Swallow roundabout improvements - an update

Further to the concerns in yesterday's "Courier" about safety at the Swallow roundabout that borders the West End Ward, Lochee Ward and the Perth and Kinross council boundary, I have had requests asking about progress with improvements to the road network here.

The council's Head of Planning and Economic Development has advised me :

"The Swallow junction is on the A90 trunk road and is therefore the responsibility of Transport Scotland/BEAR.    The Council has been involved in the consideration of the proposals to upgrade it to accommodate the housing developments being built to the west of Dundee at Dykes of Gray Road.

As you will be aware, planning permission was granted for these developments subject to a condition requiring the upgrading of the Swallow junction.  Planning permission was subsequently applied for and granted for works to upgrade the existing roundabout to a signalised junction similar to that at Myrekirk.  The main developer (Springfield Properties) intend to carry out the improvement works themselves in conjunction with Transport Scotland/BEAR.

The developer had previously advised the Council of the intention to commence works to improve the junction in May of this year.  However, an issue over the ownership of a section of land has delayed progress.  The works will commence once this issue has been resolved.  If the land ownership issue cannot be resolved timeously, the developer has indicated that the proposals will be amended to allow them to carry out the required improvements to the junction."

Exhibition at the Botanic Garden #dundeewestend

Dundee artist Pauline Lavery currently has an exhibition at Dundee Botanic Garden in the visitor centre.   This exhibition focuses on her Dundee paintings and there is also craftwork, cards and calendars.

Pauline creates her drawing and painting using several media and enjoys working in acrylics, watercolours and colouring pencils.   She is also a skilled felt-maker and creates felted jewellery, bags and scarves.

The exhibition titled "My Dundee" runs until Sunday 25th August during the normal summer opening times of the Botanic Garden.

Dundee Cycling Forum

Logie & St John's (Cross) Messy Church - all welcome!

Seabraes - looking superb again this year! #dundeewestend

I have highlighted over the years the superb job the City Council made of Seabraes planting each year.  

  

2019 is again no exception - see below - a real credit to the City Council’s environment team in Neighbourhood Services :

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 17 AND SUNDAY 18 AUGUST 2019

Kirsty Semple Way – closed on Saturday 17 August for crane lifting operations.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Lochee Road (Polepark to Gardeners Lane) – overnight (9.00pm – 6.00am) eastbound closure on Monday 2 September for BT works.

Cycletastic Funday at Victoria Park #dundeewestend

Temporary Traffic Order - Kirsty Semple Way

From the City Council :

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

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of crane lifting works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Kirsty Semple Way (from the north side of its junction with Tom McDonald Way to its junction with James Arrott Drive), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on 17th August 2019 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Charleston Drive / Dickson Avenue / Ninewells Avenue / Tom McDonald Avenue

For further information contact 433168.

Head of Roads and Transportation

City Development Department

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Peddie Street #dundeewestend

Residents recently raised with me the very overgrown grass in Peddie Street running alongside the industrial units.

I am grateful that the City Council has acted upon my request to have this tidied :

Before

After

Harris Education and Recreation Association - HERA new classes #dundeewestend

Here's the details of the upcoming evening classes from HERA - together with information about enrolment night - click on the images below to enlarge and also more details are available here :

Surgeries start again on Thursday! #dundeewestend

With the school summer holidays for pupils not ending until tomorrow, I don't have my usual surgeries at Harris Academy and Mitchell Street Centre today, but surgeries start again with my Thursday one at Blackness Primary School (staff room) on Thursday at 6.15pm.

Details of my three weekly surgeries are below :

Mitchell Street Centre (The Base) - Mitchell Street. Mondays - 4.20 pm prompt (except school holidays)

Harris Academy (Reception) - Perth Road. Mondays - 4.50 pm prompt (except school holidays) 

Blackness Primary School (Staff Room on ground floor) - Pennycook Lane. Thursdays - 6.15 pm prompt (except school holidays)

Boccia Festival - a great event for the over 50s!

From Dundee Voluntary Action :

The Boccia Festival is taking place tomorrow - Monday - between 10.30am and 1.30pm at DISC.  

If you have never played Boccia before, come along and have a go!  Suitable for beginners.  Boccia can be played standing up or sitting down and ramps can be provided if you have a limited strength or range of movement. 

Remember, we have OPEN Funded Boccia equipment available for loan to over 55s, so this would be a good opportunity to learn how to use it.  We are also keen to start a new Boccia League for interested people.

Individuals and teams of 3 welcome.  You can register in advance or just come along on the day, but come along a little earlier so we can get you registered.   We need to know your name and age and if you consent to photos.

If you require transport, please get in touch on 305745 first thing tomorrow.  Refreshments and lunch provided.

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 10 AND SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019

West Marketgait (at Ward Road) – southbound offside lane closure on Saturday 10 August (9.30am - 3.30pm) for Scottish Water work.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 12 AUGUST 2019

Kirsty Semple Way – closed on Saturday 17 August for crane lifting operations.

Riverside Drive (Tesco main roundabout to Tesco service roundabout) – off-peak (9.30am - 3.30pm) lane closure in both directions from Tuesday 13 August for 4 days for street lighting works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Abbotsford Street (junction with Blackness Road) – closed for one week from Monday 5 August for footway works on Blackness Road.

Riverside Nature Park event - Sunday #dundeewestend

Earlier this week, I highlighted a Riverside Nature Park event this Saturday.    

There is also an event on Sunday and all residents are welcome at both :

New service available in Dundee: Family Sustainment Service

The Family Sustainment Service aims to support families in private rented accommodation who are having financial difficulties and have or are at risk of accruing rent arrears. 

The service advises :

"Living with poverty can make family life very hard. Parenting can be stressful and, without financial resources, it can feel like an uphill struggle for our families. When poverty is combined with poor mental health, domestic abuse, drug and alcohol problems, trauma from your own childhood and/or learning disabilities then the ability to hold a family together can feel almost impossible.

Working in partnership with the DWP, Dundee City Council, Shelter and Safe Deposit Scotland, the purpose of this service is to support these families, ensure landlords receive all monies due to them and to ultimately prevent homelessness and the trauma that goes with this."

Further details below :

Riverside Nature Park event - Saturday #dundeewestend

Pentland steps replacement - update from Dundee City Council

I have been advised of the following by the City Council :

"...we recently carried out work to replace steps at Pentland Avenue/Pentland Crescent. 

Work carried out on some of the steps has not been completed to the high standards that were expected and so the contractor, TN Gilmartin, are going back from Monday to carry out remedial works.

We are expecting works to last approximately 3 weeks. 

Local residents are being notified of the additional work."

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 5 AUGUST 2019

West Marketgait (at Ward Road) – southbound offside lane closure on Saturday 10 August (9.30am - 3.30am) for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Kirsty Semple Way – closed on Saturday 17 August for crane lifting operations.

Abbotsford Street (junction with Blackness Road) – closed for one week from Monday 5 August for footway works on Blackness Road.

Voting - annual census canvass form

The City Council has reminded residents not to lose their democratic voice by making sure they complete and return the annual canvass form to their local Electoral Registration Office.

Forms, which ensure that anyone not on the Electoral Register can register to allow them to take part in future elections, were issued just over a week ago.

A spokesperson for the electoral registration office said :

“It is important that residents respond as soon as possible, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Dundee.

“Check the form when it arrives and respond as soon as you can, and that way you will be certain you’ll be able to have your say at elections.

“If you’re not registered at the moment, your name will not appear on the form. If you want to register, the easiest way is at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we’ll send you information in the post explaining how to do it.    In any case, you will still need to complete the form and send it back to us.”

People who have changed address recently are particularly encouraged to keep an eye out for the form and check the details when it arrives.

Any residents who have any questions can contact the electoral registration team at on 434444.

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 footway works being carried out (on Blackness Road) HEREBY PROHIBIT the ENTRY TO AND EXIT FROM Abbotsford Street (at its junction with Blackness Road),  Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on  Monday 5th August 2019 for one week.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via  Blackness Road / Seymour Street and reverse.

For further information contact 433168.  

Head of Roads and Transportation,

City Development Department,

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Scott Street and Pentland #dundeewestend

Over a prolonged period, I have received complaints about the lack of maintenance of the slopes at the west end of Scott Street and on Pentland Avenue - see below :

Scott Street - west end

Pentland Avenue

I have raised this on numerous occasions with the City Council and the latest update I have received is from the new area environment manager and I am grateful for his helpful response and trust we will now see improvements to the situation here and also to the general grass maintenance of the Pentland area into the future :

"First of all regarding the ground at the top of Scott Street. Due to the steepness of the slope we do not cut the grass as we do not have anything capable that would manage and be legal under Health & Safety regulations. Part of it gets cut with a tractor mounted flail which we hire in, but it can only go so far in from the street, the rest was left to naturalise, but one person's naturalisation can be another person's mess. 

This could be something that can be looked at over the winter period to see if we can improve the appearance of the area and I will run a few ideas past our projects team.

The bankings at Pentland Avenue have a similar problem but approached in a different way. We have one machine that can manage to cut the grass on these bankings but it works City Wide. When I made enquiries I discovered that it was in the workshop and will be unlikely to be back in service this week. Depending where they are on their cycle, once it is repaired they should get to Pentland Avenue in no more than a couple of weeks.

I have discovered since taking on the West End that the whole Pentland/Saggar Street area is "challenging" due to the terrain. Our service revisions carried out at this time do not seem to have done us any favours in respect of this area. There is not a great deal we can do now that we are well into the grass cutting season and it would be difficult to change things, but I have already asked our quality and development section look at the grass cutting regimes in this area as I do not want to see the same level of complaints next year as I have had this year."

Getting things done - Perth Road #dundeewestend

Some months ago, at the request of residents, I requested that the council considers installing additional Moveable Vehicle Activated Signs on Perth Road to encourage all motorists to drive below the 30mph limit.

The request was in relation to the area east of Harris Academy (there has been one sign provided some time ago further west around Clovus Duveau Drive) and the new signs have now been provided - see below :

Although welcoming these, I have received comments that these signs (there's one on each side of the road) could be better positioned - one in particular is partly obscured by foliage.

I have passed on these comments to the City Council and have received a commitment to inspect the sites and review the exact siting of the new Moveable Vehicle Activated Signs.

Getting things done - Benvie Road #dundeewestend

Following concerns from residents about graffiti at the top of Benvie Road, I am very grateful to the City Council's Rapid Response Team for its prompt response to my request to remove it - as you can see the fencing in question is now in a far more acceptable state :

I have also raised with a landowner the need to tidy up the very overgrown ground opposite this fencing :

Getting things done - phone box - Magdalen Green - an update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that, back in May of this year, BT promised me that it would repaint the phone box on Magdalen Green that was badly in need of a lick of paint.

I am pleased to say that BT was as good as its word and the phone box was repainted last week :

Before

After

ART FOR ALL - The Pioneering Story of Public Art in Dundee

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

Dundee has an exceptional collection of over 500 sculptures, murals, mosaics and other forms of public art.    Since 2018, the University of Dundee Museum Services have been leading a major project to research, catalogue and promote this unique resource.    This exhibition showcases photographs of artworks past and present as well as unique behind-the-scenes material such as models, design sketches and installation images.

In particular, the exhibition explores the pioneering history of the Blackness Public Art Programme of the early 1980s, which attracted international attention for its ground-breaking approach.    This marked the beginning of the local council’s investment in culture-led regeneration, which has continued to this day.    Its success led to the expansion of the scheme to become the Dundee Public Art Programme.    This was the first city-wide programme of public art in the country and would remain the largest programme in Scotland throughout its existence.

The Public Art Dundee project has been led by the University of Dundee with support from Dundee City Council, the Menzieshill Photography Group, Art UK and Historic Environment Scotland. 

The exhibition runs 3rd August to 26th October at the Lamb Gallery, Tower Building, University of Dundee.

It will be open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 7pm and Saturday 1pm to 5pm.    

It will be accompanied by a series of tours, talks and workshops including a study day with talks by artists and researchers on Saturday 26th October.    Further details are available here.

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee

From Blether Tay-Gither :

Our July meeting will be on Tuesday 30th July at 7pm

Note change of venue to :

Madigan's Tea Room and Bookshop, 25 Castle Street

The theme is "Homecoming  or Old Favourites".

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

Free but a small donation welcome - £3 suggested. 

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 27 AND SUNDAY 28 JULY 2019

Perth Road (West Wynd to Seafield Road) – closed on Sunday 28 July for manhole repairs.

Perth Road (at Union Place) – temporary traffic lights on Sunday 28 July for BT works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

West Marketgait (at Ward Road) – southbound offside lane closure on Saturday 10 August (9.30am - 3.30am) for Scottish Water work.

Kirsty Semple Way – closed on Saturday 17 August for crane lifting operations.

Dundee West End Community Fridge - Official Opening #dundeewestend

Great to see the official opening of Dundee West End Community Fridge 

taking place and all in the local community invited!

Temporary Traffic Order - Perth Road #dundeewestend

From the City Council (I am pleased to see these repairs taking place having raised this on behalf of residents) :

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 Perth Road (West Wynd to Seafield Road), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Sunday 28 July 2019 for 1 day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes are available via Perth Road / Nethergate / West Marketgait / Hawkhill.

For further information contact 433082.

Head of Roads and Transportation

Dundee City Council

City Road Allotments Open Day 2019 #dundeewestend

Friends of Wighton event later today

From Sheena Wellington :

Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail 

Today - Tuesday 23rd July 

1pm - 3pm at the Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library

This is our annual concert and session with the talented youngsters of the famous Feis Rois Ceilidh Trail.  

Please bring your instruments and voices for a great informal afternoon of music!  

Admission free with donations for Feis Rois Ceilidh Trail welcome.

Fèis Rois established its successful Ceilidh Trail programme in Ross-Shire in 2000. 

Following the success of the Ross-Shire Ceilidh Trail, Fèis Rois started a National Ceilidh Trail for Scotland in 2012. 

This project has since gone from strength to strength and provides opportunities for young musicians from across Scotland to perform in locations across the country and further afield. 

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 22 JULY 2019

Blackness Road (at Glenagnes Road) – off peak (9.30am – 3.30pm) 3 way temporary traffic until Tuesday 23 July for footway works.

Perth Road (West Wynd to Seafield Road) – closed on Sunday 28 July for manhole repairs.

Perth Road (at Union Place) – temporary traffic lights on Sunday 28 July for BT works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Kirsty Semple Way – closed on Saturday 17 August for crane lifting operations.

Temporary Traffic Order - Perth Road

From the City Council :

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

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of Scottish Water ironwork repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Perth Road (between West Wynd and Seafield Road), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Sunday 28 July 2019 for 1 day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes are available via Perth Road / Nethergate / West Marketgait / Hawkhill.

For further information contact 433082.

Head of Roads and Transportation

Dundee City Council

NHS – Volunteer Listener Information Afternoon

The NHS Tayside Department for Spiritual Care is holding an information afternoon on volunteering opportunities on 21st August at Royal Victoria Hospital. 

For more details on what it involves and how to sign up, you can read more here. 

A reminder - tomorrow - Lee Welsh Memorial Match #notinvainforlee

Inter Hub Tournament at Harris Academy #dundeewestend

From West End Community Sports Hub :

Getting things done - road safety #dundeewestend

As residents are aware, I have long campaigned for further road safety improvements in the West End including "Twenty's Plenty" in residential areas where there is local support for this and use of vehicle activated speed limit signs.     

There are currently two such signs in the West End on Blackness Road (east of Balgay Park) and Perth Road (near Clovis Duveau Drive) and I have campaigned for more of these at the request of residents - for example on City Road and Perth Road east of Harris Academy.

I highlighted at the council's City Development Committee recently that the council does not actually have a policy for the use of vehicle activated speed limit signs - eg new sites, priority and rotation of signs.

The Head of Roads and Transportation thereafter updated me as follows :

"I have taken on board your comments below and the matters as raised at the City Development Committee and we will be developing a procedure for recording, prioritising and rotating the Vehicle Activated speed signage.  

Some of the older signs are fixed (owing to their design) however we will look at the type and provision and design of a rotational programme of sights around the city.  

There are obviously restricted financial budgets.  However there are opportunities through funding streams such as the Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets initiative and other competitive packages that I will encourage us to follow through."

Scottish Art 1800-1900

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

Our latest exhibition has been opened in the Tower Foyer Gallery, University of Dundee, featuring a selection of the University’s extensive collection of 19th century Scottish art. 

It includes influential figures from early in the century such as Robert Scott Lauder and David Wilkie, renowned Victorian painters like William Quiller Orchardson and examples of the famous Glasgow Boys from the end of the century. 

One of the relatively few professional women painters of this era, Charlotte Nasmyth, is also featured, as well as notable Dundee artists such as James Douglas and David Foggie. 

The exhibition is on show until 28th September and is open Monday to Friday 9.30am-7pm, and Saturdays 1pm-5pm.

Coats n Quilts

The Coats n Quilts charity helps older people who struggle to stay warm, particularly during the winter months, through donations of coats and quilts. 

For more information, see the Coats n Quilts flyer here.

Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau – Financial Health Check

The Financial Health Check service is delivered by the Citizens Advice Network in Scotland.

It aims to help low income families to seek financial advice to maximise their income by ensuring that they are not paying more for essential goods and services that they need to and that they are getting all the benefits, grants and exemptions to which they are entitled. 

Anyone can access this service by calling 0800 085 7145 to receive telephone advice or be referred for a face to face appointment :

Volunteering event #dundeewestend

Break-In Prevention Advice

Police Scotland reports that break-ins to homes continue to take place and that are often due to the lack of security.   These break-ins are often committed by opportunists. 

A large number of these break-ins are easily preventable. 

To read about some simple crime prevention measures you can take to secure your property, please click here.