Getting things done - Cleghorn Street #dundeewestend

Following requests, I highlighted to the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership the need for an additional grit bin towards the Lochee Road end of Cleghorn Street as it is sloped there and also some distance from the nearest grit bins at Pitfour Street and Mitchell Street.

I am grateful to the resident who highlighted the best location for this (see his graphic) adding "there are actually glass recycling bins just up from this so it seem like a grit bin next to these would be an ideal location."

I am very grateful to the Roads Maintenance Partnership Manager who responded positively as follows :

"I agree that this section of Cleghorn would benefit from a self help grit bin being installed.

 I’ll pass this on to the relevant people ... to action and this should be in place by the end of the week."

I am pleased to say the new grit bin is now in place.

Q&A panel session - assisting children with type 1 diabetes

I am pleased to have been advised that Diabetes UK is running a virtual Q&A panel session tomorrow (Thursday 28th January) between 7pm and 8.30pm to assist parents and carers of children with type 1 diabetes.

It will include parents of type 1 children, who will talk about how they’ve managed their biggest challenges, and they’ll reflect on how they keep positive. 

You can ask them any questions you like, no matter how big or small. 

This is aimed at parents/carers of children & young people with type 1 diabetes, aged up to 18 years.

You can register at https://eu.eventscloud.com/esurvey/index.php?surveyid=200042039

Big Energy Saving Month

Just a reminder that Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau is taking part in with this year’s Big Energy Saving Month campaign, which seeks to help people save time, money and energy through everyday actions.

Energy bills are a real struggle for many people.    Figures released by the Scottish Government last year revealed 1 in 4 households in Scotland, over 600 000 people, find themselves in fuel poverty and official estimates suggest this could rise to 29 per cent of households as a result of the pandemic.

This issue is a real problem for those already struggling with energy bills, with inefficient and expensive heating systems or those who are unable to access discounts and support online.

The nationwide campaign will run until next Sunday - 31st January - and encourages people to get energy advice, and focuses on five key consumer groups :

• People on electric only heating

• People on prepayment meters

• People struggling with energy bills

• Those who frequently turn off the heating to save money

• People who can’t access deals and support online

Big Energy Saving Month is looking to raise public awareness of the simple changes people can make to help them save this winter.    It looks to support people to save energy, reduce their bills and access any entitlements that they are due. 

For further details, please go to www.cas.org.uk/BESM2021.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - 

WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 25 JANUARY 2021

Hawkhill – traffic control for up to one week for street lighting column removals.

Strawberrybank – closed on Thursday 28 January for Scottish Water mains repair works.

Forthcoming Road Works

A991 West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Guthrie Street) – northbound nearside lane closure on Monday 8 February for roof inspection works.

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee

Blether Tay-Gither is the Dundee Storytelling Group.

From Sheila Kinninmonth, Blether Tay-Gither’s secretary :

Hope you can join us for our January Blether on Zoom

Tuesday 26th January - 7pm to 9pm 

With a nod to the bard and legend Robert Burns, our theme is poetry.

Many stories were once told in poetry form by the bards of old, as many were sung as ballads.   Bring a poem this month or a story about poetry, or a story that includes a poem.   Or a story that is a poem, or perhaps a poem that has a story.   Or just come to listen if you want.

Come along and join us, in the virtual format.

Event link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88956592545

Meeting ID: 889 5659 2545

Ninewells Community Garden - latest blog update #dundeewestend

Ninewells Community Garden has an excellent blog and you can read the latest update - "Take a walk in the park" - here.

Fuel Well Dundee

I am pleased to advise of a new programme that has been launched in the city for households facing fuel poverty as a result of the pandemic.

The Fuel Well Dundee Programme will support people on a low income whether they are in or out of work, on reduced incomes as a result of COVID-19, or are already experiencing fuel poverty. 

People may have heating systems or home insulation that is inadequate and causing high energy bills or are struggling with other financial or coronavirus related issues.

The scheme can help with top up payments of between £40 and £100 if certain criteria are met, as well as short, medium and longer-term support from fuel advisers and welfare rights advisers.

This can include other areas of financial inclusion including energy advice, a benefits check and debt advice; where appropriate, consideration of referral for Discretionary Hardship Payments or to the council’s Hardship fund; and crisis grants and community care grants advice.

Run by Dundee City Council and SCARF (Part of the Home Energy Scotland network) the Fuel Well Dundee Programme can be accessed directly here.

Getting things done - Riverside Approach #dundeewestend

As residents will be aware, the recent further consultation on a 'modal filter' at Riverside Approach that woudl have seen a temporary one-way arrangement as part of Spaces for People during the COVID-19 health emergency, resulted in a majority against so it will not go ahead.

I previously asked for some 'local traffic only' or similar signage to be provided to discourage non-local traffic and HGVs and am pleased this has been agreed to.

I also asked that the City Council revisits the idea of a pedestrian crossing on Riverside Approach between the Roseangle playpark and Magdalen Green and the Head of Sustainable Transport & Roads has responded helpfully as follows :

"With regard to the pedestrian crossing proposal, this has been reviewed by our Traffic Team pre-Covid and the pedestrian counts didn't meet the levels required for change to the current arrangement. 

Post Covid the pedestrian counts may be significantly different and we will review this location once the pandemic has concluded and future travel patterns have stabilised."

Temporary Traffic Order - Strawberrybank

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 Strawberrybank, Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Thursday 28 January 2021 for 1 day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

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

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Newhall Gardens and Millhall Crescent #dundeewestend

During the recent wintery weather, residents highlighted to me that it would be helpful to have an additional grit bin in Millhall Crescent and also have one at the west end of Newhall Gardens.

I am pleased to say that the Roads Maintenance Partnership agreed to my request for these.     The additional one for Millhall Crescent has since been delivered and I hope the additional one for Newhall Gardens will be in place soon.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - COMMENCING MONDAY 18 JANUARY 2021

Hawkhill – traffic control for up to 2 weeks for street lighting column removals.

Forthcoming Road Works

Strawberrybank – closed on Thursday 28 January for Scottish Water mains repair works.

A991 West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Guthrie Street) – northbound nearside lane closure on Monday 8 February for roof inspection works.

Money Map – an update from Dundee Citizens’ Advice Bureau

Dundee CAB has advised councillors of a very useful online ‘Money Map’ tool from Citizens’ Advice Scotland.

It advises :

“The tool is hosted at www.moneymap.scot  and brings together all the options for how people can improve their incomes and cut their living costs through areas such as housing, benefits, grants and energy bills and directs them to online sites where they can access these options. 

The strength of the tool is that it gathers in all the best online sources of help, because we know that people can get frustrated searching endlessly online for information and often end up in the wrong place.

In Dundee we’ve seen people struggle with money, often not knowing what they are entitled to, and we know the pandemic has exacerbated this problem for many people. 

Polling by YouGov shows the extent to which the pandemic has had an impact on household budgets. Almost half of people have run out of money before payday since restrictions began, and of those people 30 per cent have seen their financial situations worsen during restrictions.

While this is a digital option for people who can self-help, please also be aware that at Dundee CAB we have been providing advice throughout this crisis by telephone, email and face to face appointments in essential circumstances. 

We want to help people in Dundee through this crisis and plan to be there to help them afterwards.” 

Fire safety and home fire safety visits

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has advised that there has been a concerning increase in the number of people who have been injured and have sadly died due to fires within the home. This has been the case in Dundee where there have been 2 fatal fires this year. Over the previous 3 years, there were not any fatal fires in Dundee.

The service has identified that the key common factors are people over 50 who smoke and have mobility issues or live alone or use medical oxygen.   Therefore the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is targeting its focus on people who meet these criteria in addition to its broader home fire safety visit checks. 

Further to this, you can access here a useful guide and self-assessment about fire safety in the home – this also advises how you can book a home fire safety visit as does the above poster.

Dundee Libraries - an update

Dundee Libraries has a new Pressreader service which is an excellent service.

Library users can now access the latest local, national and international newspapers from home.

Find out more here.

Getting things done - Balgay Hill #dundeewestend

In the past few months, many residents have expressed concern to me about unofficial bike trails that have been created on Balgay Hill.

Leaving aside their unauthorised nature and damage to the hill, the other concern is the health and safety of mountain bikers using these.

I have raised this with the council's environment team who are tackling the issue and have recently placed some sensible signage about these and suggesting better and safer places where mountain bike skills can be practiced.

Improvements to the Green Circular route in the West End #dundeewestend

I am pleased to advise that the City Council has confirmed to me that it is looking at improvements to where the Green Circular route crosses the Perth Road.     

Currently at this location cyclists and pedestrians use the existing carriageway junction cross as there is no footpath provision at this point.    The proposed works will include a new footpath creating a safer crossing as the images indicate :

There are also a couple of locations along Riverside Avenue where vegetation will be cutback to effectively widen the useable footpath/cycleway.

Business support in Dundee – an update

The Boxing Day shift from tier three to four, along with the move to lockdown last week, has changed the business situation and the need for support has never been greater. In particular, non-essential retail businesses and business premises delivering close contact services may now be eligible for support at level four.

A one-stop information guide for business with advice from Dundee City Council, support organisations, Scottish Government and other agencies can be found here. 

If you are already in receipt of grants from these funds you do not need to re-apply. The City Council will automatically alter grant payments to reflect the change of level. But if you have not previously applied, or applied but did not meet the criteria for level three support, and are now eligible under level four, you should make an application as soon as possible, so do please go to the link above.

Christmas Tree Recycling

Do you have a 'real' Christmas tree that you would like to be recycled? 

You can request an uplift from your property and further details are available here.

Get Out Get Active Tayside programme

Get Out Get Active Tayside's Online Activity Programme starts back tomorrow - 11th January.

Whether you have taken part in an activity before, coming along for the very first time or know someone who would really benefit from a friendly, supportive community during this challenging time we want everyone of all levels and abilities to get involved.

The Online Activity Programme is free and offers activities 5 days a week.

You can sign up here.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING 11 JANUARY 2021

Hawkhill – traffic control for up to 2 weeks for street lighting column removals.

Friends of Wighton Saturday classes online!

From Sheena Wellington :

Saturday morning playing is back! 

We've all been missing our Saturday morning fix of tunes and, with no sign of classes being able to start in-person again any time soon, classes are moving online. 

Obviously, the format will be slightly different, but hopefully still enjoyable. 

A mixed instrument class will run 11am - 12 noon on Saturday mornings using Zoom, starting this Saturday.    Here is the Zoom link:

MoragAnne is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Saturday morning class

Time: Jan 9, 2021 11:00 AM London 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83717837909

Meeting ID: 837 1783 7909

To begin with I'll be taking the classes, with the hope of introducing guest leaders on a regular basis.    I'll be teaching a couple of slow tunes (for those who like time to think as they play, or for those who want to try out learning by ear) and then a faster tune.    Music will be shared to the screen (she says confidently!) on the day.

If participants want to contribute financially they can donate to my paypal account here.

Harris Education and Recreation Association update

From Harris Education and Recreation Association :

“Why not make some time for yourself this January and fill the long days with one of our evening classes -all done from the comfort of your living room. We have various topics including Pilates, Crochet, songwriting, Climate Change, Spanish and American History.  

You can enrol online from 13th January, and classes start at the end of the month.”

Online registration from the 13th will take place here.

Latest update during the COVID-19 health emergency

Latest update from Bailie Fraser Macpherson (West End) and Councillor Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry) during the COVID-19 health emergency :

As residents will be aware, stay at home advice has become law, just as it was in the lockdown last year. This means it will only be permissible to leave home for an essential purpose. This will include caring responsibilities, essential shopping, exercise, maintaining a shared parenting arrangement and being part of an extended household. Unlike the lockdown last year, the frequency of outdoor exercise is not being limited.

MEETING OTHERS

A maximum of two people from up to two households will be able to meet outdoors. Children aged 11 and under will not be counted in that limit, and they will also be able to play outdoors in larger groups, including in organized gatherings. However, for everyone else – including 12 to 17 year olds - outdoor exercise should only take place in a way which is consistent with the 2 people from 2 households rule.

HOME WORKING

Anyone who is able to work from home, must do so. It will only be a reasonable excuse to leave your home to go to work, if that work cannot be done from home. 

TRAVEL

You cannot leave your home except for an essential purpose. When you do go out, stay as close to home as possible and stay away from crowded places. And it remains the case that no-one is allowed to travel into or out of Scotland or between council areas in Scotland unless it is for an essential purpose.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/

EVIDENCE

State of the epidemic evidence - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-state-of-the-epidemic-in-scotland-4-january-2021/

LOCAL CASES

You can access local information on the spread of the virus in your area by selecting Dundee City then choose from the menu in local neighbourhoods.

https://public.tableau.com/profile/phs.covid.19?fbclid=IwAR1IzNvu3sjbCI6NCjU7mY-Pebmk7eWkh0P0ijzpPs-pdQll6YllQDQ_wpY#!/vizhome/COVID-19DailyDashboard_15960160643010/Overview

PLACES OF WORSHIP

Places of worship will close until 1st February for all purposes except broadcasting a service, or conducting a funeral or wedding. While up to 20 people will still be able to attend funeral services, wakes will not be possible during January … and a maximum of 5 people will be able to attend wedding and civil partnership services. This is different advice from England so we contacted the Scottish Government to ask if this would change to bring it in line across the UK. The Scottish Government said it had considered is extensively before the decision so would be unlikely to change.

SCHOOLS AND NURSERIES

The school closure period will be extended until the end of January with most school pupils learning remotely – rather than in school. This will be reviewed on 18th January. The change will apply to all pupils - except vulnerable children, and children of key workers. And it includes nursery schools, as well as primary and secondary schools. The fortnightly review will not simply be a choice between opening and closing schools – but may see a gradual or staggered return with nurseries and primary schools returning earlier than secondary schools.

PARENT CLUB

https://www.parentclub.scot/topics/coronavirus

Updated guidance for the safe running of organised activities for children and young people during lockdown.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-organised-activities-for-children-from-5-january-2021/

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

The Government already had plans in place for the staggered return of universities and colleges. There is likely to be more information on this soon.

COVID VACCINATION

In total, over the period to the end of January - including the more than 100,000 already administered – the government expect to have access to just over 900,000 doses of vaccine. These will be split roughly equally between the Pfizer and Astra Zeneca vaccines.

Current expectation, based on assumptions about supply and the new advice on doses being administered up to 12 weeks apart, rather than 3, is that by early May everyone over 50, and people under 50 with specific underlying conditions, will have received at least the first dose of the vaccine. That is everyone who is on the JCVI priority list, and comprises more than 2.5 million people.

Once everyone on the priority list has been vaccinated, the Scottish Government will start vaccinating the rest of the population, and will do this in parallel with completing second doses for those on the priority list.

Information on the vaccination programme including on the dose interval increase:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19---vaccine-letter-from-the-chief-medical-officer-updating-on-the-vaccination-programme---1-january-2021/

This is the vaccination priority list:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/priority-groups-for-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-advice-from-the-jcvi-30-december-2020/joint-committee-on-vaccination-and-immunisation-advice-on-priority-groups-for-covid-19-vaccination-30-december-2020

This is the vaccine update statistics:

https://beta.isdscotland.org/find-publications-and-data/population-health/covid-19/covid-19-statistical-report/

Over 80s are starting to receive the covid vaccine.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine/who-will-be-offered-the-coronavirus-vaccine

PAVEMENT AND ROAD GRITTING

We received many complaints this week about slippy pavements and roads due to ice. We have raised every concern with the Roads Maintenance Partnership and are here to assist residents at all times. We thought you would find it helpful to have the Dundee City Council guidance on this.

https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/winter-maintenance

ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR BUSINESSES

The number of non-essential services which remain open will be further restricted. Premises which will need to close as a result of these changes will include, for example ski centres, showrooms of larger retailers, and clinics offering cosmetic and aesthetic procedures. Construction and manufacturing remain open.

The current 1 metre exemption for workplace canteens will end – so canteens will have to ensure that employees sit 2 metres or more apart, rather than 1 metre.

LEVEL FOUR BUSINESS SUPPORT

Businesses required to close by law are currently able to claim up to £3,000 every four weeks through the Strategic Framework Business Fund. use the link below to apply.

We estimate that the applications for the following additional funds will start to open next week sometime. 

• £19.2 million to provide one-off grants for hospitality businesses

• £50.8 million for businesses with a rateable value of more than £51,000 that have not received support from the Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund or Hotel Support Programme and some additional support to smaller businesses impacted by restrictions

• £11.8 million for international inbound, coach tourism and domestic tour operators

• £7 million for self-catering

• £5 million for visitor attractions

• £2.5 million for outdoor tourism

• £2.3 million for hostels

• £2 million for ski centres

• £1.5 million for travelling show people ineligible for other support

• £1.2 million for Destination Management Organisations

• £1 million for B&Bs and guest houses excluded from the latest Non Domestic Rates scheme 

https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice

SHIELDING

If you were shielding and you cannot work from home, the clear advice now is that you should not go into work at all. The Chief Medical Officer is writing to everyone who falls into this category, and his letter will count as a Fit Note for those who need it. If you were shielding and not in employment, then you should follow CMO guidance and stay home where possible.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-shielding

CARE HOME GUIDANCE

Guidance on adult care home lateral flow testing.

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-adult-care-home-visitor-testing-guidance/

IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS

If you have symptoms of the virus check out this link. 

https://www.nhsinform.scot/self-help-guides/self-help-guide-coronavirus-covid-19

POLICE CONTACT FORM

https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/covid19/ 

INFORMATION

UK Government news: www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications

Scottish Government Updates: www.gov.scot/news

Dundee City Council updates: www.dundeecity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

NHS Inform – https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

NHS Tayside website: www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk 

Helpline for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice Tel: 0800 028 2816.

Health Protection Scotland Guidance - www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19 

Federation of Small Businesses: www.fsb.org.uk/coronavirus 

Helpline for small businesses, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: 0300 303 0660.

Ready Scotland Information - www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus 

Tayside Cares - www.taysidecares.co.uk 

SUPPORT AND ADVICE

This has been an anxious and uncertain time but we want you to know that we are here to try to help constituents in whatever way that we can.

CONTACT DETAILS

WEST END WARD – Bailie Fraser Macpherson

Phone – Dundee 459378 (home)

E-mail – fraser.macpherson@dundeecity.gov.uk 

Facebook updates : www.facebook.com/dundeewestend

Discovery Days 2020

The University of Dundee’s Discovery Days will take place from Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th January.

You can join online to listen to the newest professors and award-winning teachers and students, as they share the ideas that inspire them. 

Everyone is welcome and for more information and free tickets click here.

New Year update from Friends of Wighton

From Sheena Wellington :

“The Friends of Wighton invite you to an online illustrated talk on the Montgomerie Collection to be given by Dr Margaret Bennett this Wednesday - 6th January.   

After organising a successful event online for Scottish Book Week we have decided that it is worth trying to put some concerts online too. We plan to hold the concerts on the first Wednesday of the month at 1.15pm. 

The first will be on Wednesday 6th January when the  guest will be Dr Margaret Bennet with an illustrated talk on the renowned Montgomerie collection, the children’s songs recorded in Dundee’s Hilltown in 1952.    

The talk starts at 1.15pm but you can log-in at any time from 1.05pm.”

Join Zoom Meeting here.

Meeting ID: 816 9660 4953 

Passcode: 157803

You can read more about the Montgomerie Collection in this interesting Evening Telegraph article here.

EU Citizens Support Service

The deadline for the applying to the EU Settlement Scheme, June 2021, is slowly creeping closer. 

Estimates suggest there are still thousands of EU citizens and their families living in Scotland who have not yet applied to the scheme. 

The Citizens Advice service across Scotland wants to help EU citizens preserve their rights in the UK by making a claim.

Citizens Advice Scotland is running a dedicated EU Citizen Support helpline to assist with the application process for settled or pre-settled status - 0800 916 9847 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm).

At Dundee CAB, it is also offering telephone appointments and, in emergency situations, face to face appointments. It can be contacted by calling 01382 214633 or emailing bureau@dundeecab.casonline.org.uk

Royal Voluntary Service Update

The Royal Voluntary Service in Dundee is pleased to continue to provide a lifeline to our vulnerable, older people (over 50) and or their carers. 

The support we have been providing (during the COVID-19 health emergency) and will continue to provide includes companionship (telephone befriending) calls and welfare checks (Safe & Well phone calls), help packs of essential food and toiletries– providing vital food for those struggling to pay for daily necessities. Read more about existing services here. 

For further information on any of the services mentioned please contact: Michelle Manzie, Service Manager michelle.manzie@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or 07834 753386.

For referrals for services or enquiries about volunteering for Royal Voluntary Service, Dundee City, please contact either Irene Wallace, Service Coordinator 07917 183548 Thursday or Friday - or email at Dundeehfh@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk. 

Happy New Year! #dundeewestend

After such a challenging year, here's hoping for a much better 2021 ... best wishes to all residents in the West End for the New Year!

A guid Hogmanay!

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne

Words adapted from a traditional song by Rabbie Burns (1759-96)

Botanic Garden update #dundeewestend

Following the announcement on COVID-19 Level 4 restrictions, the University of Dundee Botanic Garden has advised that it will remain open for all local Dundee residents to visit, apart from the following dates:

Hogmanay - 31st December 2020

New Year’s Day - 1st January 2021

Staff, Friends and Students who are residing in Dundee can enter by showing their respective cards.

All non-members must pre-purchase a ticket via the Viator or Trip Advisor here.

The café is not open and this will be reviewed on 15th January as we learn more about the lifting or otherwise of Tier 4 restrictions.

With your continued support, the garden remains a safe site to exercise for those who live in Dundee. In planning your visit, patrons are asked to comply with the latest guidance on travel and social distancing at this critical time.

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee

From Blether Tay-Gither, Dundee’s story telling club : 

We hope you can join us for our December blether tonight on Zoom – 7pm to 9pm :

The theme is ghosts. 

It's that time of year when it's a bit colder outside and we are huddled up in the warmth. More huddled up that usual this year with our enforced prolonged hibernation. Some festive events are still happening and we at least have the chance to meet in a cyber way to share stories. These long dark nights evoke the haunted and eerie things that dwell in the shadows. Even a very well-known Christmas tale tells of these creatures that may come unbidden to reveal the troubled ways of our lives. We are talking about ghosts. 

Tonight’s Zoom event is an opportunity to share and listen to stories around the theme of ghost stories. There is plenty of them out there so have a look and see what you can find and bring one to share - but if you would just prefer to listen that is ok too! 

Event link:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89697596631

Meeting ID: 896 9759 6631

Helping to Spread the Festive Cheer!

Loneliness and isolation has been magnified for all of us this year and particularly at Christmas.

Meal Makers’ volunteer cooks have been going the extra mile to do something special for an older neighbour. 

Meal Makers is a subsidiary of the award winning Scottish Charity Food Train. It is a local neighbourhood food-sharing project that connects people who love cooking, and who are happy to share an extra portion of home cooked food, with an older neighbour who would really appreciate a freshly prepared meal and a friendly chat. 

By turning an everyday activity into a volunteering opportunity, Meal Makers strengthens connections within communities and provides a flexible way for people to volunteer their time and skills locally in a way which suits them. 

Meal Makers is looking for volunteers in our area – postcodes DD1 and DD2 – you can find out more and sign up at www.mealmakers.org.uk/Account/Register

Dundee in Level 4

As of yesterday, Dundee entered Coronavirus Protection Level 4. 

The City Council has a useful summary of the guidance which you can read here.

Happy Boxing Day!

(with thanks to Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action for the image and photographs!)

A very Happy Christmas to you and your family!

 

Important energy information over the festive period

With thanks to Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action

Getting things done - Magdalen Green #dundeewestend

Many thanks to the residents who contacted me about the directional pole apparently falling over on Magdalen Green.

I have asked the City Council to rectify this.

Help or advice over the Christmas period

The opening hours for welfare advice and other support services over the Christmas period can be downloaded here.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - MONDAY 21 DECEMBER 2020 – FRIDAY 8 JANUARY 2021

Hawkhill – lane closures until mid-week for street lighting column installation works.

Another bus services update | Christmas Holidays 2020

Further to my update yesterday on Xplore Dundee Christmas bus services, you can read details of Stagecoach festive season bus services here.

Bus services update | Christmas Holidays 2020

Xplore Dundee has published a summary of bus service levels and public holiday timetables.

This is now available here to help plan bus journeys this Christmas.

Plant bulbs with us! #dundeewestend

 

Pen Friends Project!

From Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action :

"We are pleased to announce a collaboration with the Companionship Society at the University of Dundee and are overwhelmed by the number of students keen to be pen friends with older people.  They have their pens and notepads poised but we need pen friends for them to write to.   Can you help?  

Why not make it our New Year's resolution to sign up to something completely different and make friends with someone you wouldn't normally be in contact with.  

Do you know someone who might like to do this?  Why not sign up yourself or refer a friend.  You will be matched up with people bases on your hobbies and favourite pastimes.  

We will provide you with paper and stamps and you can reply at your own leisure.  

Get in touch on with Clare on 07983 707168 or Jordan on 07983 706626 if you would like to find out more."

Ancrum Road Primary pupils connect across the miles this Christmas!

With thanks to Mary McGowne, a great update about Ancrum Road Primary School pupils!

The Overgate Centre is keeping the Christmas spirit alive this year with a heartwarming initiative to connect local children with new friends in twin city Alexandria in the USA.

Overgate Air Mail has seen 76 pupils aged between six and twelve years old from Ancrum Road Primary School in Dundee write a letter of festive cheer to new pen pals at Charles Barrett Elementary School in Alexandria, Virginia. The campaign is part of Overgate’s DUNDEE’S 7 CITIES initiative which aims to strengthen ties between Dundee and its twin cities across the world. 

The pupils from Ancrum Road Primary, guided by teacher Kayleigh Anderson, have been busy writing their letters and documenting their experiences of the last twelve months to share with their new American pen pals, along with how each plan to celebrate Christmas this year.

The recurring themes throughout many of the letters demonstrate that no matter if in Scotland or the USA, children share the same dreams for Christmas (mainly presents from Santa!) and have been faced with similar challenges throughout lockdown (annoying siblings, the Scottish cold weather and remembering to socially distance) but remain optimistic for a brighter 2021. 

The letters have been collected by Overgate’s Christmas elves who, by the magic of Overgate Air Mail, are ensuring safe delivery to Charles Barret School in Alexandria. Once the pupils in Alexandria return their own letters to their new Dundee pen pals, a display of the letters that is sure to bring much festive cheer will be created in Overgate for all to enjoy. To complete the campaign, three local winners from Ancrum Road Primary will be selected at random to each win a £30 Overgate gift card.

Picture 1 (two boys standing in red)

Jack Campbell, Joshua Lee, Ailey Mathieson, Gracie Gollan and Chloe Doig.

 

Picture 2

Hannah McInnes, Lucas Sword, Millie Garrick-Orr, Emily Mitchell and Halle McKenzie.

Getting things done - Osborne Place and Magdalen Yard Road #dundeewestend

I have had numerous complaints about the extent of mushy, wet leaves around Magdalen Yard Road and Osborne Place and some blocked road drains.

I had reported this to both the environment team in relation to the leaves and the Roads Maintenance Partnership in relation to the drains - and have also raised similar issues at other locations :

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 14 DECEMBER 2020

Hawkhill – lane closures for one week for street lighting column installation works.

Riverside Drive (Tay Rail Bridge to Tesco roundabout) – eastbound nearside lane closure until mid week for new water connections.

Lower Pleasance (at Lochee Road) – closed overnight (9.00pm – 6.00am) from Monday 14 December for 3 nights for BT works. 

Lochee Road (at Polepark Road) – overnight temporary traffic lights (9.00pm – 6.00am) from Monday 14 December for 3 nights for BT work.

Thomson Street (Perth Road to Seafield Lane) – closed from Monday 14 December for 5 days for BT work.