Earlier this week the Leith Business Association ran a blog post that suggested that the removal of Tram information boards on Leith Walk but not apparently elsewhere lent credence to the rumours that the Tram on Leith Walk will never be built.

Given that we know that the majority of Leithers still want the Tram route to be completed to Newhaven, even if it costs more than originally anticipated, we're sure you'll be delighted to read the following statement that we recieved from TIE:

"There has been some speculation over the removal of tram information boards on Leith Walk. We can confirm that these boards are being removed from all parts of the route as part of the overall clear up of the City. Until a more definitive timetable has been agreed for the tramworks, there is little point in continuing to keep out of date notice boards on the street where they are effectively yet another piece of street furniture. We have therefore taken the decision to remove the boards. When the next phase of the works has been agreed, we will take another look at what public information mechanisms support best the needs of the communities affected.

We are still fully committed to delivering the whole route of the tram, and there has been no change in that.”

Indeed, it turns out that the first board they removed was from Shandwick Place, as confirmed by this Tweet from TIE:

We doubt many Leithers will be sorry to see the back of the Tram information boards. They were often out of date, and did just add to the street clutter on Leith Walk. However, this Evening News  article offers some hope for the project as it suggests that relations between TIE and the lead contractor, Bilfinger Berger are improving. Of course that could just be another Tram rumour...