Graffiti vandalism reported in Step Row

I have slammed mindless vandalism caused by graffiti vandals who have defaced a prominent building in Step Row – see photo below :

I have been contacted by residents who are extremely annoyed at this stupid vandalism.   It is also on some other parts of the street and unfortunately because of the sandstone quality of the wall, managing to get completely rid of the graffiti will prove a challenge.

I have asked the council’s Rapid Response Team to remove it and have also highlighted the matter to Police Scotland.    

It is extremely disappointing to see this sort of stupid and deliberate damage taking place.

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 23 APRIL 2018

South Union Street/South Marketgait at Dundee Railway Station – northbound nearside lane closure from 9.30am for 3 weeks for footway works.

West End roads and pavements improvements 2018/19

The City Council released information last week about the roads and pavements it intends to resurface over the current financial year.

In the West End, these are as follows :

Adopted Footway Programme 2018‐19

Milnbank Road (Rosefield Street to Easson's Angle, both sides)

Minto Place (East leg, East & North sides)

Unadopted Footway Programme 2018‐19

Glamis Drive (West End only)

Menzieshill Road (South footway)

Oxford Street (East footway)

Non‐Adopted Asset Programme 2018‐19

Balgay Park (Various footpaths)

Ninewells Avenue (Both paths Perth Road to Ninewells Drive)

Pentland Avenue Steps

Carriageway Programme 2018‐19

Tullideph Road (Lochee Road to Ancrum Road)

As I indicated in the Courier last week, I welcome any resurfacing or other improvements to our roads and pavements in the city but there has to be a real debate across the council about the long-term as what the council does not say in its publicity about this is that there has been a real terms cut in funding for resurfacing this year.

The adopted carriageway budget has been reduced by 20% from £3.095m (2017/18) to £2.5m (2018/19). 

The adopted footway programme is on a second year of budget reduction from £630k (2016/17) to £500k (2018/19). 

Councils face significant financial challenges but the bottom line is that there needs to be discussion about reinstating capital programme for roads and pavements in future years if there is not to be deterioration of the roads and footpaths estate as a whole across the city.  

I particularly welcome further progress with tackling unadopted footways including parts of Glamis Drive, Menzieshill Road and Oxford Street in the West End but it is vital that roads and pavement programmes as a whole are given sufficient capital investment going forward.

Vintage Market

Friends of Balgay Spring meeting

The next Friends of Balgay meeting will be at 2pm on Saturday 28th April at the Mills Observatory.

Author and historian Murdo Fraser will give a talk on 'Montrose and Argyll' - his recent book - and all are very welcome to attend.

Macmillan Cancer Support - gentle movement classes

Scottish Fair Trade Nation Lecture 2018

Fairtrade: enabling sustainable, quality coffee from small-holder value chains

Monday 30th April at 6pm 

Lecture Theatre 1, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee

This year, Ewan Reid, Director of Coffee at Glasgow-based, Matthew Algie, one of the UK's leading coffee roasters specialising in sustainable sourcing will be speaker. 

With a 20-year Fairtrade heritage starting with the UK's first Fairtrade espresso in 1997, today nearly 90% of the company's sourcing is Fairtrade. Matthew Algie supplies coffee to the cafe and hospitality sector including Marks & Spencer coffee shops and around 2,500 independent coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

Ewan has worked for the company since joining as a graduate in 1993 and joined the Board in 2002. 

With a background in food science, he oversees a variety of business areas including roastery operations, quality assurance, green coffee supply chain, R&D and sustainability. A frequent visitor to Matthew Algie’s supply chain partner co-operatives in producing countries, he is also a member of Fairtrade International’s Coffee Advisory Council. 

At the Fair Trade Nation Lecture, Ewan will provide an overview of why Matthew Algie choose to use Fairtrade coffee. He will also explore the Fairtrade coffee market and the challenges and opportunities of the Fairtrade coffee system.

The lecture will start at 6pm and will be followed by Q&A and discussion. 

Tea and Coffee will be served from 5.30pm.    There will be drinks and refreshments afterwards. 

This is a free event.     All are welcome but please do register for a ticket on Eventbrite here.

Event at Riverside Nature Park #dundeewestend

West End Surgeries #dundeewestend

With the Easter school holidays now over, it is back to West End Ward surgeries this coming week.   My Mitchell Street Centre and Harris Academy surgeries take place later today.

My full surgery details are below – although I can also be contacted via esurgery@frasermacpherson.org.uk or phone me at home on 459378 anytime :

Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden event #dundeewestend

Friends' talk Sunday 22nd April at 2pm 

- the history of the area around the Botanic Garden 

This talk has been rescheduled from 4th March when it was cancelled due to the snow.

Keith Walker, an expert on Dundee's local history, will talk about Will's Braes and the lands around the Botanic Garden. He has spent his life researching Dundee's history, has contributed  frequently to the Craigie Column, and conducts research for the City Archives and local history specialists. 

As usual the talk is in the Education Centre at 2pm - all welcome!

Getting things done - Nethergate #dundeewestend

Residents have drawn to my attention that in Nethergate - north side, between Park Place and bus stop just west of that - one of the large pavement edging stones has been dislodged, probably by heavy vehicle.

As a result, a big hole has appeared between the stone and the pavement, which someone might easily put their foot into and twist their ankle.

I reported this to the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have received the following positive response :

"The Road Maintenance Partnership inspector for the area has raised an order to re-set the whin kerb at this location."

Recycling changes from next Monday #dundeewestend

I have now spoken with many residents in the areas of the West End affected by the recycling changes from 16th April.

The only parts of the ward unaffected are the streets around the West End Lanes and Perth Road area closest to the lanes as they were in the last phase of the recycling rollout last year and already on the revised recycling arrangements.   

The rest of the West End Ward was covered by the original Phase 1 and 2 recycling rollouts in 2015 so are affected because of the introduction of the Scottish Government's Code of Practice  (in relation to what can be recycled together) so  the household system will change for everyone in Phases 1 and 2,

So from the 16th paper/card = blue bin;  tins/plastics = burgundy bin.    Burgundy bin will no longer be used for glass which will be recycled at neighbourhood "bring" sites and not at a household level.   Along with Bill, I met with environment officers to discuss the siting of the glass “bring sites” – I am anxious that these are sensitively sited away from residents’ homes.   If any of the sites cause complaints or problems after 16th April, the officers assure me that they will be re-sited or removed,

I was pleased to discuss issues with residents at the “drop in” event the council’s Neighbourhood Services held at Blackness Library and happy to discuss the matter further with any resident.

You can read more about the changes here.

Harris Education and Recreation Association - new evening classes! #dundeewestend

Here's details below of the Harris Education and Recreation Association new evening classes.

HERA enrolment night will take place in Harris Academy on Tuesday 24th April from 6pm.

West End Local Community Plan #dundeewestend

The Dundee Partnership has recently launched the local community plans covering the various communities across the city.

Here in the West End, our own local community planning partnership has highlighted a number of priorities for the West End for the next few years and these include :

Extra Recital at the Wighton today

From Sheena Wellington :

Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library

Today - Tuesday 10th April - 1.15pm – 1.45pm

Lunchtime Recital - Thomas Allery, harpsichord

The famous Wighton harpsichord will get a special airing in the second of our April Lunchtime Recitals when the renowned musician and scholar Thomas Allery pays the Wighton Collection a visit.

Thomas Allery is an organist, choral conductor and harpsichordist based in London and Oxford. He enjoys a varied career spanning work as an organist and choral director in church music, continuo playing, research and teaching. 

Thomas is the Director of Chapel Music at Worcester College, Oxford, where he is responsible for the musical development of the Chapel choirs and organ scholars. He directs and trains the two Chapel choirs, of mixed and boys’ voices, for regular chapel services and for a busy schedule of concerts, tours and recordings. Worcester College is unique in Oxford in maintaining two student chapel choirs, each of which maintains a separate and flourishing schedule including regular commissions, trips, and performance with period instruments.

Thomas graduated with Distinction from the Masters programme at the Royal College of Music, London, in 2014, where he studied organ with Margaret Phillips and harpsichord with Terence Charlston.  

The Wighton Harpsichord is a French double-manual instrument after the C18 maker Nicholas Blanchet. It was built by Mark Stevenson, Cambridge 1983 for the distinguished musician Annette Heilbron (1928–2011) and is widely regarded as one of the finest harpsichords in use today.

Admission to the recital is free, donations welcome.

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018

South Union Street/South Marketgait at Dundee Railway Station – northbound nearside lane closure from 9.30am for 5 weeks for footway works.

Glamis Road (Blackness Road to Perth Road) – off-peak (9.30am – 3.30pm) stop/go traffic control from Tuesday 10 April for 2 days for crane lifting works.

West End Community Council Update #dundeewestend

I have today launched my April 2018 Update to West End Community Council.    Subjects covered include:

•         Recycling changes for much of the West End from 16th April  

•         Speeding – Magdalen Yard Road   

•         Road safety – Perth Road/Riverside Drive junction

•         West End Community and Sports Hub

The Community Council meets on Tuesday evening at Logie St John's (Cross) Church Hall at 7pm - all residents welcome.      You can download my Update here.

Here’s the agenda :

WEST END  COMMUNITY  COUNCIL  MEETING

TUESDAY 10th APRIL  2018  AT  7.00PM

LOGIE  AND ST JOHN`S (CROSS)  PARISH  CHURCH  HALL

(ENTER FROM  SHAFTESBURY  TERRACE  -  OFF  BLACKNESS  AVENUE)

1. WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES

2. MINUTE OF MEETING 13TH MARCH 2018 AND  MATTERS  ARISING

3. PRESENTATION - TAY ROPE WORKS

4. PRESENTATION  - GREENMARKET LEISURE QUARTER 

5. CORRESPONDENCE

6. POLICE SCOTLAND UPDATE

7. PERTH ROAD UPDATE 

8. WECC HIT LIST

9. PLANNING  UPDATE

10. OTHER MEETINGS ATTENDED ON BEHALF OF WECC

11. AOCB – MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INPUT

12. DATE  OF  NEXT  MEETING – Tuesday 8th May 2018

Light refreshments will be provided.

The Steeple comes to the rescue!

From Sheena Wellington :

Tannahill Weavers - The Steeple, Nethergate - Wednesday 11th April at 7.30pm

Tayside fans of legendary folk band the Tannahill Weavers thought they were going to miss out on their 50th Anniversary Tour when maintenance work on HMS Unicorn threatened to scupper their planned 11th April gig there.   With this special tour involving some 80 gigs, and ranging from the Rockies to the Rhineland, getting the band on another date was proving impossible. 

Step forward the good folk at The Steeple in the Nethergate!   They heard of the problem, had the date available and so the show will go on, Wednesday 11th April at 7.30pm as planned, in their beautiful and historic venue. 

Tickets, priced £12/£10 concessions, are available here and from Dundee Box Office - 434940.  Tickets already purchased for the Unicorn are valid for The Steeple, of course.

As they celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018, the Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland's premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can't get better...yet continue to do just that.

The current line-up includes founder members Roy Gullane, who plays guitar, sings lead vocals and tells silly stories to hilarious effect, and Tayport-based Phil Smillie, who plays heart-melting flute, bodhran, and whistles, and sings harmony vocals.   John Martin,   formerly of Contraband, Ossian and the Easy Club, plays fiddle, cello, and viola as well as singing bass vocals.  

In 2014 they were joined by innovative piper Lorne MacDougall, who likes people to be aware he wasn’t even born when the others started this musical journey!  Lorne comes with a high pedigree, having, among many other highlights, arranged and performed pipes for the Disney Pixar movie "Brave."

Over the years the Tannies have been trailblazers for Scottish music, and their tight harmonies and powerful, inventive arrangements have won them fans from beyond the folk and Celtic music scenes.  Their immense contribution was acknowledged in 2011 when the band was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. 

As they reach their 50th anniversary in 2018, the Tannahill Weavers are firmly established as one of the premier groups on the concert stage. From reflective ballads to footstomping reels and jigs, the variety and range of the material they perform is matched only by their enthusiasm and lively Celtic spirits.

A Meeting of Minds - Mental Health Past & Present

From the Curator of Museum Services at the University of Dundee :

A Meeting of Minds - Mental Health Past & Present

Tuesday 10th April at 5.30pm

Baxter 1.36, Tower Building, University of Dundee

How can looking at examples from the past help us to understand mental health issues today? 

Historians and health professionals meet to explore the lessons we can learn from looking at psychiatry's history.

Free but places should be booked via Eventbrite here.

Dundee's Big Spring Clean! #takepridedundee

Community Spirit Action Group meeting tonight #dundeewestend

Details of the next meeting of Community Spirit Action Group taking place tonight - the community group for the "north" part of West End Ward, covering Pentland, Tullideph, Ancrum, Forest Park and the Cleghorn area – all very welcome :

Friends of Wighton event tomorrow

From Sheena Wellington :

Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library : Wednesday 4th April - 1.15pm – 1.45pm

Lunchtime Recital with Simon Chadwick - Medieval Harp

It is always a delight when our own harp tutor Simon Chadwick gives us the chance to sit and just listen to him play.  

On this occasion Simon will be playing traditional Scottish and Irish tunes on the big Irish harp, one of the several fascinating replica instruments which unite his twin passions of music and archaeology. 

Simon is a busy man, regularly travelling for concerts and festivals, teaching and creating online illustrated lectures for his website.    Getting him for a recital is a very special treat!

Admission free – donations welcome.

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 2 APRIL 2018

South Union Street/South Marketgait at Dundee Railway Station – northbound nearside lane closure from 9.30am for 6 weeks for footway works.

Glamis Road (at Blackness Road) – off-peak temporary traffic lights on Friday 6 April for Scottish Water ironwork repair.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter

Face to Face - Stories from the Asylum

From the Curator of Museum Services at the University of Dundee :

Tower Foyer Gallery, University of Dundee

Now on and running until 9th June 

Monday to Friday 9.30am to 7pm and Saturday 1pm to 5pm

Our understanding of the Victorian lunatic asylum, and our perception of the history of psychiatry, is often fed by myth and fiction. The nineteenth century did indeed see a massive rise in the building of asylums, as institutional care became the dominant means of caring for the insane. But what do we know of the lives of those who entered them as patients? How did they experience mental illness?

Face to Face: Stories from the Asylum is an exhibition exploring the lives of a small group of patients admitted to Dundee Royal Lunatic Asylum between 1886 and 1902. Using information and photographs from their case notes, the exhibition examines the circumstances which led to their committal to the asylum, the dilemmas faced by their families, and the nature of their mental illness.

Looking at examples from the past is a valuable way to consider the social and cultural contexts that create understandings of mental disorders. Through the poignant stories of past sufferers, the exhibition aims to engage with contemporary concerns about the experience of mental disorders, past and present, the effect on family and community, and the wider social attitudes associated with mental illness.

This exhibition is part of the 'Promoting Mental Health through the Lessons of History' project, based at the University of St Andrews, and is a collaboration with University of Dundee Archive Services. 

The exhibition has been curated by PhD student Morag Allan Campbell.

Getting things done - Hawkhill and Peddie Street #dundeewestend

Residents recently brought to my attention the poor pavement surface at the Peddie Street/Hawkhill junction - on the west side - especially around the drop kerb, where the surface is bumpy with deteriorating tarmac.

I raised this with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have now received the following positive response :

"The Road Maintenance Partnership inspector has advised that he has raised an order for a number of repairs to be carried out by the thermal patching machine at this location."

West End Ward Surgeries #dundeewestend

As the school Easter holidays start after school ends today, my usual weekly ward surgery at Blackness Primary School does not take place tonight - and all surgeries thereafter throughout the holidays do not take place - but I can still be contacted on any local issues or concerns through my e-surgery - just e-mail esurgery@frasermacpherson.org.uk.

Surgeries recommence on Monday 16th April - surgery details are available here.

I can also be contacted at home at any time on 459378 and also during office hours at my Dundee City Council office on 434985.

Getting things done - Pennycook Lane #dundeewestend

Residents have raised with me the poor condition of parts of the roadway of Pennycook Lane with some deep potholes - see below :

I have raised this with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership seeking repairs.

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee

From Blether Tay-Gither :

Our March Blether will be tonight - Tuesday 27th March - at 7pm at our new venue - The Butterfly Café, 28 Commercial Street.

The theme this month is The Letter "F" - bring a story about anything beginning with "F"  maybe fairies or farmers, fish or flowers, fruit or furry creatures. Anything you want. What will you choose? 

Hope to see some of you there – all welcome!

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 26 MARCH 2018

South Union Street/South Marketgait at Dundee Railway Station – northbound nearside lane closure from 9.30am for 7 weeks for footway works.

Riverside Drive/South Union Street at Dundee Railway Station – off-peak (9.30am – 3.30pm) east/northbound nearside lane closure for up to one week for footway works.

Bellfield Street (Hawkhill to No 24) – closed from Monday 26 March for 5 days for sewer works.

Lochee Road (at Benvie Steps) - temporary traffic lights on Wednesday 28 March for Scottish Water sewer repair.

Perth Road (Invergowrie Drive to Invergowrie roundabout) – off-peak temporary traffic lights for one week for street lighting works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Glamis Road (at Blackness Road) – off-peak temporary traffic lights on Friday 6 April for Scottish Water ironwork repair.

West End Community Police Surgeries #dundeewestend

The next West End community police surgeries take place tomorrow - Monday 26th March - details below and all residents welcome :

Dementia Drop-In

Event at Riverside Nature Park #dundeewestend

Car park at Riverside Pavilion #dundeewestend

I have received complaints that, not for the first time, the car park at the Riverside Pavilion, adjacent to the playing fields on the north side of Riverside Drive, is flooded and rutted.

I took this up with the council's Head of Environment, who has positively responded as follows :

"I agree that this is not looking too good. 

I have raised with colleagues and they are going to make arrangement to have the surface restored. 

In the longer term and finance dependant, I would be recommending that it is completely renovated with an asphalt surface."

Event at The Friary - City Church

Dundee Decides - results event invitation #DundeeDecides #WestEndDecides

Come along to the event below to hear the results of  'Dundee Decides' - Community infrastructure developments for the West End and across the other seven Dundee council ward areas.

Be part of the launch of the new Local Community Plans.   The plans are based on the findings from the Engage Dundee consultation.

Free entry - register through the Eventbrite link here or call 435855.

Proposed withdrawal of Stagecoach X8 bus service

I have raised with the Commercial Manager, Stagecoach East Scotland, the negative effect of the  proposed removal of the X8 bus service that runs through the West End travelling to/from Perth Royal Infirmary from/to Arbroath and taking in both Ninewells Hospital and Royal Victoria Hospital.     

This issue has also been highlighted by my colleague Perth and Kinross Councillor Willie Wilson and we have pointed out that removal of the X8 will mean that the only linking hospital service between Dundee and Perth will be the X7 service which uses a coach-style vehicle, totally unsuitable for passengers who have mobility difficulties as virtually all seats are upstairs.

Stagecoach has not given the X8 a decent chance to get established as it only started last summer.      On the other service - the X7 – it uses coaches that only have one space for a wheelchair, have no dedicated built-in access ramp and the amount of seating on the lower deck is restricted to only two cramped seats immediately behind the driver.     There are no facilities for buggies and prams to be taken on the coach apart from them being dismantled and loaded into the boot.  

I have said to Stagecoach’s Commercial Manager that he should give the X8 a proper chance to build a passenger base, but if the company is determined to take the service off, it absolutely cannot leave the X7 with the coach-style vehicles.  I have long-said to Stagecoach that must have a vehicle type that is suitable for a bus service that serves three hospitals – the coach certainly is not.

Recycling changes - drop in events #dundeewestend

Further to my recent update about recycling changes in much of the West End other than the Perth Road Lanes area, this is just a reminder that the first drop in information session event for the West End is tomorrow.

Here's our local details and a poster below - all welcome!

Blackness Library                                 19th March                                4.30pm to 6.30pm

Tesco Riverside                                    29th March                                12 noon to 3pm

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 17 AND SUNDAY 18 MARCH 2018

Benvie Road/Mitchell Street junction – closed from Saturday 17 March for 5 days for demolition works.  Mitchell Street closed Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 March only.

Nethergate/South Tay Street (West Marketgait to South Tay Street including South Tay Street junction) - closed from Saturday 17 March for up to 5 days for carriageway repairs.

REPORT FOR WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 19 MARCH 2018

Riverside Drive/South Union Street at Dundee Railway Station – off-peak (9.30am – 3.30pm) east/northbound nearside lane closure for up to 2 weeks for footway works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Bellfield Street (Hawkhill to No 24) – closed from Monday 26 March for 5 days for sewer works.

Lochee Road (at Benvie Steps) - temporary traffic lights on Wednesday 28 March for Scottish Water sewer repair.

Friends of Wighton - latest update

With thanks to Sheena Wellington, here's the latest update from Friends of Wighton :

Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library

Saturday 17th March,  11am (doors open at 10.30am)

Cappuccino Concert with Heather Innes, singer, & Kate Kramer, fiddler

Heather’s forte is unaccompanied song and she sings with great feeling and delicacy in her fine clear voice.    Her singing has been described as peaceful and calming to listen to and her solo concerts sheer relaxation after a hard day at the office!

Heather began singing professionally in 1990 after performing as the resident singer at the Sunflower Folk Club in Belfast for several years and recording her first album All’s Fair in Love and War at Spring Records, Rostrevor, Northern Ireland in 1989.

In 1990 she moved to Scotland and toured folk clubs and pubs in Scotland and Ireland in duo Donegal Folk Weave (later to become Irish gaelic band D́úlamán) and gigged solo as an a capella singer and with various backing musicians for six years in Scottish and English folk clubs and festivals.

Since then she’s toured with various bands and duos in the UK, Australia, Thailand, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Canada and USA.

Accompanying Heather will be Kentucky born fiddle player Kate Kramer.  Kate has been a familiar and highly respected player on the Scottish scene for more than 20 years, working both as a solo musician and in various line-ups including the band Arran Bede with Ciaran Dorris.  She toured extensively with the legendary folk musician, wit and raconteur Hamish Imlach and features on his album “More & Merrier”.

Admission £5 - tea/coffee available for small donation.

Temporary Traffic Order - Benvie Road #dundeewestend

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 demolition works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Benvie Road (at its junction with Mitchell Street), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Saturday 17th March 2018 for five working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Mitchell Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for part of the works.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Cleghorn Street/City Road/Milnbank Road/Polepark Road/Fyffe Street and reverse

For further information contact 433168.

Executive Director of City Development  

Dundee City Council

Temporary Traffic Order - Nethergate #dundeewestend

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 works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Nethergate (from its junction with West Marketgait to its junction with South Tay Street), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Saturday 17th March 2018 for 5 days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.   Access to business premises will be maintained

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via West Marketgait/Hawkhill/Perth Road/Nethergate and reverse 

For further information contact 433168.

Executive Director of City Development  

Dundee City Council

Having been previously assured that it was hoped to ensure the work would be carried out over a long weekend, I contacted the Road Maintenance Partnership Manager and his response is below.   

Thankfully, if all goes according to plan, it is hoped to close the road on Saturday morning and re-open on Sunday night - the 5 days referred to above is simply in case of any unforeseen problem once on-site :

"I can confirm the plan is to close the road Saturday morning and reopen on Sunday night. The extended closure booking has been put in place to allow for the unlikely event of unforeseen circumstances which may extend the works programme. 

With regard to the top surface, there was a desire from our colleagues in Dundee House for a cold applied screed finish (similar to antiskid surfacing). The screed treatment requested is a cold applied application rather than hot and as such is a summer activity and would require a second visit. 

Our plan for this visit is to surface in a traditional hot rolled asphalt surface which would be required in any event prior to a screed being laid. We’re using a red pigment in the asphalt along with red chips, with the aim to achieve a pleasing aesthetic finish prior to a second visit to apply the screed. 

As the screed will add no value other than appearance, if the red asphalt finish is acceptable to the community and doesn’t receive complaint we may in the interests of minimising further disruption postpone or cancel the screed layer planned for the summer. If there is a strong desire for the screed to be applied then we will undertake this in the summer."

West End Community Council Update #dundeewestend

I have today launched my West End Community Council Update for March - you can download this here.

The Update covers the following issues :

• West End residents’ parking 

• Dog fouling issues   

• West End recycling changes 

The Community Council meets at 7pm tonight at the Logie & St John's (Cross) Church Hall in Shaftesbury Terrace - all welcome!

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 12 MARCH 2018

West Marketgait (Overgate Lane to Nethergate) – southbound nearside lane closure for one week for SSE cable overlay.

South Union Street/South Marketgait at Dundee Railway Station – northbound nearside lane closure from 9.30am for 9 weeks for footway works.

Riverside Drive/South Union Street at Dundee Railway Station – off-peak (9.30am – 3.30pm) east/northbound nearside lane closure for up to 3 weeks for footway works.

West Hendersons Wynd (from Douglas Street for a distance of 50m) – closed on Tuesday 13 March for Scottish Water repair works.

Benvie Road/Mitchell Street junction – closed from Saturday 17 March for 5 days for demolition works.  Mitchell Street closed Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 March only.

Riverside Approach (at Riverside Drive) – closed overnight for one week for works to Tay Bridge.

Nethergate/South Tay Street (West Marketgait to South Tay Street including South Tay Street junction) - closed from Saturday 17 March for up to 5 days for carriageway repairs.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Bellfield Street (Hawkhill to No 24) – closed from Monday 26 March for 5 days for sewer works.