Ninewells Hospital parking charges - a further update #dundeewestend

As residents will be aware, I welcomed the final abolition of parking charges at Ninewells Hospital, having campaigned against them for many years.      

The charges have acted as a tax on ill-health - as Ninewells is a hospital serving a large region and for many patients and visitors, particularly from outwith Dundee, public transport options to Ninewells are often limited or non-existent.

Additionally, however, the charges have resulted in many vehicles parked on adjacent residential streets.

Scottish Government made a promise to abolish all hospital parking charges back in 2007.   It may have come 14 years late, but the decision to not reimpose charges after their initially temporary suspension due to the COVID health emergency, is welcome.

I did raise a number of questions with the Head of Soft Facilities at NHS Tayside as follows :

1. That there will still be an enforcement presence within the hospital grounds/car parks?

2. How NHS Tayside will try to ensure no further spillage of vehicles onto adjacent streets?

3. Question 2 above really arises from staff member concerns about what they perceive to be inadequate staff spaces.     Can you give reassurance on capacity for NHS Tayside staff at Ninewells going forward?

He has since responded as follows :

"I can confirm that there is a parking control system in place which has been enhanced over the years in conjunction with staff-side colleagues and external partners to support effective management of our car parks.  Furthermore, we are now arranging a further review that will ensure that the free parking regime continues to operate efficiently and effectively for maximum benefit for all patients, visitors and staff.

 

At Ninewells we have 2383 car parking spaces on site and we are regularly at full capacity during peak periods.  The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how people travel and it is also predicted that with the permanent removal of charges, car parking at Ninewells could become more challenging.  I would like to give you reassurance we are taking all reasonable steps to manage parking within the Ninewells campus.

 

The vast majority of spaces are available for NHS staff, however we have recently reintroduced dedicated short stay car parks for patients and visitors to help ensure turnover of cars so that spaces are available throughout the day. The initial feedback has been very positive and we will continue to monitor to ensure that parking continues to be managed efficiently and effectively to benefit patients, visitors and staff.

 

NHS Tayside will continue to engage with local authority, other NHS Boards, travel planning and public transport organisations to ensure that best solutions are adopted wherever possible to support access to hospital facilities.

 

I hope the above provides you with assurance that there are plans in place to effectively manage parking on the Ninewells site."

I will, of course, continue to keep a close eye on this and resopnd to any residents' concerns around the Ninewells parking issue. 

Dundee Green Walk tomorrow! #dundeewestend

Friends of the Earth Tayside is organising the Dundee Green Walk tomorrow - Saturday 18 September - in conjunction with the University of Dundee Botanic Garden, where it will start (at 10 am) and finish.

It is being held to highlight the Climate Emergency in the run-up to the COP26 UN Climate Conference in November, and is supported by the Tayside COP26 Coalition.

It's free to take part and is 6 km (3.7 miles) with only a couple of gentle slopes.

There will be speakers to welcome you to the Ninewells Community Garden and the Riverside Nature Park, and tell you something about the importance of Dundee's green spaces for biodiversity and tackling climate change.

You can go to hear the talks without walking the whole route, if you wish, at the times indicated.

There will also be a "walk-and-talk" at 2pm at the Botanic Garden, where you can spend the rest of the day, at no cost, other than any refreshments at the cafe.

Getting things done - Union Place #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted with me the overgrown foliage around the Union Place car park and the need for a tidy up of the car park and surrounding area.

I have raised this with the car parking and environment teams at the City Council, calling for a tidy up.

Getting things done - Roseangle #dundeewestend

Residents have complained to me that the small lane to the east of of 29 Roseangle is so overgrown it is almost impossible to go up it. 

I raised this with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership get the foliage cut back and this has now been done.

Ward surgeries return today!

As residents know, councillors were not able to hold their weekly ward surgeries at schools and libraries since the start of the COVID-19 health emergency, but I am pleased to advise of the one new weekly ward surgery I am now able to start.

From today - Tuesday 14th September - and during school term times, my new surgery time and location is :

Tuesdays at 3.30pm prompt at Blackness Library

All welcome and no need to book.    The library has appropriate safety measures in place to ensure a COVID-safe environment, including hand sanitisers and use of face coverings.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-related restrictions and venue availability, my very long-standing surgeries at Blackness Primary School’s staff room and at the Mitchell Street Centre will no longer be possible.

However, once access to school premises for councillors’ surgeries is again permitted with COVID restrictions easing, I hope that, later in the autumn,  I will be returning to a surgery at Harris Academy.   I hope to also run one at Ancrum Road Primary School. 

Both will also take place on Tuesdays – with details to follow.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD – WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2021

A90 Kingsway (at Invergowrie roundabout) – lane closures for 4 weeks for third party works.

Glamis Road (at Elliot Road) – temporary traffic lights on Monday 13 September for BT work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Lochee Road (at Tullideph Road) – temporary traffic lights from Friday 16 September for one day for advertising board installation.

South Tay Street – temporary traffic lights from Monday 20 September for 2 weeks for footway works.

Nethergate (West Marketgait to South Tay Street) – closed on Tuesday 21 and Tuesday 28 September for Scottish Water investigation work.

Lochee Road (at Balgayview Gardens) – temporary traffic lights from Friday 24 September for one week for SGN work.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Getting things done - school crossing patroller - Milnbank Road #dundeewestend

The school crossing patroller on Milnbank Road near Milnbank Gardens recently retired.

Tayside Contracts, who provide the service for the City Council, has not replaced the patroller, saying the crossing does not meet its criteria for allowing a crossing, in terms of pupils using it and vehicle movements.

I am very unhappy about this decision becuase the crossing is at a crucial location as vehicles come down the hill at City Road towards the site and I feel strongly that a crossing patroller is needed here.

I have therefore put in a formal objection to the removal of the patroller at this location.

Getting things done - Tait's Lane to Peddie Street #dundeewestend

I have recently received a number of complaints about the pathway that runs from around half way up Tait's Lane eastwards to Peddie Street - it is really needing a tidy and new planting.

I took this up with our local council environment manager who has responded helpfully as follows :

"The path is overgrown with weeds, this is manly due to our recent staffing issues and there are similar issues in other areas of the city.    We are currently putting together a list of them and are putting together a hit squad to deal with all these areas in one fell swoop.   This should be done within the next couple of weeks.

The path is relatively clear of litter but there is a considerable amount trapped at the sides in the weeds. It looks like it has been like that for some time so I have instructed the supervisor to remind the person on this area that he has to keep the whole path clear and not just the part that folk usually walk on.

The shrub beds are probably past redemption now and will likely require replanting. This would be something we would do in the Autumn, however I thought the whole area was looking tired and could do with a refresh. I have asked our projects team if they would consider doing this over the winter."

Getting things done - Benvie Road #dundeewestend

Residents have contacted me about the state of the former and now derelict garage site at the top end of Benvie Road, which is in private ownership.

The trees are needing cut back as they now overhang adjacent properties and some of the fencing has fallen and needs repaired.

I have therefore written to the owner requesting that he takes steps to address these concerns. 

Getting things done - Perth Road and Peddie Street #dundeewestend

Residents recently contacted me about TV/satellite loose cables across the pavement in Perth Road just west of Miller's Wynd that presented a trip hazard.

I took this up with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and the local roads inspector had the cabling tied up to remove the problem.

I have since had concerns of a similar problem on Perth road further east at Pennycook Lane and also in Peddie Street (see photos) and have requested similar action there.

Getting things done - Roseangle playpark #dundeewestend

Parents and carers of the children using the Roseangle/Magdalen Green playpark contacted me recently about the popular zip wire not being operational.

As one parent said, "The zip line is a big hit and I feel so bad for them that it’s gone."

I therefore contacted environment management at the City Council and have been advised :

"The zip wire seat was removed as part of a routine inspection/maintenance visit by our Play Team due to wear on the attaching U bolts.

Replacement bolts have been ordered and the seat will be replaced as soon as they are received."

Safety update - Balgay Road/Blackness Road and Avenue junction #dundeewestend

Further to the numerous concerns raised with me by residents following a number of accidents at the Balgay Road/Blackness Road and Avenue junction, I raised the matter with Traffic and Road Safety Team Leader at the City Council.

I am pleased to have now had the following helpful update :

"We have been out to this junction and have spoken to adjacent residents regarding the junction and they were quite informative. 

It is our intention to include this junction as a future road safety location and we will be looking to undertake additional measures to improve road safety for the travelling public.  

I cannot say what the measures will be but once we have had a more detailed look I will provide you with an updated situation when we have it."

I also raised the matter at the council's City Development Committee last night during a discussion about road safety.    

I am anxious to ensure that there is road safety work undertaken at this location as soon as possible.     Four accidents in as many months is a real concern and it is vital the issue is tackled.

At committee last night, I also raised residents' requests to include Windsor Street in the adjacent 20mph zone.     I suggested the council go through the traffic regulation order process to consult residents and other stakeholders on this.    My proposal was unfortunately rejected 15-12, voted down by the SNP administration.

I also highlighted the need to include other West End sites for future 20mph zones and specifically mentioned the Logie area as many residents have said to me that they would welcome a lower speed limit in Logie given the narrow streets and number of elderly residents.   Officers did commit to give this consideration and this is to be welcomed.

Blether Bus - an update #dundeewestend

As residents will recall, following the unfortunate removal some time ago of the 'old' 204 bus service that covered streets like Newhall Gardens, Invergowrie Drive and Glamis Drive, the council’s response was to establish the “Blether Bus” minibus service for older residents.   

I strongly opposed the withdrawal of the old 204 as it was a better service than the Blether Bus.  The previous version of the 204 went to both the City Centre and Ninewells Hospital, something the Blether Bus did not.   However, at least the Blether Bus gave some sort of service for older residents who would struggle to walk (often uphill) to main bus services on streets like Perth Road and Glamis Road. 

With the onset of the COVID health emergency, the Blether Bus was suspended as it uses a minibus where social distancing is a challenge.   As restrictions ease, I have been anxious to ensure that a service for older folk in the area is restored.   

Back in May, the council’s Team Leader, Parking & Sustainable Transport told me that he hoped the Blether Bus would be restored during the school summer holidays but he has since advised :

‘We are conscious of the potential for community transmission on the minibus services, particularly with the vehicles being shared between school children at Kingspark and older adults.    We will further review our options in the weeks ahead, giving regard to any public health advice available. 

My e-mail in late May 2021 suggested a return date during the school holidays but this was before the spike in Covid cases in the Dundee area which caused us to rethink our plans.  We also had to consider driver availability and the potential of having to withdraw minibus services at short notice if the drivers were ill or required to self-isolate.’

I have made clear to council officers that it is vital that a bus service is restored as soon as possible and also raised the issue at the recent West End local community planning partnership meeting.   It is not acceptable that older residents who cannot get to the main bus services on streets like Perth Road are left without their Blether Bus service.     

I will keep residents updated and can assure the Blether Bus passengers that I will be continuing to pursue this to get the service back ASAP.

Getting things done - Union Place - an update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that I recently highlighted the potholes on the road at the south end of Union Place.

I highlighted this to the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have now received the following helpful response :

"An order has been raised for pothole repairs to be carried out."

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 4 AND SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2021

Riverside Drive (opposite  Tesco) – mini contraflow on Sunday 5 September for Scottish Water manhole repair.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2021

Annfield Row (at Annfield Street) – closed until Monday 6 September for Scottish Water work.

Lochee Road (at Tullideph Road) – temporary traffic lights from Friday 3 to Thursday 9 September for Scottish Water work.

Guthrie Street – off peak temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 August for carriageway investigation work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Glamis Road (at Elliot Road) – temporary traffic lights on Monday 13 September for BT work.

Nethergate (West Marketgait to South Tay Street) – closed on Tuesday 21 and Tuesday 28 September for Scottish Water investigation work.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Temporary Traffic Order - Glamis Road Area

From the City Council :

Dundee City Council proposes to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating City Fibre cable installation works.  The Order is expected to be in force for 4 weeks from 8 September 2021.  Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months. 

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in (1) Glamis Drive between Glamis Road and Invergowrie Drive, (2) Hillside Terrace between Hillside Road and Hillside Drive, (3) Hillside Drive between Hillside Terrace and Hillside Road, (4) Hillside Road between Hillside Terrace and number 32 Hillside Road, (5) Dunmore Gardens between Dunmore Drive and number 22 Dunmore Gardens, (6) Glamis Terrace between Glamis Place and Hazel Drive, (7) Oxford Street between Blackness Road and Cambridge Street, (8) Oxford Street between Cambridge Street and Harrow Street, (9) Oxford Street between Harrow Street and Eton Street, (10) Cambridge Street between Oxford Street and Eton Street and (11) Eton Street and Elliot Street between Blackness Road and Cambridge Street.

More than one section may be closed at any time.

Alternative routes will be available via (1) Glamis Drive, Invergowrie Drive, Perth Road, Glamis Road and Glamis Drive, (2) Hillside Drive and Hillside Road, (3) Hillside Terrace and Hillside Road, (4) Hillside Terrace, Hillside Drive and Hillside Road, (5) Dunmore Drive, Perth Road, Glamis Road, Glamis Terrace, Hazel Drive and Dunmore Gardens, (6) Glamis Terrace, Glamis Road, Glamis Drive and Hazel Drive, (7) Blackness Road, Harrow Street and Oxford St, (8) Harrow Street, Blackness Road and Oxford Street (9) Eton Street, Cambridge Street and Oxford St, (10) Oxford Street and Eton Street and (11) Blackness Road, Oxford Street and Cambridge Street 

If you have any queries, please contact the Network Management Team, City Development Department, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS - phone 433082. 

Getting things done - Lower Pleasance/Polepark Road car park #dundeewestend

Residents recently highlighted to me that at the tenants’ car park between Lower Pleasance and Polepark Road, a buddleia is starting to take over and will no doubt start to cause damage to the boundary wall if left to its own devices.

I raised this with the City Council and have been assured it will be passed to appropriate officers for attention.

Getting things done - Minto Place #dundeewestend

I recently received complaints about the poor road condition in Minto Place near the junction with Richmond Terrace.

I raised this with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have now had this helpful feedback :

"The Road Inspector for this area has identified the defect that requires a repair.   He has identified it as a Category 3 defect which will be repaired within 30 working days."

Lunchtime Recital from Friends of Wighton

Lunchtime Recital  - tomorrow - Wednesday 1st September.

From Sheena Wellington :

And to kick off the new season we have ...

Choras, harmony singing trio

Choras are Aileen Carr, Barbara Dymock, and Janice Reavell. 

Each is a much loved and respected traditional singer in her own right and together they excel. 

A concert with this acappella trio with their superb harmonies, eclectic selection of songs and sense of fun is not to be missed! 

Barbara Dymock is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Choras

Time: Sep 1, 2021 01:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84086842145?pwd=QU9rRFJlWS9xOElrZmpTSkpDNzdSdz09

Meeting ID: 840 8684 2145

Passcode: 280639

Temporary Traffic Order - Annfield Road

From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of Scottish Water mains repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Annfield Row (from its junction with Annfield Road for a distance of 35 metres), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Tuesday 31 August 2021 for 5 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Annfield Road / Annfield Street / Peddie Street.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Corso Street #dundeewestend

I recently received complaints from residents about potholes in parts of Corso Street's road surface.

I raised this with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and received the following helpful response :

"The Road Inspector has raised a works order for pothole repairs in this street."

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 28 AND SUNDAY 29 AUGUST 2021

Riverside Drive Taxi Rank – closed overnight (10.00pm - 7.00am) on Saturday 28 August for work at the Railway Station.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 30 AUGUST 2021

Annfield Row (at Annfield Street) – closed from Tuesday 31 August for 5 working days for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Riverside Drive (opposite Tesco) – mini contraflow on Sunday 5 September for Scottish Water manhole repair.

Lochee Road (at Tullideph Road) – temporary traffic lights from Friday 10 to Thursday 16 September for Scottish Water work.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Victoria Gardens - family picnic day #dundeewestend

The Victoria Gardens community garden is having a family picnic day tomorrow -  Saturday 28th August - 12 noon to 4pm - all welcome :

Getting things done - Riverside recycling centre #dundeewestend

Residents will be aware that, at the re-opening of the Riverside recycling centre last year, after the first lockdown, service provision was reduced and did not include paper/cardboard recycling.   This was due to social distancing and queuing necessity at the time.

I have been pressing for full recycling services to recommence and have now had this helpful update from the City Council's Waste Services Manager :

"Following the announcement last week we are reviewing the implications and what control measures are now required in line with industry and government guidance.  

We are also speaking with colleagues in neighbouring authorities.  

We are certainly hoping in the coming few weeks that we can re-instate all services to both recycling centres."

I have asked to be kept updated and will advise residents when I hear further about this.

29 000 Reasons

Dundee Youth Work Network is launching a new campaign - 29 000 Reasons - this Saturday which is really worthy of support! 

The network was formed during the first lockdown to support mutual support and collaboration between youth work agencies in Dundee.  

It now has more than a dozen member organisations who are working together on community fundraising from Saturday 28th August to 11th September to support youth work across the city.

You can find out more details at its campaign page at :

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/29000ReasonsDundee

There are 29 000 young people living in Dundee and facing the many challenges of the pandemic and of ordinary life. 

Dundee Youth Work Network members work citywide offering support around emotional and mental health, employability support, housing support, sexual health, LGBT+, support for ADHD, sports coaching, dancing, gaming and anything else young people need.    

With help from friends around the city it is doing lots of different actions around the number 29 or 29 000 and asking people to support this excellent initiative!

Unadopted pavements in the West End #dundeewestend

Some time ago, the council's administration group proposed changing the criteria for the adoption of unadopted pavements to widen it to include other unadopted assets that wouls allow some areas that had previously not met the criteria for adoption to be considered in the future, such as cul de sacs and some remote footpaths.

My colleague Councillor Duncan from Broughty Ferry and I had no issue with the change in principle but felt it should be altered only after the current unadopted list had been honoured - indicative dates had been given in relation to streets on the "old" list up to this financial year 2021-22 - and were in the public domain.   

Changing the criteria would potentially mean that indicative dates would not be honoured, but the council administration was not for listening and the change went ahead before the old unadopted footways list had been completed.

There were six outstanding schemes in the West End on the "old" list and I recently asked the Senior Engineer in the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership what the position with them is :

"I have had a look at the list and interpolated the positions of the schemes you asked about.

At current budget levels we do roughly 15 schemes a year

I have put the place in the list beside the address : 

1. Elliot Road At Tennis Courts, East Footway - Footpaths on Elliot Road all adopted

2. Rockfield Crescent - This financial year

3. Roxburgh Terrace  South Footway - Place 235 in list - roughly 2036-37

4. Millhall Crescent remote path to No 3,5,7,9 &11 - Place 279 in list roughly 2039-40

5. Dunmore Gardens - This financial year

6. Norwood Terrace - This financial year"

On the "old" criteria, Roxburgh Terrace south footway would have been upgraded and adopted last year so will now be done 16 years late.     Millhall Crescent's path covering numbers 3 to 11 would have been improved this financial year and is now scheduled to be done 18 years late.

In the West End, this affects only two pavements but the issue will exist in other wards and could have been avoided by changing the criteria for adoption from 2022-23.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 23 AUGUST 2021

Larch Street – closed from Wednesday 18 August for 6 days for road resurfacing.

Riverside Drive Taxi Rank – closed overnight (10.00pm - 7.00am) on Saturday 28 August for work at the Railway Station.

Brook Street between Brewery Lane and Brook Close - 2 way temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 24 August for 3 days

Forthcoming Roadworks

Annfield Row (at Annfield Street) – closed from Tuesday 31 August for 5 working days for Scottish Water work.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Getting things done - Riverside Avenue/Drive - an update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that I recently highlighted that the foliage on the roundabout at Riverside Avenue/Drive near the Riverside Inn was so overgrown, a pedestrian trying to cross could not see on-coming traffic.

I asked the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership to attend to this. This has now been carried out - and it looks a lot better.

Footbridge over rail line south of Harris Academy #dundeewestend

Residents have queried with me why the footbridge over the rail line south of Harris Academy has recently been closed.

I took this up with the City Council and the Team Leader, Bridges and Structures has advised :

"One of the steps on the north side has been very recently damaged and presents a significant safety issue to users. 

The bridge closure was done urgently so we didn't have a chance to provide advance notice unfortunately.

We have a hardwood replacement ordered but don't have a precise timescale for its renewal due to material shortages, hopefully should be a matter of days."

Temporary Traffic Order - Perth Road

From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of crane lifting works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Perth Road (between Roseangle and McVicars Lane), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Sunday 22 August between the hours of 00:15 and 05:30.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Roseangle / Magdalen Yard Road / Windsor Street / Perth Road.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Ryehill Lane - an update #dundeewestend

As residents will recall, I recently highlighted the poor state of the seating area at the corner of Ryehill Lane and Perth Road.

This is owned by JCDecaux the billboard advertising company and I contacted them about this and was promised a tidy up.

I am pleased to say this has now taken place and the area looks a lot tidier.

As I previously I will continue to pursue a permanent improvement to what could be a lovely seating area, but at least this is some progress.

Getting things done - Pentland #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted to me that the path from Saggar Street running along Pentland Crescent towards Pentland Avenue has the foliage from a rather overgrown tree causing an obstruction - see photo above.

I have raised this with our local environment manager asking that the tree is trimmed back.

Scotland's Garden Scheme - this coming weekend! #dundeewestend

This forthcoming weekend again sees Frances and John Dent in Glamis Drive open their lovely garden to residents as part of Scotland's Gardens Scheme.

Not only is a visit to the garden a pleasure - it also helps raise funds for Dundee Maggie's Centre at Ninewells.

You can get full details below :

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 16 AUGUST 2021

Riverside Approach –overnight (midnight to 6.00am) temporary traffic lights for one week for bridge parapet works.

Larch Street – closed from Wednesday 18 August for 6 days for road resurfacing.

Brown Street (at Hawkhill) – closed on Monday 16 August for road marking works.

Riverside Drive Taxi Rank – closed overnight (10.00pm - 7.00am) Saturday 21 and Saturday 28 August for work at Railway Station.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Annfield Row (at Annfield Street) – closed from Tuesday 31 August for 5 working days for Scottish Water work.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

HMS Pinafore at the University of Dundee Botanic Garden #dundeewestend

University of Dundee Botanic Garden

Saturday 21st August at 6.30pm

Set on board the warship HMS Pinafore, the opera cheerfully mocks such Great British institutions as Class, Patriotism and the Royal Navy.

A great event at the Botanic Garden!    

Full details here.

Temporary Traffic Order - Larch Street

From the City Council :

Dundee City Council proposes to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating carriageway resurfacing works.  The Order is expected to be in force for 6 days from 18 August 2021.  Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in Larch Street for its entire length.

An alternative route will be available via Urquhart Street, Brook Street, Edward Street and in reverse.

For further information, please contact the Network Management Team, City Development Department, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS or call 433168.

Getting things done - Perth Road #dundeewestend

I have had numerous (and I mean numerous!) concerns raised by residents about the proposed road layout on Perth Road at Invergowrie Drive and near Glamis Road to accommodate the merger of cyclists and vehicles from the sections of new cycle lane.

The provision of traffic islands I (and many residents) felt was not a good idea at all as it was resulting in vehicles going onto the opposite side of the road and I questioned this with the project manager, passing onto him many residents' concerns.

As a result I was advised that a review meeting was taking place yesterday and I have now been advised :

"Following a review of the works on the Perth Road and considering the concerns expressed by members of the public, I have ordered the removal of the islands. An alternative design to safely merge cyclists and vehicular traffic has been agreed and will be implemented as soon as possible.

The islands and give way markings should be removed by the end of the week."

There have been other issues raised by residents such as lining at driveways and inappropriately placed cycle lane markers at a pedestrian crossing and I am also assured these will be sorted.

Temporary Traffic Order - Brown Street

From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of road marking works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the entry to Brown Street at its junction with Hawkhill, Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 16th August for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available West Port roundabout / Session Street / Guthrie Street / Brown Street.

For further information contact 433168.

Executive Director

City Development Department

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Briarwood Terrace #dundeewestend

Residents recently contacted me regarding some less than satisfactory pothole repairs in the badly deteriorated road in Briarwood Terrace.

I contacted the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership about this and was advised :

"The pothole repairs are very difficult on such a poor surface and they are as good as we can do with the road in its current state."

However, the very good news is that this poor conditioned roadway will be completely resurfaced this financial year, likely to take place in November.

Libraries update #dundeewestend

Libraries across the city will have extended opening hours from Monday.

Details for Blackness Library are below :

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 9 AUGUST 2021

Riverside Approach –overnight (midnight to 6.00am) temporary traffic lights from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 August for bridge parapet works.

Abbotsford Place – closed for 5 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Larch Street – closed from 16 August for 6 days for road resurfacing.

Brown Street (at Hawkhill) – closed on Monday 16 August for road marking works.

Riverside Drive Taxi Rank – closed overnight (10.00pm - 7.00am) Saturday 21 and Saturday 28 August for work at Railway Station.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Getting things done - Roseangle/Magdalen Green area #dundeewestend

Residents have mentioned to me that it would be a boon to have some outdoor gym equipment in the Roseangle/Magdalen Green area, as is already in situ elsewhere in the city - eg Camperdown and Stobsmuir parks.

I took this up with the Service Manager - Environment at the City Council who positively advised me as follows :

" ...  whilst we have no plans to instal gym equipment at this time, I am happy to include this for future consideration within capital development plans."

Temporary Traffic Order - Abbotsford Place

From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of carriageway resurfacing works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Abbotsford Place (Blackness Avenue to Peddie Street), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 9th August 2021 for five working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available Blackness Avenue / Hawkhill / Peddie Street and in reverse.

For further information contact 433168.

Executive Director

City Development Department

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Riverside Avenue/Drive #dundeewestend

A resident recently highlighted to me that the foliage on the roundabout at Riverside Avenue/Drive near the Riverside Inn  is so overgrown, a pedestrian trying to cross cannot see on-coming traffic.

I have therefore asked the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership to attend to this ASAP and have been promised this will take place this weekend.

Getting things done - Logie Avenue #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted overgrown foliage from council-maintained ground on Logie Avenue that is protruding right across the pavement.

I have raised this with the City Council to get this cut back.

Getting things done - Union Place #dundeewestend

Many thanks to the residents who recently highlighted the poor state of repair of the road at the south end of Union Place.

I have highlighted this to the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership requesting repairs.

Getting things done - Westgate Health Centre #dundeewestend

Many West End residents use the Westgate Health Centre for their GP services.

I have received requests that the practice has a handrail added outside the entrance to assist patients with mobility difficulties parking in the disabled parking bays to get from there to the GP entrance.

I raised this with NHS Tayside and its Medical Director has helpfully responded as follows :

"NHS Tayside is committed to ensuring our sites are accessible for patients and I can confirm that improvements to ramp access have been made and automatic doors have been installed at the health centre in recent years.

The issue regarding the lack of handrails has been passed to our Property Team and I can advise that a handrail will be designed and fitted as soon as possible.   This is being done in consultation with the Westgate Practice Manager.   

We will also undertake an assessment of the roadways and footpaths as required to ensure the continued safety of patients."