Improvements at West End Tennis Club #dundeewestend

Many thanks to West End Tennis Club for this fabulous update :

"Our Courts at the West End Tennis Club are now all re-surfaced, pristine and smooth; and we have our new accessible pathway in place.   It looks amazing.

The timing could not have been more fitting, as the courts were available very shortly after the release of Lockdown in July, and have seen non-stop action ever since. Fortunately, tennis is a sport people have been able to enjoy despite Covid, and with appropriate measures in place, the Club has never been busier.

We are delighted to have continued our links with Abertay University, and to have established new ones with Dundee University and Harris Academy, whereby students use the courts for tennis practice.

Because of Covid however, we have not been able to have a Grand Opening, as first planned. We do hope that 2021 will allow a delayed event.

Our main sponsor is the Fife Environment Trust."

Lochee Road update #dundeewestend

I have welcomed a commitment by Dundee City Council to ensure a redesign of the Lochee Road junctions at Polepark Road and Dudhope Terrace is undertaken, something I have long called for.     This would help to make improvements in air quality in an area of significant air quality concern.

As residents know, I have long campaigned on air quality issues, particularly in relation to Lochee Road, where, as recently as January 2020, I again highlighted my deep concern that, yet again, Friends of the Earth had highlighted air quality concerns in Lochee Road in its Scotland’s most polluted streets survey with Seagate in the city also highlighted in the January national air quality survey.   

At the council’s Community Safety and Community Protection Committee in September, I again called for the council to look again at the design of the junctions of Lochee Road at Polepark Road and Dudhope Terrace because more efficient vehicle movements will stop the tailbacks that have plagued the area over many years, and so help reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

I am very pleased to be have been recently advised by the council that it is now to look at redesigning the junctions here.      

Although there has obviously been a reduction in vehicles using Lochee Road during the COVID-19 health emergency and a resulting improvement in air quality measurements, it is vital that, as we hopefully see the health emergency end in the not too distant future, we don’t see a return to large tailbacks of vehicles at rush hour at Lochee Road, Dudhope Terrace, Polepark Road and Rankine Street, resulting in the air quality gains in 2020 being lost.    

I am therefore pleased the council has taken on board my request to tackle the roads issues at this busy location.

The council’s Head of Sustainable Transport & Roads advised councillors : 

“The Dudhope Terrace and Polepark Road junctions are constrained in their efficiency by junction configuration and road space, which combined govern the junction capacity.  To achieve increased capacity, reduce congestion, and improve air quality, it is considered a junction redesign is required which can also accommodate improved bus priority and active travel provision. Enhanced capacity and traffic flow through the junctions will improve air quality through reduction of vehicle queuing and associated waiting times. 

Investment in junction improvements on this principal route corridor will redress displacement of traffic on adjoining roads seeking to deviate from the route at points of congestion.  In addition to road safety and place making considerations, enhancing the favourability of the Lochee Road corridor arterial route over adjoining roads will benefit the overall network traffic flow and resultant neighbourhood air quality.

Due to the urban constraints of the site, upgrade of the junctions would require significant engineering works and a preliminary road layout improvement proposal is being prepared which will be reported to the City Development Committee in mid-2021.  The progression of an improvement project would be subject to the Council securing sufficient funding to develop a proposal.”

Additionally,  an earlier commitment to look at the functioning of the nearby Cleghorn Street/Lochee Road junction following vehicle accidents is also welcome.

Redesigning these junctions is not the only way the air quality issue can be helped – the proposed low emission zone in the city centre should also assist streets like Lochee Road adjacent to it.   

We all agree it is vital there is a proactive approach to tackling the air quality issue.   A significant number of constituents live in the tenement flats on the south side of Lochee Road near to the junction where nitrogen dioxide are unacceptably high.   

It is therefore important that the council has a clear strategy for improving air quality here and the commitment to redesign junction and improve traffic management on a road that usually sees thousands of vehicles using it every day is to be greatly welcomed.

Bus changes proposed for the West End – and across the city

There is currently formal consultation period being undertaken by Xplore Dundee.   The company recently announced a major review of its commercial network which will see changes in the number of routes served and frequency of services.  

The changes to the bus network are detailed here.

The changes would come in effect on 24th January and the affected routes include the 4, 5, 9/10, 17 and 28/29.

I recently had an on-line meeting with the Managing Director of Xplore Dundee and one of her colleagues about the proposed changes.    The most significant aspects affecting the West End are :

• Service 4 - Xplore Dundee does not intend to bring back Service 4 at this stage which has a real impact for the Scott Street/Logie area and also for Windsor Street/Magdalen Yard Road/Roseangle.    

• Service 17 – Xplore Dundee intends to re-route the 17 away from Tullideph Road and Ancrum Road.

The situation for the 4 and the 17 concern me a lot and already numerous constituents have been in touch with me about these.   Xplore Dundee advises me that it will discuss with the council possible “infill” services to cover gaps like these but whether or not this proves possible will depend on the council supporting such services and, as we know only too well from the axing of Service 204 in 2019, funding for this is limited.

Please note the consultation formally ends on Thursday 10th December – do please give Xplore Dundee your views.

Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education - online open lecture

Full details here.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2020

Hawkhill – lane closures for 3 weeks for street lighting column installation works.

Abbotsford Street (at Blackness Road) – closed from Monday 30 November for 3 days for BT work. 

Blackness Road (at Abbotsford Street) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 30 November for 3 days for BT work. 

Forthcoming Roadworks

Riverside Drive (at Railway Station) – layby and taxi rank closed from Monday 7 December for 5 days for SGN service connection.

Blackness Road (at Rosefield Street) – off-peak temporary traffic lights Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 December for BT work.

Riverside Drive (Tay Rail Bridge to Tesco roundabout) – eastbound nearside lane closure from Thursday 10 December for one 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.

Getting things done - Perth Road #dundeewestend

I recently received a number of complaints from residents about blocked road gullies in Perth Road east of Harris Academy towards West Park Road.

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

"The gully machine operator is going to check these gullies past the cemetery to West Park Road area."

Update from the Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden

Great update from the friends of Botanic Garden, University of Dundee :

"As some of you will be aware, the Friends’ Anthology has now been published.

The fundamental purpose of the book is to raise awareness of the Garden within the city and further afield. From stories and poetry to sketches and paintings, contributors colourfully express their emotional response to the Garden in all its seasons, exploring and emphasising the importance of the space.

The book retails for £19.99 and can be purchased at Garden reception on any day of the week, and also in the Macro-Micro building within the Garden on Wednesdays where some of those who helped produce the book can answer any questions you may have or deal with specific requirements.

We have received many complimentary emails from those who have seen and purchased the book regarding both its content and physical appearance.

We hope you will consider purchasing a copy – it may be the ideal present for Christmas to introduce others to the Garden."

Please also see the article here.

Temporary Traffic Order - Abbotsford 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 BT duct repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Abbotsford Street (at its junction with Blackness Road), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 30 November 2020 for 3 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available Blackness Road / Seymour Street / Abbotsford Street.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Lochee Park update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that, back in August, I was pleased to report that the council's environment manager for our area had advised that a new picnic table would be provided at Lochee Park and it was soon in place - see above.

Since then, many residents have pointed out it is very well-used and could more be provided.   

I contacted the environment manager about this and have had the following helpful response :

"There is another picnic table to be installed near the play park, along with a youth shelter which will be nearer to the exercise equipment.   These are being done as part of our winter programme of works."

Love Dundee Local!

Businesses in Dundee are being invited to join the new ‘Love Dundee Local’ service, which helps local companies to serve local people.

The service, website and mobile app have been developed by the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, Dundee City Council and key private sector providers to support businesses across sectors.

Local businesses, including shops, pubs, restaurants, bars, and independent drinks merchants have played a key role in their communities throughout the pandemic by safely providing food and drink, gifts, household goods, and other products to families, people on the shielding list and others.

These businesses are now being given the opportunity to join the ‘Love Dundee Local’ service to offer food, drinks and other products for collection or delivery, in a new way.

This is an excellent initiative and you can find out more here.

Financial advice and support

Money worries, debt or benefits concerns?

The following information provides useful financial advice and contact numbers :

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020

Hawkhill – lane closures for 4 weeks for street lighting column installation works.

Lochee Road (at Rankine Street) – mini contraflow until mid-week for Scottish Water work.

Seafield Road (Perth Road to Roseangle) – closed Monday 23 November for 4 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Lower Pleasance (Brewery Lane to Douglas Street) – closed from Wednesday 25 November for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Abbotsford Street (at Blackness Road) – closed from Monday 30 November for 3 days for BT work.

Blackness Road (at Abbotsford Street) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 30 November for 3 days for BT work.

Temporary Traffic Order - Lower Pleasance

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 manhole repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Lower Pleasance (between Douglas Street and Brewery Lane), Dundee

This notice comes into effect on Wednesday 25 November 2020 for 1 day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Douglas Street / Brook Street / Brewery Lane.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development - Dundee City Council

Ninewells Community Garden - on-line event #dundeewestend

Movie Screening and Discussion - Kiss the Ground 

Thursday 26th November at 6pm

Kiss the Ground is a full-length documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson that sheds light on a new, old approach to farming called “regenerative agriculture” that has the potential to balance our climate, replenish our vast water supplies, and feed the world.

The movie screening will be followed by a discussion, details of how to watch the movie and join the discussion will be sent to you before to the screening time.

Full details available here.

Dundee Art Society Exhibition #dundeewestend

From Dundee Art Society :

Dundee Art Society is holding their Winter Art Exhibition at Roseangle Gallery, 17 Roseangle.

Although Covid rules are in place, so no preview with refreshments and a wee glass of wine can happen, but at least we are allowed to open this exhibition for a week. 

It starts on Saturday 21st November and runs every day till Saturday 28th November, open daily from 11am to 5pm.

Temporary traffic order - Seafield 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 carriageway resurfacing works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Seafield Road (from Perth Road to Roseangle), Dundee

This notice comes into effect on Monday 23 November 2020 for 5 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Access will be maintained where possible.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Perth Road / Roseangle .

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Residents' parking scheme for the West End - a further update

Residents will recall that I had recently raised with the City Council the need to complete the consultation on a possible residents' parking scheme for a significant area in the east and north of the West End Ward.

The consultation was abruptly suspended back in March due to the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 health emergency.    As I indicated to council officers, I do not want to see this kicked into the long grass as the parking problems for many residents continue.

The council's Parking and Sustainable Transport Team Leader has now updated councillors as follows :

"The report on the proposed extension of a residents' parking scheme came before the City Development committee on 9 March 2020 and officers were instructed to conclude the consultation with relevant community groups before bringing back a further options report to the committee. 

The public consultation in the West End was largely completed prior to lockdown with a lot of community feedback collated following two public events held at Blackness Library in March 2020.  Further public engagement events in Maryfield and Coldside wards were unable to take place due to lockdown restrictions.

Council officers from City Development, with support from the Communities Team, expect to recommence the public engagement on resident parking issues in March 2021 or at the earliest possible date after restrictions on public gatherings are lifted.   It is then anticipated that a full options report will be presented to committee later that year."

Environmental improvements across the West End

I am pleased to advise that, at last night's City Council Neighbourhood Services Committee, various environmental improvements across the city were approved.

In the West End, these will include improvements at Riverside Nature Park, along Riverside Drive and at Seabraes.

Further detail is given in the plans below :

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2020

Hawkhill – lane closures for 5 weeks for street lighting column installation works.

Glamis Drive – closed from Monday 9 November for 2 weeks for carriageway surfacing.

Perth Road (at Farrington Street) – temporary traffic lights for one week for SGN work.

Lochee Road (at Rankine Street) – mini contraflow Tuesday 17 November for one week for Scottish Water work. 

Forthcoming Roadworks

Seafield Road (Perth Road to Roseangle) – closed from Monday 23 November for 5 working days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Abbotsford Street (at Blackness Road) – closed from Monday 30 November for 3 days for BT work. 

Blackness Road (at Abbotsford Street) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 30 November for 3 days for BT work. 

Dundee City Council Tenants - Have Your Say - Rent Consultation 2020

From the City Council :

“Every year, the City Council Neighbourhood Services reviews the rent and other charges that we need to collect so that we can continue to deliver the services that you have told us you want. 

Neighbourhood Services aim to ensure that the highest quality of housing is provided for the people of Dundee in a safe and healthy environment. This can only be achieved through partnership working across all sectors. 

The council strives to provide a continually high standard of service by consulting and engaging with tenants on decisions which involve them. 

The current restrictions continue to make this a challenge, however, your opinion matters, so please take time some to be part in this year’s rent consultation before 23rd December 2020. 

Below are some examples of how you can Get Involved & Have Your Say :

• Information displayed on the Council, partner and Elected Member social media portals and websites.

• Taking the opportunity to complete the survey if asked to Get Involved by Council staff, either in person, or over the phone.

• Email us on rentconsultation@dundeecity.gov.uk 

• Complete the survey by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MCRC-2021-22

• Text ‘RENT 1, 2 or 3’ to 0753 924 2303

• Scanning ‘QR’ Quick Response code on literature 

Following the consultation period, all feedback received on the proposed options will be reported to, and considered by, Committee in January 2021.”

You can read more at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/rent-consultation 

Please support Adoption Week 2020!

I am supporting Adoption Week Scotland 2020 that runs all next week and the City Council is promoting this excellent yearly event to promote adoption and fostering in Dundee.

The Dundee adoption and fostering Facebook page is at www.facebook.com/dundeecityadoptionandfostering and will have daily posts throughout the week.

Bike rack provision in the West End #dundeewestend

Towards the end of last year, the City Council's Outdoor Access Officer discussed possible improvements to bike racks provision in Perth Road and Blackness Road, something many local residents have said would assist local cyclists.

Sites were discussed and agreed but, meantime, the health emergency rather got in the way of these being installed.

I recently asked the Outdoor Access Officer for an update and have received the following positive response :

"I was in touch with the contractor about a week ago, and he was intending to get the racks installed this month.  

You will remember this will install one stand at the Spar, one at the front of Sainsbury's and a rack of 4 stands at the library on the Perth Road. There was also a stand to go in near the Chemists at Blackness Road.

I hope this helps at the locations your constituent visits.

As you say the main delay to these being installed was the Covid-19 situation."

Bollard at Roseangle playpark area - an update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that I had recently reported a bollard that requires to be re-sited back in place on the foot/cycle path near the Roseangle playpark.

The City Council has now responded as follows :

"The aforementioned bollard has been sheared at the base and is not re-installable.    The hole has been made safe and I have ordered a new one to replace it when it arrives it will be installed."

Lest we forget

 

No Trees to Whisper - Book Week Scotland at the Wighton!

From Sheena Wellington of Friends of Wighton :

We are back!  Online but with a very special event to celebrate Book Week Scotland 

Saturday November 21st from 2pm - 3.30pm 

No Trees to Whisper – the  Music of Poetry 

No Trees to Whisper is  a song cycle commissioned by soprano and clarinet duo, Turning the Elements who are soprano Frances Cooper and clarinettist Joanna Nicholson.   

Poetry workshop led by Dawn Wood.

Be the first audience to hear extracts from this new commission and have the opportunity to work with one of the poets involved, and the musicians, to create a new piece – all from the comfort of your own home, via Zoom!             

Dr Samuel Johnson and James Boswell’s famous diaries of their Journey to the Highlands and Islands in 1779 were the inspiration for this project, supported by Creative Scotland, with poetry commissioned from Haworth Hodgkinson, Iain Morrison and Dawn Wood, and music by Gemma McGregor, Linda Buckley and Aidan O’Rourke.

Dawn Wood will lead the workshop, delving into some of the ways she finds inspiration for her writing, and sharing some of the poetry she produced for the project.  She will use guided meditation techniques to allow participants to access their sensory imagination as they explore aspects of the Scottish landscape and its future. Participants will have the opportunity to produce writing during the workshop, resulting in a collaborative text which will be explored using improvised music by Frances Cooper and Joanna Nicholson.

The workshop is free but places are limited so if you would like to take part in this exciting event, or be part of the audience,   please register your interest by email to secretary@friendsofwighton.com

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2020

Hawkhill – lane closures for 6 weeks for street lighting column installation works.

Pentland Avenue (City Road to Scott Street) – closed westbound from Monday 2 November for 6 days to facilitate road safety works.

Glamis Drive – closed from Monday 9 November for 2 weeks for carriageway surfacing.

Operation After Dark - Winter Home Security

From Tayside Police Division :

“Well the summer time has officially gone, as the clocks went back at the weekend there, and it’s time for our annual Operation After Dark.

As part of this ongoing effort to raise winter home security awareness, this week officers will be out on both high-visibility and plain clothes patrols in areas that are often targeted by thieves.

They will be identifying any property which appears to be vulnerable, speaking with occupiers of identified addresses, and delivering security advice leaflets.

Some basic crime prevention advice for the darker / shorter days includes : 

 ·         Ensure that timer switches are being used on lights / radios to make it look and sound like someone is within.

·         Ensure that all windows and doors are kept secure when you leave your property or go to bed.

·         Ensure security lighting is in working order – potential housebreakers do not like being seen.

·         Ensure garden tools / ladders are locked away when not in use - these are often used to assist with gaining entry to your house.

·         Ensure sheds and outbuildings have a good quality lock fitted - these are often the first place targeted.

·         Don't leave bins out when they don't need to be - another sign that you or your neighbour’s home may be unoccupied.

·        Catalogue all your property as best possible.”

More home security advice is available at 

www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property

Building Bridges Symposium 2020

From Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education :

West Port artwork - an update

Residents will know the artwork in the West Port, where public toilets once sat - photo above.

Art UK explains its background :

"Pyramid and Canopies - Stan Bonnar 

Commissioned in 1983, the West Port 'Pyramid and Canopies' was not only a sculptural artwork, but also formed the roof structure and stairway down to a newly modernised underground public toilets. 

The last images in the series, provided by the artist, show the work as it initially appeared. Bonnar was given the brief of proposing artworks for the West Port area of Dundee, and during this creative survey, he saw that the old Victorian 'men only' public toilets had fallen into disrepair."

Stan was recently in touch with me about the current state of the artwork which definitely needs some tender loving care to remove graffiti, repaint it and clean the pyramid.

The City Council's planning officer who deal with public art matters is kindly arranging this.

Stan has suggested some improvements including creating seating - to quote him :

" ...  the seating would be installed as part of a conservation scheme for the trees and pyramid at some time in the future.  I hope that the artwork will be able to be 'topped off’ by reinstating the globes.

It would be great if they were made to light up as this would accentuate their functioning in the artwork as a symbol of oneness. (red supporting blue - blue supporting red - each the environment and meaning of the other). 

And of course this is reflected in the symbolic value of the pyramid."

Stan has kindly produced a mock-up of what this could look like - below :

Dundee Carers’ Centre #dundeewestend

Dundee Carers’ Centre has a page for West End  that is useful.

It covers the work the centre undertakes in the West End, the partnership organisations the centre works with in our area and its work with schools.

You can read this here.

Glamis Drive resurfacing works – a further update

Further to my recent post with the good news that the roadway of Glamis Drive is to be resurfaced next week, the city Council has updated adjacent residents as follows :

“Glamis Drive/Invergowrie Drive (60 Invergowrie Drive to Glamis Road) – Carriageway Resurfacing

I wish to notify you that work is programmed to commence at the above location on Monday 9 November 2020,lasting for approximately 8 days.   The main contractor for the works is Tayside Contracts.

The works will be carried out in 2 phases to minimise disruption and maintain safe vehicular access where possible.

In the interests of public safety, road closures will be implemented, with traffic restrictions as follows :

• during Phase 1 Glamis Drive will be closed from 60 Invergowrie Drive to Hillside Road; and

• during Phase 2 Glamis Drive will be closed from Hillside Road to Glamis Road.

Traffic will be diverted via Glamis Road, Perth Road, Invergowrie Drive and reverse for the full duration of the works, while no on-street parking will be allowed on the section of carriageway being worked on.

Access for residents will be maintained where possible, although we ask for vehicular traffic movements to be kept to a minimum. Vehicular access will be maintained to the residents of Glamis Drive from Glamis Road during Phase 1 and from Invergowrie Drive during Phase 2 of the works.

During Phase 1 some residents from Glamis Drive, Invergowrie Drive and Glamis Gardens may experience some unavoidable delays.

Please accept my apologies for any disruption these essential works may cause. I am sure that you will understand that major road maintenance work is unavoidable and necessitates a degree of inconvenience to road users."

Getting things done : Roseangle playpark area #dundeewestend

Last week, residents highlighted to me that on the foot/cycle path near the Roseangle playpark, a bollard required to be re-sited back in place.

I have asked the City Council to attend to this.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2020

Hawkhill – lane closures for 3 weeks for street lighting columns installation works.

Pentland Avenue (City Road to Scott Street) – closed westbound from Monday 2 November for 6 days to facilitate road safety works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Glamis Drive – closed from Monday 9 November for 2 weeks for carriageway surfacing.

Friends at the End webinar

 

Getting things done - Perth Road #dundeewestend

I am grateful to the local resident who recently highlighted that one of the panels was damaged on the bus shelter on Perth Road near the junction with Glamis Road by the Invercarse Hotel.

I took this up with the transport team at the council and the panel was promptly removed for repair by a glazier.

Getting things done - Victoria Park #dundeewestend

Recently, residents have asked me when the hedging at Victoria Park will be trimmed.

I took this up with the City Council and the Environmental Management Area Officer has advised :

"... the hedge cutting with tractor mounted flail has commenced and is working its way across town east to west and this hedge is programmed in to be done and should be done in the next few weeks.

As you will be aware we have not been able to carry out our normal program of works at the usual time of year due to the covid-19 situation and most works have been set back by about a month."

However, I am pleased to advise that the trimming has now been carried out and residents have remarked what a neat job it is too.

Temporary Traffic Order - Pentland Avenue

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 road safety improvement works.  The Order is expected to be in force for 6 days from 2nd November 2020.  Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all westbound vehicular traffic in Pentland Avenue from City Road to Scott Street.

An alternative route will be available via City Road and Scott Street.

Queries should be addressed to the Network Management Team, City Development Department, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS or call 433082.

The council has further advised me :

“The road safety improvement scheme includes a new central triangular traffic island with new drop kerb provision and new road markings including hatching.

The island will be installed in Pentland Avenue where the junction meets City Road. 

This measure will improve pedestrian and road safety.”

Getting things done - Glamis Drive #dundeewestend

As residents are aware, I have been in touch with the Roads Maintenance Partnership on numerous occasions about the need to resurface the roadway of Glamis Drive as it is in poor condition.

I am pleased to advise that I have been informed that the road will be resurfaced from 9th November, which is good news.

It will be undertaken in two phases over up to ten days :

Phase 1 : from Invergowrie Drive to Hillside Road 

Phase 2 : from Hillside Road to Glamis Road

This way access is maintained to the area throughout.

Getting things done – Perth Road street lights #dundeewestend

I am grateful to the residents who highlighted to me last week street lights that were out on Perth Road between Hazel Avenue and Invergowrie Drive.

I raised this with the Street Lighting Partnership who very promptly updated me as follows :

“ … the lighting fault on the Perth Road has been rectified.

Someone had gained access to the street lighting control cabinet and interfered with the controls.

This has now been reset, the cabinet door secured and the lights should be operating correctly.”

There was, thereafter, a further issue with the timer, but this has now been resolved and the lights should now be operating properly.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 26 OCTOBER 2020

Riverside Drive (at Mayo Avenue) – off peak temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 27 October for maintenance work to DfT traffic sensors.

Blackness Road (at Glenagnes Road) - temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 October for SSEN disconnection works.

Hawkhill – lane closures from Monday 26 October for 4 weeks for street lighting columns installation works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Pentland Avenue (City Road to Scott Street) – closed westbound from Monday 2 November for 6 days to facilitate road safety works.

Glamis Drive – closed from Monday 9 November for 2 weeks for carriageway surfacing.

Residents’ parking consultation – an update

Residents will recall that the consultation on residents' parking was abruptly suspended in March shortly after the two consultation meetings, due to the COVID-19 health emergency.    

I have been in touch with the City Council about its position regarding getting the consultation concluded and a residents’ parking scheme introduced.

The Head of Sustainable Transport and Roads has now updated me as follows :

“As you note, there are options to either progress the outstanding consultation online or postpone until physically distancing requirements are relaxed. Engagement with non-digital persons is a concern with the former of these two options. 

Associated with this consideration is the skewing of respondents' comments if progressed during the current restrictions on the basis of views being influenced by current experiences or circumstances faced which may not be apparent post Covid-19.

For the benefit of engagement, and the timing being during an environment reflective of the future state, I propose to postpone the consultation exercise until after the pandemic which will hopefully be in the first half of 2021.”

This is a disappointing timescale but not really very surprising as driving and parking currently is far from normal and services are extremely challenging due to the health emergency.  

However, I will continue to press for progress as soon as parking behaviour returns to more normal times as hopefully the COVID-19 health emergency passes.   

Meantime, I have continually said that parking charges in the seven West End car parks with charges should have remained suspended given the Scottish Government guidance to work from home where possible and I reiterated this to the Head of Sustainable Transport and Roads during the past week.

Sub-station at Magdalen Green #dundeewestend

Residents have remarked how superb the new mural on the SSE electricity sub-station at Magdalen Green is!   

It is opposite the bottom of Windsor Street and was completed on Thursday.

Another great mural by Paco Graff and grateful thanks also go to Russell Pepper of West End Community Council for making this happen and to SSE for its support of the project.

Street lighting improvements - Hawkhill #dundeewestend

I have been advised by the City Council's Street Lighting Partnership Manager as follows :

"I'm informing you that we have a lighting replacement scheme about to commence in the Hawkhill area of your ward, starting on Monday of next week.

We intend to replace all the lighting columns and cable network along the length of the Hawkhill from Brown Street out as far as Peddie Street.

Obviously this is a large project for us and Tayside Contracts will be assisted by a sub-contractor, T N Gilmartins, who will be undertaking excavation works on site. 

Works will commence at the city centre end and progress westwards from there. 

We will of course, endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum although some traffic management will be required.

Weather permitting, works are expected to last 10-12 weeks."

Blether Bus - an update

Residents will be aware that the so-called “Blether Bus” that replaced the 204 bus service the council axed last year and covers a number of streets in the West End that would otherwise have no bus service – streets like Invergowrie Drive, Newhall Gardens and Glamis Drive – was suspended at the start of the COVID-19 health emergency.

The service assists older residents who find it difficult to walk the distances – often uphill – to the main service buses.   

I recently noticed that Aberdeenshire Council has, with proper safety arrangements including social distancing, announced a restart to its Dial a Bus service that has similar aims.   To quote that council :

“We preparing to re-introduce a number of #A2B #dial-a-bus services operated by our fleet of minibuses in a controlled and phased manner.”

I raised this with the City Council and have been advised :

“The Dial A Bus model of operation requires users to pre-book their journeys and this allows the operators to manage the number of passengers using the service at any one time - and the timings of those journeys.   From speaking with colleagues from other local authorities I think most minibus services are limited to two passengers on the vehicle at any one time.   The Blether Bus model is much closer to a bus service and there is no pre-booking option so we cannot manage journeys in this way.

We will continue to liaise with colleagues at Fleet about vehicle and minibus availability and appropriate protocols that need to be in place before we can safely restart the Blether Bus services.”

I have responded :

“ … surely some out the box thinking is required so what about temporarily converting the Blether Bus to something around the Dial a Bus model?   I have constituents in streets like Newhall Gardens who simply cannot manage the hill up to Perth Road.”