Great news from West End Tennis Club! #dundeewestend

Last year, I was asked by the West End Tennis Club to write a letter of support for its fundraising effort to resurface the courts and to make them accessible to wheelchair users.

I was delighted to do so as the club is an excellent community sports facility in the West End.

The lifespan of the current court surface is now ending, and the resurfacing is much needed.    It would also ensure that wheelchair users can enjoy the benefits of the club.

I was therefore delighted to be advised by the club recently that the fundraising effort has paid off! 

All the funds are now in place, after a generous donation from the Fife Environment Trust, and there is now a start date for the work of 13th April.

Well done to all at the club for the fundraising effort and many thanks to all the donors.

Getting things done - Blackness Road #dundeewestend

A resident recently contacted me about the bus stop in Blackness Road near the Ashbank Road junction, indicating :

"As an elderly resident of Ashbank Road I suffered heavy rain and very cold wind for nearly ten minutes waiting for a no. 22 bus. 

As there are bus shelters at the next couple of stops is it not possible for one to erected at Ashbank Road?"

This is a good point and I have asked Dundee City Council if it can consider a bus shelter at this location.

Feisty Women Conference is on Saturday - all welcome!

Bonnie Dundee AGM tonight - all welcome!

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee

From Blether Tay-Gither :

Our February 2020 Blether will be on Tuesday 25th February - at 7pm at Madigan's Tearoom and Bookshop at 25 Castle Street.

The Theme is "Leaps, Jumps and Dives" to mark this leap year.

Interpret this how you like with whatever story the words and your imagination conjures up.

Join us for a relaxed evening of stories and tales. bring a story or just come to listen. 

  

Hope to see some of you there – all welcome!

Botanic Garden event later today! #dundeewestend

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 22 AND SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2020

West Marketgait (North Marketgait to Ward Road) - closed southbound Saturday 22 - Monday 24 February for BT work.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2020

Riverside Esplanade/Riverside Drive –overnight (7.30pm - 6.30am) nearside lane closures on Monday 24 February and Tuesday 25 February for Scottish Water work.

Riverside Drive (at Tesco) - overnight (7.30pm - 6.30am) nearside lane closures on Tuesday 25 February for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Milnbank Road (Bankmill Road to Rosefield Street) - closed on Monday 2 March for BT works.

Perth Road (at River Crescent) – temporary traffic lights from  Monday 2 March for one week for Scottish Water work.

West Marketgait (Greenmarket to Nethergate) – northbound lane closure on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March for building maintenance works.

Nethergate (South Tay Street to West Marketgait) – closed on Sunday 15 March for building maintenance works.

Getting things done - Roseangle #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted to me significant flooding again recently at the south end of Roseangle.

I raised this with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have been given an assurance that a gully motor will attend the site and deal with any gullies that are blocked.

Getting things done - Rosefield Place and Bankmill Road #dundeewestend

Following concerns from residents last week about the muddy state of the path that runs from Rosefield Place to Bankmill Road, I took this up with the environment manager for the West End.

I am grateful for his swift action in arranging getting this cleaned up.

School catchment area consultation - an update #dundeewestend

Last week, I advised that Dundee City Council has launched a consultation on a number of schools proposals.

Part of the proposals see substantial proposed changes to the catchment areas of the primary schools that are feeder schools to Harris Academy.

In the West End, there are significant proposed changes to the Blackness Primary, Victoria Park Primary and Ancrum Road Primary catchment areas.

I can now advise that consultation meetings about the West End proposals will take place on Wednesday 26th February and, again, on Monday 16th March, with a drop-in from 6pm to view the proposals and a presentation and Q&A session at 7pm - all welcome

You can view the full proposals here.

Getting things done - Magdalen Green #dundeewestend

Recently, the Friends of Magdalen Green highlighted to me the extent of overgrown foliage from the Network Rail land adjacent to the rail line protruding onto the Green - see right.

I took this up with Network Rail and am grateful for its prompt and comprehensive response in thinning out the vegetation.

No ward surgeries tonight

As today is a school holiday (mid-term), my usual ward surgeries do not take place but I can be contacted at any time at home on 459378 or by e-mail at surgery@frasermacpherson.org.uk. 

My surgeries resume on Thursday – Blackness Primary School at 6.15pm (in the staff room, ground floor).

Christina - A New Folk Performance #dundeewestend

Fresh from the sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run of her acclaimed production "Roots", Elisabeth Flett brings her one-woman show "Christina" to Blackness Library this Tuesday.    

It takes place at the library on Tuesday at 3pm.

The show, commissioned by the Friends of Wighton, is inspired by the 19th century manuscript book of Christina Gib of Maulesden House, Brechin. E

Elisabeth has researched the elusive Christina's story to create a fascinating musical and historical journey.

It is a free event but please book here.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 15 AND SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2020

Union Place (nos 13 – 16) – closed (8.00am - 4.00pm) on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February for BT work.

Perth Road (at Union Place) – temporary traffic lights (8.00am - 4.00pm) on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February for BT work.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2020

Riverside Esplanade – overnight (7.30pm - 6.30am) nearside lane closures on Wednesday 19 February for Scottish Water work.

Riverside Drive (at Tesco) - overnight (7.30pm - 6.30am) nearside lane closures on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 February for Scottish Water work.

Strawberrybank – possible delays for one week for lighting column replacement works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

West Marketgait (North Marketgait to Ward Road) – closed southbound Saturday 22 – Monday 24 February for BT work.

Friends of Wighton event

From Sheena Wellington :

Saturday 15th February, 11am to 12 noon

Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library

Cappuccino Concert with Choras, harmony singing trio

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

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

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

Admission £5 (Coffee and newspapers served from 10.30am – suggested donation £1).

Temporary Traffic Order - Union Place

From the City Council :

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

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of BT cabling works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Union Place (between numbers 13 and 16), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Saturday 15 February 2020 for 2 days (8am to 4pm).

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.   Access to residents will be maintained where possible.

No alternative routes for vehicles are available.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Abertay Historical Society event

Dundee’s Literary Suburbia: 

Newport and its connection with the People’s Friend, 1870-1920

Later today - Wednesday 12th February - 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Lecture Theatre 2, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee

Charlotte Lauder of the University of Strathclyde will speak about the political, journalistic and cultural connections between the People’s Friend magazine and Newport-on-Tay in late nineteenth century.

All welcome - refreshments available from 6pm.

West End Community Council meeting #dundeewestend

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

The agenda is as follows :

WEST END COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY 11th FEBRUARY 2020 AT 7.00PM

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

(ENTER FROM SHAFTESBURY TERRACE - OFF BLACKNESS  AVENUE)

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

2. OUSTANDING OFFICE BEARER ROLES

3. MINUTE OF PREVIOUS MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING - 10TH DECEMBER

4. PROPOSED CYCLE PARKING – JOHN WHYMAN, OUTDOOR ACCESS OFFICER

5. CORRESPONDENCE

6. POLICE SCOTLAND UPDATE

7. PLANNING  UPDATE 

8. OTHER MEETINGS ATTENDED ON BEHALF OF WECC

9. AOCB – INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INPUT

10. DATE  OF  NEXT  MEETING – Tuesday 10th March 2020

Light refreshments will be provided.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2020

Union Place (nos 13 – 16) – closed (8.00am - 4.00pm) on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February for BT work.

Perth Road (at Union Place) – temporary traffic lights (8.00am - 4.00pm) on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February for BT work.

Magdalen Yard Road (at Taylors Lane) – off-peak temporary traffic lights on Friday 14 February for Scottish Water works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

West Marketgait (at Ward Road) – alternating north and southbound closures 22-24 February; 29 February – 2 March and 7-9 March for BT work.

Botanic Garden event later today! #dundeewestend

From the Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden :

Victoria George, Scottish plant hunters, is speaker at today's Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden talk.

Victoria is a lecturer in horticulture at Dundee and Angus College. 

She has a degree in Garden and Greenspace Design from Glasgow University, and wide interests in the field of horticulture.

The talk is in the Education Centre at the Botanic Garden at 2pm today - all welcome!

River Deep Mountain High - an exhibition

An exhibition to mark the Year of Coasts and Waters curated by Archive Services at the University of Dundee. 

Artists, designers and creative writers were invited to respond to the University's rich archive, museum and rare book collections on the themes of rivers, seas, coasts and mountains. 

Original photographs, journals, plans, models and specimens relating to whaling, the River Tay, the natural world and mountaineering have inspired jewellery, artwork, sculpture, poetry and much more :

Getting things done - Clayhills Drive #dundeewestend

I have recently received complaints about the poor road condition of parts of Clayhills Drive.

I took this matter up with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have received the following potentially positive response :

"Structural inlays at various location in Clayhills Drive are provisionally scheduled to be carried out in March/ April of this year, subject to budget availability."

I have asked to be kept updated by the Roads Maintenance Partnership on this given the poor state of parts of the road here.

Getting things done - Morven Terrace #dundeewestend

Residents have recently again raised with me pedestrian safety concerns in Morven Terrace towards the junction with Tullideph Road, particularly on the bend in the road as you enter into the residents' parking area near the start of the street.

I raised this with the City Council and have now been advised by the Team Leader in the council's Network Management Team as follows :

"I will arrange to add this location to this of locations to have further inspections."

Getting things done - Seafield Road #dundeewestend

I have received residents' complaints about the state of parts of the Seafield Road pavements - north of Cherry Blossom Nursery - and I raised this with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership.

I have received the following response about repairs that will now take place :

"An order has been raised to re-set six slabs in Seafield Road."

Getting things done - Seabraes bridge lift #dundeewestend

Since the Seabraes bridge opened in 2015, I have had to report numerous lift breakdowns to the City Council and there have again been problems recently.

I have now been updated by the Team Leader in Dundee City Council's City Development Department Infrastructure Team, as follows :

"Following discussion with our internal property colleagues, the recent fault with the lift has been with the landing call buttons 'which when pressed' have not called the lift as highlighted by your constituents. 

I have been advised that the buttons were recently replaced, however this has not completely resolved the problem. 

Lift engineers attended site last week and gave (remote) access to the lifts software which allowed the control board manufacturer to look at what was going on with the programming. 

They have presented a couple of ideas which they are currently trying at the moment.  If all else fails, then the control panel may need to be replaced."

I am keen to ensure there is a robust solution as the number of breakdowns over approaching five years has been significant.

West End Local Community Planning Partnership meeting

The West End Local Community Planning Partnership is a quarterly meeting at which representatives from different council departments, councillors and representatives from other organisations like police, fire and rescue and the NHS to discuss local issues and matters of concern and also let local residents raise issues, ask questions and have their say.

The next meeting is at Blackness Library this Thursday - 6th February – at 2pm :

AGENDA

1. Welcome and Apologies

2. Minute of Meeting  of  21st November 2019 and Matters Arising

3. Residents’ Parking – Consultation Plan

4. Local Community Plan

5. Dundee Partnership Funding Allocation

6. Best Value Audit 2020

7. Partner Updates

8. Dates of Future Meetings:

7th May (7pm), venue to be confirmed. Theme – Population/Deprivation, Understanding the West End Community

6th August (7pm)

5th November (2pm)

Walkabout dates 30th April and 29th October; location(s) to be confirmed.

Funding opportunity for older peoples' groups

Older People Engaging Needs funding - closing date of Friday 21st February : 

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2020

Riverside Drive at Tay Rail Bridge – narrow lanes for one week for landscaping works.

Out and about in February ...

Friends of Wighton event

From Sheena Wellington :

Wednesday 5th February from 1.15pm - 1.45pm 

Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library

Lunchtime Recital with Robbie Fotheringham, storyteller

Robbie, founding member of Blether-Tay-Gither, Dundee's Storytelling Group for Adults,  keeps the tradition of oral storytelling alive.   

She believes in inclusive storytelling; the story is always the star of the show and audiences are asked to contribute and participate therefore feeling a part of the story.    Stories may originate from near or far; some are specially written for specific situations. 

Robbie has also collaborated with other storytellers, presenting workshops at Dundee's Women's Festivals and takes part in the Scottish International Storytelling Festival each October. 

Admission free, donations welcomed.

Walk and Talk - further event - all welcome!

Fairtrade Fortnight Celebration

As part of Fairtrade Fortnight, the Dundee Fair Trade Forum is delighted to invite you to its event ‘Come on into Fairtrade’ at Birchwood Food Emporium - Cafe, 28 – 32 Commercial Street on Wednesday 26th February at 5.30pm. 

This will be directly followed by the Dundee Fair Trade Forum’s Annual General Meeting, which you are all invited to attend. 

Dundee is Scotland’s first Fairtrade City and the Forum would like to encourage and support more local businesses in sourcing Fairtrade products. 

This event will include the opportunity to hear from Ian Alexander, owner of local business Birchwood Food Emporium – Cafe and Billy Miller from Scottish coffee supplier Coffee Conscience, about how Fairtrade is a ‘win win’ situation for all. 

We hope to be joined also by a Fairtrade cocoa producer, celebrating this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight theme of a living wage for cocoa farmers.  We can however promise the opportunity to enjoy some lovely samples of Fairtrade chocolate! 

Getting things done - Park Place #dundeewestend

Residents have drawn to my attention the mess recently of Park Place near the Old Hawkhill junction - see photo below :

The bins here are a mix of council and commercial bins and I have contacted environment management at the City Council's Neighbourhood Services requesting action to have the area tidied and necessary steps taken to ensure the area is kept clean in future.

Meet & Greet at Ninewells Hospital - volunteering opportunity

NHS Tayside is looking for volunteers :

"Based at the front door of Ninewells Hospital, you will be a point of contact welcoming people into the Hospital. 

You will provide clear directional information to help people get to their appointment, signposting, or escorting patients or visitors.

This role is suited for people with good listening and communication skills.    You will have a reasonable level of fitness, able to walk with visitors to their destination if required. 

You must be reliable, have a helpful, friendly and courteous attitude, and be caring, sympathetic and sensitive. You will have a genuine interest in helping people. You will be able to work without direct supervision."

The time commitment is one shift per week – 9am - 12 noon or 1pm - 4pm.

For further information call 740136 or e-mail volunteeringservice.tayside@nhs.net. 

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 25 AND SUNDAY 26 JANUARY 2020

Blackness Road (at Peddie Street) – temporary traffic lights on Sunday 26 January for Scottish Water work.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020

West Marketgait at Police Station - off peak lane closures in both directions on Monday 27 January for street lighting lantern replacement works.

Latest update from Friends of Wighton

From Sheena Wellington :

Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library

Tomorrow - Saturday 25th January - at 11am (doors open 10.30am)

Cappuccino Concert starring Wilma Kennedy

We launch the 2020 Wighton season with double Mod Gold Medallist Wilma Kennedy, singing at our Burns Day Cappuccino Concert.   Rabbie set many of his loveliest lyrics to Gaelic tunes so would surely approve. 

One of our finest Gaelic singers, a sought after teacher and coach with wide experience on television and radio, Wilma is no stranger to the Wighton.   As the Friends of Wighton Gaelic Song tutor for several years she introduced numerous singers to the beauties of the Gaelic tradition.

It is a joy to welcome her back for what will be a wonderful morning of song.

Admission £5 with tea/coffee available for a small donation.

Ninewells Community Garden event next week #dundeewestend

Can you help Marie Curie?

As residents will be aware, Marie Curie is a registered charitable organisation that provides excellent care and support to people with terminal illnesses and their families. 

Marie Curie is looking for volunteers and has provided the following helpful information :

"You can offer your time any day of the week, between 9am and 9pm, so that you can find a time that works for you and the individual that you are supporting.

The type of support our Helper volunteers give often includes:    companionship and emotional support;   practical help;    a break for families and carers;    information on other support available and support after a bereavement.

 Every day of your life matters, from the first to the last. We believe everyone living with a terminal illness should be able to get the most from the time they have left, however hard that may sometimes feel. We'll be here for you and your family when you may feel like no-one else is, to help you cope when you don't know how. 

Marie Curie Nurses care for you in your home, when you need them most, day or night. Our hospices are at the heart of communities around the UK. 

And our trained volunteers and advisers are here for you with practical information and support when you don't know what to do next or just need to talk."

To find out more call 07515 134703 or e-mail john.cardno@mariecurie.org.uk - many thanks.

Getting things done - Ancrum Drive lock-ups #dundeewestend

Last year, at my request, Hillcrest Enterprises as factors undertook a clean-up, graffiti removal, weeds removal and guttering works at lock-ups in Ancrum Drive.

I have also asked Hillcrest if it will consider improving the road surface around the lock-ups as it is very potholed and muddy.

Hillcrest's Housing Manager (Operations) has postively responded as follows :

"I’m aware the surface at the lock ups is not ideal and this is clearly backed up by the photo you have supplied.    ... The cost of tarmac would be prohibitive but we can of course look at some practical repairs and maintenance.

I will ask my Maintenance colleagues to gather quotations with a view to having some improvements carried out after the worst of the frosty weather is behind us, perhaps around March. 

I will contact you again to outline the work we propose to undertake and give a clearer timeframe in due course."

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020

Marketgait – various off peak lane closures from Monday 20 January for one week for street lighting lantern replacement works.

Perth Road (at River Crescent) – temporary traffic lights for one week from Monday 20 January for Scottish Water work.

Nethergate (West Marketgait to Queens Hotel car park entrance) – closed westbound from Monday 20 January for 5 working days for Virgin Media duct installation works.

Blackness Road (at Peddie Street) – temporary traffic lights on Sunday 26 January for Scottish Water work.

Living Together - Housing in Dundee discussion event

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

Our exhibition on the history of housing in Dundee, Living Together, finishes next week after a hugely popular run. 

Using photographs, artworks and architects’ designs, the exhibition explores some of the most common forms of houses in Dundee, with a particular focus on communal and social housing – from Victorian tenements to pioneering council houses, post-war multis, student halls of residence and more.

To mark the end of the show, on Friday 24th January at 5pm we’re hosting an evening of short talks and discussion around the themes of the exhibition, with informal presentations in the gallery and more formal talks in the Baxter suite next door. 

Dr Lorens Holm, Reader in Architecture, will discuss the legacy of 19th century tenements. Dr Susan Mains, Lecturer in Human Geography, will explore the connections between urban geography and artistic representations of cities. Finally, Architecture students Santianna Stathopoulou, Nikolas Gravos, Leo Hao and Sean Wee will talk about ‘studentification’ in Dundee and its effect on housing.

Please join us in the Lamb Gallery on the first floor of the Tower Building for a stimulating evening.   Admission is free but it would be helpful if you could book a place here.

Dundee Bipolar Group meetings

A walk, a blether and a brew - a date for you diary!

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee

From Blether Tay-Gither :

Our January 2020 Blether will be on Tuesday 28th January - at 7pm at Madigan's Tearoom and Bookshop at 25 Castle Street.

The Theme is MUSIC.

Join us for a relaxed evening of stories and tales. bring a story or just come to listen. 

  

Hope to see some of you there – all welcome!

Getting things done - lighting at Miller's Wynd car park #dundeewestend

There has rightly been much anger and concern over the council's decision to start charging for use of seven of the car parks in the West End.

It seems to rather rub salt in the wounds that the lighting in the Miller's Wynd car park has now failed, plunging the car park into darkness at nights.

I have therefore asked the council to repair this as soon as possible and certainly before the car park charges commence.

Central and East Regional Fair Trade Session

The Scottish Fair Trade Forum is running a series of sessions across Scotland to give supporters a chance to find our more about Fair Trade.

It aims to make these sessions as informal and practical as possible: we want you to leave feeling energised and empowered with new ideas, connections and up-to-date information on Fair Trade.  

Sessions cover topics such as: 

-        Fair Trade campaigning in the climate emergency

-        Harnessing the power of social media for Fair Trade campaigning

-        Procurement

... and includes :

-        Opportunities to meet other supporters

-        Lunch and Fairtrade tea & coffee!

The Dundee event is this Saturday - 18th January - 11am to 1.30pm at the Dalhousie Building in the University of Dundee.

You can read more about this and book a place here.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020

Nethergate (West Marketgait to Park Place) – closed westbound from Monday 20 January for 5 days for Virgin Media work.

A90 at Swallow roundabout – overnight (7.30pm - 6.30am) eastbound lane closure on Friday 17 January for carriageway patching works.

Marketgait – various off peak lane closures from Monday 13 January for one week for street lighting lantern replacement works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Perth Road (at River Crescent) – temporary traffic lights for one week from Monday 20 January for Scottish Water work.

Nethergate (West Marketgait to Queens Hotel car park entrance) – closed westbound from Monday 20 January for 5 working days for Virgin Media duct installation works.

Blackness Road (at Peddie Street) – temporary traffic lights on Sunday 26 January for Scottish Water work.