The beleaguered Edinburgh Trams project lost another key member of its team, it was announced today. Director of Communications and Customer Services for Tie, Mandy Haeburn-Little will step down following two years of working on the project. The announcement follows a series of recent resignations and growing doubts about the future of the project.
In a statement, Edinburgh Trams said:
"Mandy has been an essential part of the senior team since her appointment in June 2009, spearheading new and exciting ways to promote Edinburgh, it’s (sic) businesses and the world renown festival seasons throughout the tram works which included the Edinburgh Sparkles campaign and City Branding Initiative."
In speaking about her resignation, Mandy Haeburn-Little said: “Now that progress on construction has restarted and, with it, an anticipated review of the project, I feel that this is the most appropriate time to consider the communications activity required going forward. I have lived and breathed trams for two years now and, whilst there will never be an entirely ideal time to move on, I believe this is the right juncture. I would particularly like to pay tribute to my team who have been exceptional, my colleagues and to the many stakeholders across the city with whom I have really enjoyed working in the past 2 years.”
Cllr Gordon Mackenzie, City of Edinburgh Council Transport Convener said the PR chief's role had been "invaluable" in building and sustaining stakeholder relationships particularly with the business community.
"While the project has had a torrid time over the past 2 years it is widely acknowledged that her skilled and professional approach made a positive difference to how the project engaged with its supporters and critics alike," said Mackenzie.
Denzil Skinner, Chair, Essential Edinburgh, added:
"Mandy joined the tram project well after works began and under challenging circumstances. She has always listened and understood the issues faced by the many City Centre business and through her considerable personal effort achieved an enormous amount. Mandy will be missed as will her optimism and can do attitude. I wish her well.”
Haeburn-Little will remain in the role until the end of July working with traders and stakeholders in the run up to the recommencement of trams work on Princes Street and to help oversee the project’s ongoing review of the governance.
Edinburgh Trams said there will be no further comment or interviews relating to the announcement.