Sunday 31 August 2014

Getting things done - River Crescent

I have had several complaints from residents about the state of parts of the roadway of River Crescent.    See photos left and right.

I asked the Roads Maintenance Partnership for pothole repairs but also, given the deteriorating state of the road, if resurfacing could be considered for a future programme.

I have now received the following helpful response:

"An order will be raised by the Roads Maintenance Partnership inspector for pothole repairs to be carried out at this location with a timescale for repair of 28 days or sooner.  This area will be considered for thin resurfacing in a future year."

Getting things done - Pentland Avenue and Scott Street

Residents have mentioned to me the overgrown trees that sit at the far west end of Scott Street are now so high that they protrude across the south pavement of Pentland Avenue.

I took at this concern with the City Council and the Assistant Forestry Officer has updated me as follows :

"I have inspected the trees along the south side of Pentland Ave as per your constituents' enquiry.  

There are a number of trees and other vegetation that is beginning to obstruct headroom and encroach the footway for pedestrians, (Scott street junction to City Road junction). 

My intention will be to crown lift and prune/trim back these trees to make an improvement for pedestrians using the south side footway. 

The works will be included in our work programme or added to the local area ground maintenance programme and carried out as soon as reasonably possible."

Saturday 30 August 2014

An update - Thomson Street

I recently highlighted that residents have complained to me that the entrance to the Home Scotland car park at the south end of Thomson Street was unsightly with weeds.   

With grateful thanks to Home Scotland for auctioning my request to have the area tidied, this was promptly attended to – see below :
Before
After

Friday 29 August 2014

UPBEET Project

Dundee Carers' Centre's Young Carers' Project has highlighted that young adult carers often have limited access to opportunities that others take for granted.    Caring responsibilities can have a negative effect on their lives, including poor school attendance and attainment at school, in future education or in the work place.    Poor social contact and negative health effects are also common and at times young adult carers can feel down or on their own.

Therefore, their UPBEET project can help young adult carers aged 15-30 years access confidential information and support in areas including personal development, raising confidence and self esteem, entitlement to benefits and CV/interview skills, as well as accessing flexible opportunities to combine education, training, or employment with their caring role.

For further information :

Young Carers' Project, Dundee Carers' Centre, First Floor, Argyll House, West Marketgait, Dundee DD1 1QP

Telephone :  200422

Thursday 28 August 2014

In Memoriam : Jim Petrie

I was really saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Petrie earlier this week.

Jim was best known for his work on The Beano‘s “Minnie the Minx”, a strip he took over from original artist Leo Baxendale in 1961 and drew for 2000 issues before his retirement in 2001.

However, it was through his involvement, in retirement, with the Magdalen Artists that I knew Jim.   He was also a leading member of the 'silver surfer' computer group that meets at the Mitchell Street Centre each Monday, immediately before my ward surgery there.

Jim was a lovely, warm and engaging man and he will be sadly missed.   The Beano has published a fitting tribute to Jim - "Farewell to a Comics Legend!" that you can read here.

Here's a photo (below) I took in 2011 of Jim (centre) with the other Magdalen Artists :

Meal Makers

Meal Makers is a new project launched by the Food Train and is a free, local neighbourhood, food-sharing project that connects people who like to cook and are happy to share an extra portion of a delicious home cooked meal, with older neighbours living close by who could really benefit from a hot cooked meal.    

The project is trying to get a lot of Meal Makers members on board to cook tasty, home-cooked food for their neighbours in order to get more people eating and cooking fresh meals.

It is hoped that by running this project, it will help combat some issues experienced by older people in the community such as social isolation and the growing problem of malnutrition many elderly people experience as a result of having difficulty cooking nutritious food for themselves.   It is also hoped the project will help to strengthen connections within communities and provide a flexible way for people to volunteer their time and skills locally in a way which suits them.

Meal Makers is being rolled out in Dundee as a pilot, and its planned to take the project nationwide if all things go well.    

Please see poster below :

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Wednesday meetings

At teatime tonight, I attended a drop-in session at Blackness Library I had helped arrange for local businesses at which Royal Bank of Scotland officials were on hand to offer advice on banking products and issues.

Thereafter, along with representatives of the Friends of Balgay, one of my ward colleagues and a City Council Environment Department officer, I attended the latest Balgay Stakeholders' Group meeting that took place in the pavilion at Lochee Park.

The group discusses projects and issues at Balgay Park, the Hill, Cemetery and Victoria Park and we had a really good meeting covering a number of positive developments covering various matters around the park from gates to signs, trees, benches and other matters.

Friends of Blackness meeting

Last night, I attended the first Friends of Blackness meeting of the new term.   Friends of Blackness undertakes both the Parent Council and Parent Teacher Association roles at Blackness Primary School.

It was an extremely positive meeting, not least because of the excellent news about the recent Education Scotland inspection report on the school.   This report can be downloaded here.   The report is extremely positive and a real credit to Gordon Ferrier, Head Teacher, his excellent team of staff and the pupils and parents of the school.

Other topics discussed tonight included the welcome extension to the school dining hall and some repainting in the school and in the playground that took place over the summer break, the forthcoming beetle drive for pupils and parents and the Christmas Card Art Project.

Visit to the MS Therapy Centre in Peddie Street

Yesterday afternoon, I had the pleasure of visiting the MS Therapy Centre in Peddie Street, where I had a very positive meeting with the centre's committee and had a tour of the excellent facilities.    The photo below is of myself and some of the committee at the centre yesterday:
For those who kindly nominated me for the ice bucket challenge, I can't take this up (for the very obvious reason that I had a serious bout of pneumonia earlier this year) but I made a donation to the centre in lieu of taking up the challenge.

The centre is looking for volunteers and if you are interested, please contact the centre on 566283.

Meeting with sheltered housing tenants

Sinderins Court
Yesterday morning, I met with the residents' association that represents the tenants at Sinderins and Pennycook Courts.

We had a good discussion about various local issues including trees, an unsightly gap site, service charges and other issues.

The residents' group works hard for all the people at Pennycook Court and Sinderins Court and it was a useful and positive meeting.

Tuesday 26 August 2014

Balgay Bowling Club Gala Day

Balgay Bowling Club is having its annual Gala Day on Saturday coming - 30th August - all welcome!

Details below :

Monday 25 August 2014

Blether Tay-Gither August meeting

From Blether Tay-Gither :

Next meeting is tomorrow - Tuesday 26th August - 7pm - 9pm at the Burgh Coffee House in Commercial Street.

We're very pleased to announce that we will be joined at the next Blether by an international guest storyteller, Mary Gavan (pictured left), from Vancouver.

Growing up in Scotland and Ireland, Mary learnt the old Celtic legends from her grandparents and modern ones from her parents. 

Arriving in Canada, Mary began writing her own stories weaving Celtic understanding into modern experiences and her work as a palliative care nurse. 

Nationally and internationally, Mary performs at events and festivals, on stage, radio and TV.    Mary is currently an organiser and performer with the Vancouver storytellers.

Our theme this month is Trust, so please feel free to share a story, poem, or song!    Or just come along and listen!

Sunday 24 August 2014

Dundee Liberal Democrats' Summer BBQ @DundeeLibDems

This afternoon saw the Dundee Liberal Democrats' Summer BBQ take place, with grateful thanks to Penka and Iliyan Stefanov for hosting in their lovely garden!

It was a lovely afternoon and excellent food, drink and conversation.   Here's some photographs from the BBQ :
Summer BBQ
Cllr Willie Wilson from Perth, Alison McInnes MSP, Cllr Tim Brett
from NE Fife and Craig Duncan, Dundee LibDem Convener
Penka and Iliyan Stefanov

Volunteer Champions Team Awards

From the Volunteer Centre Dundee :

Volunteer Champions Team Awards - New for 2014!

If you know a team of young volunteers aged 12-25 who have gone above and beyond expectations – we want to hear about it! 

The Volunteer Champions Team Awards will recognise the efforts of teams of young volunteers who have done something extraordinary!  This award is for a team of young people who have come together to work on a specific project or activity for the benefit of the local community. To be eligible for nomination, teams must meet the following criteria: 

•    All volunteers must be between the ages of 12 and 25.
•    Young People must have worked together to complete the minimum number of hours. 
•    The activity must have an agreed outcome – whether it’s raising money for charity, doing a beach clean-up, or running an event, for example.
•    The award can be for one off projects or teams who volunteer regularly.
•    There must be a minimum of 4 young people to make up a team.
•    If there are between 4 and 6 young people, they need to have gained 100 hours of volunteering collectively. If there are 7+ young people, they need to have gained at least 200 hours of volunteering collectively.
•    The Volunteer Team must have gone above and beyond expectations and made a difference to their communities.

To nominate a team, click here.     Closing Date: 1st September 2014 at 5pm – so don’t delay! 

Friends of Balgay Litter Pick

Yesterday afternoon, a group of us undertook a litter-pick of Balgay Hill and Park, organised by the Friends of Balgay.

Here's a photo below :

Saturday 23 August 2014

Victoria Park

I recently highlighted the superb job the City Council has made of Seabraes planting again this year.    

Another real credit to the Environment Department is the lovely display at Victoria Park :

Friday 22 August 2014

West End Local Community Planning Partnership meeting

Last night, I participated in the latest West End Local Community Planning Partnership (LCPP) meeting at Blackness Library.

The LCPP meeting is an opportunity for representatives from different council departments, councillors and representatives from other organisations like police, fire and rescue and the NHS to discuss local issues, matters of concern and strategic issues.

Yesterday we had presentations on the review of property assets across the West End (and the city as a whole), the impending changes to waste collections and recycling arrangements and also from Sibelius Erskine-Smith of the Scottish Youth Parliament and Dundee Youth Council, who is joining the LCPP as youth representative.

On the waste/recycling collections issue, I sought assurances about consultation with residents before any changes take place.

Earlier last night, my weekly ward surgeries started again after the school holidays, with my Thursday surgery at Blackness Primary School.    Full details of my surgeries are given below :

Congratulations to Rose Lodge!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of visiting Rose Lodge, in Seafield Road, which provides high-quality housing and support for adults with learning difficulties.   

Rose Lodge was recently inspected by the Care Inspectorate and I visited yesterday to pass on my congratulations to Alison Hogg and her team for an absolutely excellent report.  To quote the Care Inspectorate :

Quality of Care and Support : 6 - Excellent
Quality of Staffing : 6 - Excellent
Quality of Management and Leadership : 6 - Excellent

As Alison says, the success of Rose Lodge is greatly assisted by the local community and supportive neighbours.

Here's a photo from my visit yesterday, with Alison (far left) and some of the Rose Lodge service users.

Thursday 21 August 2014

Getting things done - Thomson Street

Residents have complained to me that the entrance to the Home Scotland car park at the south end of Thomson Street (see below) is unsightly with weeds :
I have therefore asked Home Scotland is arrangements can be made to tidy it.

Wednesday 20 August 2014

Willie Rennie's Dundee visit today @willie_rennie

I was delighted, along with Dundee LibDem colleagues, to welcome Willie Rennie MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, to Dundee today.

As well as media interviews and a walkabout in the West End, we also did door-knocking and speaking with local residents in Broughty Ferry.

Here's some photographs from today :
With Willie and local party secretary Daniel Coleman at Riverside
Willie at Wave 102 Studios
Outside Dundee Contemporary Arts in Nethergate

Jericho House Support Group

Jericho House
Yesterday, I attended the latest meeting of the Jericho House support group, a regular meeting at which a number of us discuss fundraising and other projects to support this important facility in the West End Ward, that assists those recovering from alcoholism.

Jericho's staff and service users are starring in a play that it is hoped will be performed during this year's West End Christmas Fortnight.   We were pleased to hear yesterday that rehearsals are going well.

Jericho House service users and staff are also participating in a car wash fundraiser (with thanks to Tesco who are hosting it!) later this month and have already participated in 2 alcohol awareness events with Tesco recently.

The house, in Artillery Lane, will also participate in Doors Open Days (13th and 14th September), one of a number of West End buildings taking part.

Willie Rennie MSP visits Dundee @wave102

Willie Rennie MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, will visit Dundee later today to meet Dundee people to discuss the forthcoming referendum and Scottish Liberal Democrat plans for Home Rule for Scotland, within a federal United Kingdom.

I am speaking this morning on Wave 102 News about this - you can hear the interview by clicking 'play' below :

Tuesday 19 August 2014

Request for temporary Perth Road Post Office arrangements : an update

Further to the recent request made by myself and the City Council's Chief Executive to Post Office Limited about the possibility of temporary facility in Perth Road during the September closure period when modernisation work is being carried out at the Perth Road Post Office Branch, I spoke with the Post Office's Stakeholder Manager for Scotland last Friday about this and was advised yesterday as follows :
Thank you for your time on the phone on Friday.
I appreciate your concerns regarding Perth Road Post Office closure for refurbishment and would like to assure you that we have made every effort to keep the closure period at Perth Road to an absolute minimum considering the amount of refurbishment work to be carried out.  As discussed, there are alternative Post Office branches which can be accessed within a reasonable distance of Perth Road branch therefore in this case a temporary service would not be a possibility.  A temporary service is normally set up when there is to be a prolonged closure of a branch or if the nearest alternative branch is a considerable distance away and takes quite some time to implement.
The planned refurbishments will result in a much improved customer experience with longer opening hours and a new more modern branch. The aim of our modernisation programme is to enable the Post Office to invest in and ensure the long term sustainability of the current branch network and I am sure this investment and subsequent improvement in Perth Rd branch will be welcomed by our customers.
We do understand that there may be some elderly or less able customers who may be more inconvenienced than others while the branch is closed and we apologise for any inconvenience which may be experienced however we do notify customers in advance of the closure in order to allow them to make alternative arrangements during this period.
The Post Office Website www.postoffice.co.uk provides information on products and services which may be helpful for customers.
I have responded as follows :
...whilst the modernisation is excellent news, it is disappointing that there will be no temporary service given the number of elderly people who will find the distance to alternative Post Offices a challenge.   
The City Council did provide a temporary library service in a nearby church hall when a similar situation affected the local library last year and its is therefore disappointing that Post Office Limited could not consider this.

Monday 18 August 2014

Perth Road pavement at Duncan of Jordanstone

I am pictured - below - on the Perth Road pavement outside Duncan of Jordanstone.    Residents have expressed concern at the state of the pavement here - broken slabs and an obvious trip hazard.
I brought this to the attention of the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership, who responded as follows :

"The Road Maintenance Partnership inspector is to raise an order for the re-setting of the loose slabs outside the entrance to Duncan of Jordanstone College and this will be done as soon as resources are available.

A further inspection will be carried out when the inspector who usually covers this area returns from leave and any additional information following this will be forwarded on to you."

Sunday 17 August 2014

Dundee Doors Open Days

Doors Open Days give you free access to hundreds of fascinating buildings across Dundee.  

On September 13th and 14th, for one weekend only, you can explore places that are normally closed to the public and this includes a number of buildings in the West End.     

This is your chance to discover the architecture, design, buildings, places and spaces right on your doorstep.

The Dundee Doors Open Days 2014 programme is available to view here

You can also follow the Doors Open Days Dundee Facebook page to keep up to date with new venues joining the programme. 

Saturday 16 August 2014

Master of Design for Services Finale #mdfs14

In the past twelve months, students from the Master of Design for Services Programme at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, University of Dundee have been tackling challenges from visualising health test results to developing ways to include older people in policy decisions and designing books to enable conversations to happen about significant life changes.

They have worked with businesses, public and not for profit organisations using design tools including observation, visualisation and prototyping to find new ways of engaging service users and providers to design better ways of doing things.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the Master of Design for Services Finale event at the University of Dundee's Scrymgeour Hall, at which the students showcased their work.  This was a very interesting and inspiring event and a great advertisement for Duncan of Jordanstone.    The photo (below) shows Professor Mike Press, Programme Director, Design & Craft, at Duncan of Jordanstone, opening the event :

Friday 15 August 2014

Update from Network Rail

I was in touch with Network Rail today following concerns about youths getting onto the rail track yesterday near the rail bridge, just before 6pm.   This resulted in trains being halted and I asked Network Rail to thoroughly investigate any possible insecurity in the boundary fencing at the rail track in the area.

My office was updated late this afternoon as follows :

"The British Transport Police and Network Rail's Track Services have been aware of this incident since yesterday and have been patrolling the area and searching for a hole in the fence since then.     They eventually found a hole in the fence at the Scottish Water compound and the Network Rail maintenance team were due there at 4.30pm today to repair the fence.  Network Rail advised that it was two youths that had got in."

I am grateful to both Network Rail and British Transport Police for their prompt and efficient attention to this.

Free to use cash machines - an update

As residents are aware, I have campaigned over a long period for more free to use cash machines and to have fewer - and hopefully in the future - no ATMs that charge local people for the pleasure of obtaining their own money.

A couple of years ago, I was pleased that the Co-operative Group agreed to my request to covert the ATM at their store at the junction of Polepark Road/Edward Street/Brook Street to a free to use machine.

Constituents have complained to me that the ATM at Dundee's bus station in Seagate charges for cash withdrawals so I asked the bus station operators, Stagecoach Strathtay, if the company will review this when the contract with the machine suppliers is due for renewal.    

Stagecoach Strathtay's Operations Manager has responded as follows :

"I have contacted the Company that currently supply this machine and they have confirmed they are under contract until 2016.

Your concerns will be considered when we renew or change at this time."

Living Room for the City @VADundee #LivingRoom

Yesterday evening, I was pleased to attend a preview at the University of Abertay of Living Room for the City, the exhibition of the V&A Museum of Design Dundee's first community engagement programme.

The exhibition features the work of photographer Ross Fraser McLean with communities across the city, along with images contributed by the public, and lighting created at the Living Room Drop In and Design community workshops.

It is really well worth a visit - open from 16th to 29th August 2014 (Mon–Fri 10am–5pm / Sat–Sun 12–4pm) at the Hannah Maclure Centre in the Abertay Student Centre, 1-3 Bell Street.

Thursday 14 August 2014

Friends of Balgay Litter Pick

Friends of Balgay will hold its litter pick this year will be held on Saturday 23rd August from 1.30pm (meet at Mills Observatory). 

If you wish to volunteer for this, please contact friendsofbalgay@yahoo.co.uk so that the Friends have an idea of numbers for obtaining litter picking equipment from the City Council.

Wednesday 13 August 2014

Celebrations in Dundee's Jute Mills

Currently running at Verdant Works, this exhibition is an exciting chance to view a selection of fascinating objects from Dundee Heritage Trust's collection, which aims to show how the jute mills of Dundee were frequently centres of celebration. 

Far from being simply places of work, this exhibition will reveal how the mills had tightly-knit communities, which were keen to celebrate the qualities and achievements of their co-workers and also to recognise important events such as weddings, coronations and anniversaries. 

This is also a unique opportunity to see some previously unseen items which have only recently been acquired by the Verdant Works.   Mills featured in the exhibition include Pitalpin Mill, Camperdown Works and Dudhope Works. 

You can read more about this free exhibition here.

Tuesday 12 August 2014

Area around Glamis Road/Drive/Blackness Road roundabout : An Update

Back in February, I advised that several residents had contacted me about how difficult they find it to get across the road in the area around the Glamis Road/Drive/Blackness Road roundabout.  

Thereafter, the council agreed to my request for improvements, and, after a site visit to ascertain the viability of providing a central refuge island and drop kerbs, it was agreed these should be provided.

I am now pleased to report that the work to provide this has now commenced – see below:


Riverside pitches - work well underway

As residents are aware, I have long campaigned to get a permanent and full resolution to the stones problem on the Riverside pitches on the south side of Riverside Drive, following a number of injuries to footballers in the past.

In June, the City Council's Environment Committee agreed to the necessary works.    I recently visited the site to inspect the works now well-underway - see photo below:

Monday 11 August 2014

New Enquiry Centre at the University of Dundee

Earlier today, University of Dundee Rector Brian Cox officially opened a new advice centre for students on campus - see right.    

Situated at DUSA, adjacent to Campus Green and the Union shop at the foot of Balfour Street, the new Enquiry Centre will henceforth be home to the university’s Student Services team and relocated to the new premises at DUSA from today.

The University has updated me as follows :

"The prominent facility at the heart of campus will act as a first-stop drop-in centre for students requiring assistance but unsure where, what or who to ask for help.   The team can help with all types of enquiries including travel, accommodation, finances, study support, health and careers advice. If they are unable to help they will put the student in touch with the appropriate service.

Enquiry Centre Manager Margaret Wyllie said, “We are delighted to be making this move to premises fitted out precisely for our purposes and excited to be able to improve the service we offer students.

“Having such a prominent presence at the heart of the University means all students will know where to find help if they need it.    The new Centre will also mean we can enhance the range of activities on offer and, with the assistance of Student Services colleagues, we will arrange workshops, events and activities aimed at helping students develop the personal skills required throughout their academic career and after they graduate.”

The Enquiry Centre will also maintain a regular presence at the Ninewells and Fife campuses and make information leaflets available at strategic points throughout the entire University estate.    If required, Citizen Advice Bureau appointments can also be arranged on main campus each Tuesday afternoon during the academic year."

West End Christmas Fortnight 2014 - an update @WEndChristmas

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of chairing the second West End Christmas Fortnight 2014 meeting of the year at Blackness Library.

This year's Christmas Fortnight will run from Saturday 22nd November to Saturday 6th December and there's a number of new initiatives that will be taking place this year, including "Shoppers' Saturday" on launch day, 22nd November, which will also feature a number of other launch events, including children's activities.    The Dundee West Church Guild Christmas Fayre will also take place on launch Saturday.

The West End Christmas Concert, lights switch on and fireworks display will take place on the evening of Wednesday 26th November and Blackness Primary School's Christmas Fair will be on Saturday 29th November.

There will be a number of other activities - one being a new initiative - a social evening for West End friends', community and residents' groups - and some for local children including a P6 Football Competition on the closing Saturday, 6th December.    Also on the closing Saturday, the Pennycook and Sindersins Courts' Christmas Coffee Morning will take place.

We'd greatly welcome the participation of new people - local residents and local businesses - in the committee that helps plan the Christmas Fortnight so either call me on 459378 or e-mail christmas2014@frasermacpherson.org.uk if you wish to participate - many thanks!

Logie Lock-ups Survey

In June, I chaired a meeting of Logie residents at which, amongst other matters, we discussed the deteriorated state of the lock-ups in Glenagnes Street.   

At the meeting, Housing Department representatives committed to producing a residents' survey about the lock ups to gauge possible new demand for them and get residents' views on the best way forward with the lock-ups' future.

I delivered the survey to Logie residents (and nearby residents of Scott Street and the part of Blackness Road adjacent to Logie) at the weekend.   

It is hoped that residents will take part in the survey - you can return it either via a Freepost return address or on-line on the council's website.   You can download the survey form here;  returns from residents outwith the immediate delivery area will also be welcome.

Sunday 10 August 2014

"Landship" - temporary public art on Magdalen Green

There will be a temporary public art installation in place from today until 24th August on Magdalen Green – see photos below.

It is by Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design student Laura Donkers as part of the Masters Degree show.    

Entitled ‘Landship’, the work is a large blue ring, about 5m in diameter with text running around the ring.
Approximate position of 'Landship'
'Landship' on the Green (original photograph by Liz Broumley)

Saturday 9 August 2014

Request for temporary Perth Road Post Office arrangements

Further to the good news of the extensive refurbishment and modernisation of Perth Road Post Office, both the Dundee City Council Chief Executive David Dorward and I have written to Post Office limited to request they consider a temporary facility during the September closure period when work is being carried out.

There are many elderly and infirm residents nearby including folk from four sheltered housing complexes for whom a visit to Blackness Road or Meadowside – the alternative Post Offices cited by Post Office Limited - would be a real challenge.   

During the Blackness Library refurbishment last year, the City Council had a temporary arrangement at Logie St John’s (Cross) Church.   There are actually several possible sites for a limited temporary Post Office service and I would like Post Office Limited to consider this for the closure period of 8th to 19th September.

Mr Dorward’s letter to Post Office Limited indicates :

‘The Council welcomes your plans to modernise and extend the opening hours of the post office  branch at Perth Road.

However, one of our elected members has suggested that it would be good if you could consider providing a temporary limited facility in the area while the branch is closed for refurbishment. 

There are many elderly and infirm residents nearby, including the residents of 4 sheltered housing complexes, for whom a visit to the Blackness Road or Meadowside branches would be a real challenge.  There would have been a closer alternative, but the branch at Nethergate was closed in the last round of post office closures.’

I am to be discussing the request further with Post Office Limited's Senior Stakeholder Manager  for the area next week.

Friday 8 August 2014

Blackness Road pavement near Abbotsford Street

A number of sheltered tenants in the Abbotsford Street area have complained to me about the poor state of the pavement on the south side of Blackness Road near the bus stop at the Abbotsford Street junction - see right.

I brought this to the attention of the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership who advised :

"... there is a small section of footway to the East of the Bus Stop where the footway surface is worn but serviceable and as such there is no proposals for resurfacing works at the location in the near future."

I have responded saying :   "I have had numerous complaints about the section of footway to the east of the Bus Stop where the footway surface is worn – can I ask that it is considered for a future resurfacing programme?"

Thursday 7 August 2014

LibDem campaigning in Leven!

Along with my Dundee local party Convener Craig Duncan, Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Willie Rennie MSP and Tim Brett and his North East Fife LibDem team, I had a very enjoyable evening campaigning in a lovely, sunny Leven - a couple of photos below :
With Tim, Willie and Team in Leven
Willie, Craig and me - campaigning for a stronger Scotland after Scotland rejects independence