels the Council should get “more houses for the homeless”.

Donnie Paterson, Hermand Street

Donnie was in the office requesting housing. “I thought the service was pretty good,” he said. “The woman I talked to was sound.”

He wouldn’t suggest any improvements as he said that the service has actually improved.

“Edinburgh is so busy, you just have to be patient. A few years ago, you had to wait two years for a house, now it’s just six months.”

Shukri Yonis, Inchgarvie Court

Shukri was in the office with an enquiry about her Council flat. “It’s really good. I really like it,” she said, then added with a smile, “except they charge too much rent”.

All comments have been fed back to the neighbourhood manager.

City Centre Office, 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh EH1 1BJ

Call 0131 529 7061E-mail sfcccentralneighbourhood@edinburgh.gov.uk