Sunday, 31 December 2017

Saturday, 30 December 2017

Friday, 29 December 2017

Thursday, 28 December 2017

Wednesday, 27 December 2017

Tuesday, 26 December 2017

Good King Wenceslas

Monday, 25 December 2017

A very Happy Christmas to all!


Sunday, 24 December 2017

Saturday, 23 December 2017

Friday, 22 December 2017

Thursday, 21 December 2017

Fraser's Christmas Songs 2017!

It used to be customary on my blog for many years to have a Christmas songs countdown …

So for the first time since 2013 - starting with Mariah Carey and 'All I want for Christmas is you' – its back! :

Wednesday, 20 December 2017

Tuesday, 19 December 2017

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee


Our last Blether of 2017 will be on Thursday 28th December at 7pm at The Butterfly Café, 28 Commercial Street (please note change of day this month).

The theme this month is "Yuletide Tales."

Hope to see some of you there – all welcome!

Monday, 18 December 2017

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 18 DECEMBER 2017

A85 Riverside Drive – prohibition of right turn from westbound lane of Riverside Drive into Riverside approach and prohibition of right turn from Riverside Approach in to Riverside Drive for one week for works to the sea wall.  Prohibitions will only be in place when required.

Sunday, 17 December 2017

Saturday, 16 December 2017

Flooding issues - part of Perth Road area #dundeewestend

A number of residents have contacted me over recent weeks about the extent of road flooding on Perth Road at points between Hazel Avenue running west to Riverside Place.

I reported this to Scottish Water and their Corporate Affairs Manager (North) has updated me as follows :

"I’ve spoken to our local team, who have confirmed that they responded to burst water mains at the two locations described on Perth Road.  

Bursts can sometimes occur in proximity to each other when the normal operation of a main has been disturbed and this doesn’t necessarily suggest that further problems will occur in the short term.  I understand that repairs on the most recent incident in this area were completed successfully on 16 November and there have been no further issues since.  

We would like to apologise to customers and road-users for the disruption while our water response team completed repairs.

In terms of any water that remained on the carriageway following these incidents, this should drain away via normal road drainage arrangements.  If there is an issue with the drains at this location, whatever the origin of the water, this should be raised with the council in the first instance who would contact Scottish Water if they believed that the issues were linked to our recent work."

Friday, 15 December 2017

Parking surface improvement - Riverside Drive #dundeewestend

Earlier this year, I advised that a  positive by-product of the flooding defence works now nearing completion along Riverside Drive was that my request to have the long unmade parking area to the west of the above area would be properly surfaced for the first time, greatly increasing the amount of parking with a quality surface.

The council’s Head of Design & Property and City Engineer has now updated me :

“Half of the area has been surfaced with bituminous material and formally marked out as a car park providing 65 spaces within that area. This is in addition to the 26 spaces at the Bridgeview CafĂ© area. 

In the other half to the west, which is yet to be opened as a further overflow car park of a similar capacity, the surface is to be sub-base material as per the Yeaman Shore car park. If required in the future, the area to the west can be formally surfaced and marked out. 

The contractor is currently using the sub-base area to the west for storage and still has some finishing work to the sub-base to complete.”

Thursday, 14 December 2017

Improving Milnbank Road pavements #dundeewestend

I raised with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership the condition of the pavements in Milnbank Road, following complaints from residents.

I have since received the following positive feedback :

"Milnbank Road footways from Rosefield Street to Easson's Angle, both sides, are included in the 2018-2019 Footway Resurfacing Programme. 

An inspection will be carried out in the meantime and any actionable defects repaired to ensure safety is maintained."

Wednesday, 13 December 2017

New fencing - Pentland Avenue #dundeewestend

Residents have commented to me what an improvement the new fencing on the south side of Pentland Avenue towards to west end of the street.

As you can see below, the new fencing is a considerable improvement on the old wooden fence both in terms of appearance and safety :

Tuesday, 12 December 2017

West End Community Council agenda #dundeewestend

West End Community Council holds its last meeting of 2017 tonight at 7pm at Logie and St John's (Cross) Church Hall in Shaftesbury Terrace.

Here is tonight's agenda :

WEST END COMMUNITY  COUNCIL  MEETING
TUESDAY 12TH DECEMBER  2017  AT  7.00PM
LOGIE AND ST JOHN`S ( CROSS )  PARISH  CHURCH  HALL
(ENTER FROM  SHAFTESBURY  TERRACE  -  OFF  BLACKNESS  AVENUE)

1. WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES
2. MINUTE OF MEETING 14TH NOVEMBER 2017 AND  MATTERS  ARISING
3. CORRESPONDENCE
4. POLICE SCOTLAND UPDATE
5. PERTH ROAD UPDATE
6. WECC HIT LIST
7. PLANNING  UPDATE
8. OTHER MEETINGS ATTENDED ON BEHALF OF WECC
9. AOCB – MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INPUT
10. DATE  OF  NEXT  MEETING 

Light refreshments will be provided.

Monday, 11 December 2017

Police Community Surgeries in the West End #dundeewestend

The last West End Police Surgery of 2017 takes place at Blackness Library today - details below :

Sunday, 10 December 2017

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 11 DECEMBER 2017

A85 Riverside Drive – prohibition of right turn from westbound lane of Riverside Drive into Riverside approach and prohibition of right turn from Riverside Approach in to Riverside Drive for 2 weeks for works to the sea wall.  Prohibitions will only be in place when required.

A85 Riverside Drive (at Railway Station) – eastbound nearside lane closure for one week for SGN essential valve maintenance and footway, drainage and kerbing works.

Saturday, 9 December 2017

Perth Road - west of Riverside Drive to Riverside Avenue

Residents have highlighted to me that Perth Road west of Riverside Drive to Riverside Avenue is the only part of the road not resurfaced or surface dressed in recent years.

I asked the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership if this can be considered for future improvement and I have received the following response :

"Perth Road west of Riverside Drive to Ninewells Avenue is provisionally included in the 2019-2020 Carriageway Programme for surface dressing."

Friday, 8 December 2017

On Growth & Form 100 - Creative Coding workshops

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

Creative Coding : Animats, Animation and Artificial Life 
Designing and Coding Workshops by Genetic Moo

Saturday 9th December, 10am - 12.30pm and 2pm - 4.30pm
D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum, Carnelley Building, University of Dundee

Create your own virtual organisms in these special workshops by computer art duo Genetic Moo, part of our exciting programme of events marking the centenary of D’Arcy Thompson’s On Growth and Form. Using design and creative coding, in the first part of the workshop you will learn how to design your creatures digitally, experimenting with different body parts, muscles and sensors. 

In the second part, find out how to program simple animating backgrounds which will trigger your creatures into action. At the end of this stimulating workshop we will bring some of the ‘created’ creatures together into a virtual world, while observing how they behave. Coding will be done using the free and open source Processing Language. 

After the workshop, we will email participants with the resulting programs and will explain how you can carry on your exciting coding experiments at home.

The workshop will run twice – a family-friendly version in the morning (10am-12.30pm) and one for adults in the afternoon (2pm-4.30pm).

Please note –

Workshops will be 2.5 hours long with a short break in the middle.  All equipment will be provided.

The workshops will be run by Nicola Schauerman and Tim Pickup who make up the digital art group Genetic Moo and have ten years of experience creating interactive creatures for events and exhibitions up and down the country.    They filled a shop full of digital beasties at Dundee's Wellgate Centre for NEoN Digital Arts Festival 2016.

The morning workshop is intended for children aged 10 and upwards. Children must be accompanied by one or two adults.   You only need to book one place per child as you will be sharing a netbook computer.    It is great fun to work together with your kids and see who can code, or you can sit back and let the kids get on with it. 

The afternoon workshop is intended for adults aged 18 and upwards.

There is a fee of £10 per person for the afternoon workshop or £10 per child for the morning workshop (accompanying adults may attend free). Please pay in cash on the day – you will not be asked to pay when registering.

Places are limited so booking through Eventbrite is required :

Family Workshop - here.
Adult Workshop - here.  

Thursday, 7 December 2017

Charity Night #dundeewestend


Wednesday, 6 December 2017

Wighton Singers at the Wighton!

From Sheena Wellington :

Today at the Wighton Heritage Centre in the Central Library – 1.15pm to 1.45pm

As is the Friends of Wighton tradition, the last Lunchtime Recital of the year will feature our own Wighton Singers.  

The singers have had a busy and interesting year working with a variety of tutors and taking their songs out to entertain at various venues in and around the city.    

Today, they will present, with warmth and humour, a mix of seasonal and Scottish songs.   

Admission is free (donations welcome) and seasonal treats will be available.

Tuesday, 5 December 2017

D’Arcy Through the Letter Box

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

Our celebrations for the centenary of D’Arcy Thompson’s On Growth and Form continue next week with a free talk by Meic Pierce Owen in the D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum at 6pm today -

D’Arcy Through the Letter Box - the Polymath’s wonderland as seen through his correspondence

D’Arcy Thompson’s papers at the University of St Andrews incorporate some 30,000 letters written throughout his lifetime. In this entertaining talk, archivist Meic Pierce Owen (who has read more of the correspondence than almost anyone except D’Arcy) explores highlights of a vast and fascinating collection.

Meic has also written one of the chapters of our new book, "Growing and Forming: Essays on D'Arcy Thompson", copies of which will be on sale.  Refreshments will be served after the event.

Places are limited so please book here.

Monday, 4 December 2017

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 4 DECEMBER 2017

A85 Riverside Drive – prohibition of right turn from westbound lane of Riverside Drive into Riverside approach and prohibition of right turn from Riverside Approach in to Riverside Drive for one week for works to the sea wall.  Prohibitions will only be in place when required.

A85 Riverside Drive (at Railway Station) – eastbound nearside lane closure for 2 weeks for SGN essential valve maintenance and footway, drainage and kerbing works.

Sunday, 3 December 2017

Event at the Botanic Garden today #dundeewestend

From the Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden :

In the Garden's Education Centre in the Garden at 2pm today, Angela Montford presents "In the Garden Shed: Old Tools and Gadgets". 

From the wheelbarrow to the hosepipe, an illustrated survey of the usual tools and gadgets we have used and improved in our gardens since the Middle Ages. 



Saturday, 2 December 2017

DUSA's Winter Market


Friday, 1 December 2017

West Port Christmas Lights Event tonight! #dundeewestend

The West Port Christmas Lights are switched on tonight – at 5.30pm – all welcome – don’t miss it!

Lights Switch On includes a piper, singers and a string quartet.    

Roast chestnuts, apple spiced Christmas drinks and hot chocolate for the children.

Meet at the Christmas Tree in front of The Globe!

Thursday, 30 November 2017

Scottish & Ethical Dundee Christmas Fair


Wednesday, 29 November 2017

Christmas Lights On for the West End! #dundeewestend

Tonight at 6.15pm 
Lights On for the West End!
…  and a spectacular fireworks extravaganza!

This year’s West End Christmas Concert takes place at Dundee West Church at 6.15pm.   Everyone is very welcome to attend.   

There will be musical contributions from all local primary and secondary schools.    The Concert will be hosted by Gordon Sharp.    We are delighted that “The Notables” will also perform at the concert.  Mains of Fintry Pipe Band will pipe everyone from the church to Seabraes for the Christmas Lights Switch-On!

At 7pm, Loadsaweeminsinging will be singing by the Christmas Tree, followed by a visit from Santa with small gifts for all the children, with grateful thanks to Scotmid.     The West End Christmas Lights will be switched on at Seabraes at 7.20pm by Lord Provost Ian Borthwick, ably assisted by Santa and his sleigh. 

There will again be a spectacular fireworks display after the lights switch-on – and we would like to thank the West End businesses and organisations whose financial support has made the fireworks display possible.  
       
In addition, there will be hot drinks and shortie at Seabraes, kindly provided by Gate Church and crafts and sweets stalls from the Friends of Blackness. 

Many thanks to Police Scotland for their assistance and also to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service who hope to have a fire engine on-site for children to see round!

Another great, free event for all the family – don’t miss it!

Tuesday, 28 November 2017

Getting things done - Logie Avenue #dundeewestend

Residents in the Logie area have complained to me about the state of the council-owned ground on Logie Avenue next to the lock-ups at the east end of the street - see below :
I contacted the council's environment team in Neighbourhood Services and have had the following positive feedback :

"Just to confirm I had this site looked into and the ground is Environment's so will will have this area cleaned up. 

A site update will also be done to ensure its included in our cyclical work in future."

Monday, 27 November 2017

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2017

A85 Riverside Drive – prohibition of right turn from westbound lane of Riverside Drive into Riverside approach and prohibition of right turn from Riverside Approach in to Riverside Drive for 2 weeks for works to the sea wall.  Prohibitions will only be in place when required.

A85 Riverside Drive (at Railway Station) – eastbound nearside lane closure for 2 weeks for SGN essential valve maintenance.

Sunday, 26 November 2017

Book Week Scotland in #Dundee

Book Week Scotland starts tomorrow!

It is an annual celebration of books and reading, and since this year's theme is 'nourish' there’s a jam packed programme of free events for you to sink your teeth into at Dundee Libraries.

Read the full programme here.

Saturday, 25 November 2017

West End Christmas Fortnight starts today #dundeewestend

Today is the start of West End Christmas Fortnight!

This is the 17th year of West End Christmas events – a whole fortnight of fun for all the family!

Events this weekend include :

Today - Saturday 25th November   :   Christmas Fortnight starts with Dundee West Church’s Christmas Coffee Morning taking place in the church – 10am to 12 noon – enter from the church’s entrance at 132 Perth Road.

Today - Saturday 25th November   :   Vintage Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show at Harris Academy, supporting Roxburghe House and CHAS.   12 noon to 6pm.  

Tomorrow - Sunday 26th November   :  Open Day at Blackness Fire Station – 11am to 3pm – see round our local fire station – all welcome.

Friday, 24 November 2017

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee


Our November Blether will be on Tuesday 28th November at 7pm at our new venue - The Butterfly Café. 28 Commercial Street.

The theme this month is " The Golden Years."

Hope to see some of you there – all welcome!

Thursday, 23 November 2017

Handrail extension - Pennycook Lane - now scheduled #dundeewestend

In September, I highlighted that, at the request of residents, I had asked the City Council to add a short extension to the handrail down the east side of the pavement of Pennycook Lane - at Pennycook Court sheltered housing – so the rail would go right down to the flat pavement of Perth Road.

I am pleased to say this was agreed to.   I have now been advised of timescale :

“It should be done by the end of November/start of December.”

Wednesday, 22 November 2017

Tuesday, 21 November 2017

Philip Ball Lecture

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

Our celebrations of the centenary of D’Arcy Thompson’s On Growth and Form continue on Wednesday 22nd November at 6pm with a free public lecture by renowned science writer and broadcaster Philip Ball in the D’Arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre, Tower Building, entitled From Natural Patterns to Self-Organisation

Patterns, regularities and order appear spontaneously in the universe over an immense range of scales in space and time. Not only does such organisation seem to challenge the universal thermodynamic tendency towards an inexorable increase in entropy and disorder, but these patterns often share similar forms and features in systems that seem to have no relation to one another. 

It has become increasingly clear that there are organising processes in nature that operate according to very general principles, insensitive to (or at best merely fine-tuned by) the details of a particular system. At the same time, the delicate interplay between chance and determinism in these situations is able to engender immense, seemingly endless variation on a few basic themes, as in the case of snowflakes.

On Growth and Form was the first great synthesis of this combination of universality and variety in natural pattern and form. But only in modern times have we had the conceptual, computational and experimental tools to do his intuitions justice. 

In this free lecture, Philip Ball will look at where our understanding of these processes has come over the century since the book’s publication. A former editor of Nature, Ball recently presented a BBC Radio 4 documentary about D’Arcy Thompson and is the author of Nature’s Patterns: A Tapestry in Three Parts.

The lecture is free but please book a place here.

Monday, 20 November 2017

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2017

A85 Riverside Drive – prohibition of right turn from westbound lane of Riverside Drive into Riverside approach and prohibition of right turn from Riverside Approach in to Riverside Drive for 3 weeks for works to the sea wall.  Prohibitions will only be in place when required.

A85 Riverside Drive (at Railway Station) – eastbound nearside lane closure for 3 weeks for SGN essential valve maintenance.

Sunday, 19 November 2017

Additional Scottish Water Works - Fyffe Street/Eassons Angle #dundeewestend

From the Corporate Affairs Officer at Scottish Water :

I have been made aware from our contractors CWA who are carrying out our water mains upgrade works in Dundee of an additional piece of work to take place within your ward.

This work was originally planned previously however due to issues with the proposed backfeed (to reduce amount of customers affected) the work was unable to be completed.

I have been informed that the work will now take place from Monday 20th November for approximately 2 weeks.  The work involves the lining of existing water mains in Fyffe Street (near junction with Benvie Road).  

There may also be some work required in Easson’s Angle however at this stage nothing has been confirmed.  I will keep you updated when I have confirmation.

The work in Fyffe Street will not involve any road closures and access will be maintained at all times.

Saturday, 18 November 2017

Getting things done – Osborne Place #dundeewestend

Following residents’ complaints to me about a series of potholes in Osborne Place, I brought this to the attention of the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have been updated as follows :


"An order has … been raised for potholes in Osborne Place with a timescale for repair of approximately one week."

Friday, 17 November 2017

Citizen of the Year


Thursday, 16 November 2017

No ward surgery tonight

As today is an in-service day at local schools, my usual ward surgery at Blackness Primary School does 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 again next Monday.      Details are available here.

Wednesday, 15 November 2017

Getting things done - Greenbank Place #dundeewestend

Residents highlighted to me recently the poor road condition in Greenbank Place and also a chocked street drain.

I raised this with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have now received the following response :

"Greenbank Place is provisionally included in the 2019/2020 Carriageway Programme for resurfacing. An inspection has been carried out and there are currently no actionable defects on the adopted section however an order has been raised for the repair of three potholes on the non adopted section with an approximate timescale of twenty eight days.

The gullies were last emptied in February 2017 so the gully machine is not due to attend again until approximately September 2018 however will re-visit the blocked gully as soon it is available to do so, hopefully within the next week or so."

Tuesday, 14 November 2017

West End Community Council meeting tonight #dundeewestend

I have today launched my November 2017 Update to West End Community Council.    

It covers the forthcoming West End Christmas Fortnight events – see details below and you can also download the full Update here.

The Community Council meets tonight at Logie St John's (Cross) Church Hall at 7pm - all residents welcome.      

A fabulous West End Christmas Fortnight launches soon!

Saturday 25th November sees the start of the West End Christmas Fortnight and there will be a fortnight of superb community events across the West End of Dundee.

On Wednesday 29th November the Christmas Lights Switch On for the West End will take place including a spectacular fireworks extravaganza.

This year’s West End Christmas Concert takes place that evening at Dundee West Church at 6.15pm.   

There will be musical contributions from all local primary and secondary schools.    The Concert will be hosted by Gordon Sharp.    

We are delighted that “The Notables” will perform as well as local school pupils – it will be a great concert and everyone is very welcome to attend.   Mains of Fintry Pipe Band will pipe everyone from the church to Seabraes for the Christmas Lights Switch-On.

At 7pm, Loadsaweeminsinging will perform by the tree and thereafter at 7.20pm the West End Christmas Lights will be switched on at Seabraes by Lord Provost Ian Borthwick, ably assisted by Santa and his sleigh.  

There will again be a spectacular fireworks display after the lights switch-on.

West End Christmas Fortnight is packed with events and we hope that, as in the past 17 years, the local community will take part.      

We are extremely grateful to all the local businesses for their support of the Christmas Fortnight, without which the events would not be possible.

Other main West End Christmas Fortnight events include :

Saturday 25th November   :   Christmas Fortnight starts with Dundee West Church’s Christmas Coffee Morning taking place in the church – 10am to 12 noon – enter from the church’s entrance at 132 Perth Road.

Sunday 26th November   :  Open Day at Blackness Fire Station – 11am to 3pm – see round our local fire station – all welcome.

Tuesday 28th November 4pm – 5pm :  Children’s craft activity at Blackness Library – make a Christmas Tree card  – all children welcome!

Thursday 30th November – Frocks and Fizz evening at The Gate Coffee Bar, 158 Perth Road – 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Friday 1st December – West End – Best End!   –   Lights Switch on in West Port at 5.30pm – includes a piper, singers and a string quartet.    Roast chestnuts, apple spiced Christmas drinks and hot chocolate for the children.     Don’t miss it!

Saturday 2nd December – Blackness Primary School’s Christmas Fair (10am to 12 noon), organised by the Friends of Blackness, and with a large variety of stalls.

Saturday 2nd December – A Cosy Cup of Crafts! - Join the Gate Church for a cosy cup of tea or coffee and a cake while you enjoy a Christmas Craft Fair featuring local artists.   11am to 4pm.

Saturday 2nd December – Verdant Works Winter Fayre – 12 noon to 4pm.

Saturday 2nd December – Specifically Vintage Christmas Market at Roseangle Kitchen CafĂ© from 11am to 4pm.

Saturday 2nd December – An evening of Christmas music – Dundee West Church at 7.30pm.    Tickets from Dundee Box Office.   Raffle in aid of Age Concern Dundee.

Monday 4th December -  Children’s craft activity at Blackness Library – decorate a Christmas stocking  – all children welcome!   4pm – 5pm.

Wednesday 6th December – Christmas West End Community Groups’ Social Event at The Vine.    

Thursday 7th December – Winter Market at Dundee University Students’ Association, Airlie Place.   11am to 4pm.

Friday 8th December - Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden’s “Mystery Walk in the Dark” – great fun for children!       5.30pm to 6.30pm.   

Friday 8th December – West End Community Christmas Carol Concert at Logie & St. John's (Cross) Parish Church at 6.30pm.    A family orientated candlelit celebration of Christmas sung with Carols, old and new.    Refreshments served and admission free. Bring a torch if you can!

Friday 8th December – Starter Packs – a Rocking Christmas with “Road Runner” – 7.30pm at the Friary.   Tickets £7 in aid of Dundee Starter Packs and Dundee Foodbank.

Saturday 9th December – West End Christmas Fortnight’s lovely children's craft event led by the wonderful Lisa Earl of Create … Kids Create Craft Workshops.    Taking place at Logie St John’s (Cross) Church Hall, this event is most suited to young school aged children.

Saturday 9th December – Friends of Magdalen Green – Soup and Pudding Lunch at Dundee West Church – 11am to 1pm - £5 – all welcome!

Saturday 9th December – Harris Academy from 12.30pm – Primary 6 football competition.  P6 teams participating from our local primary schools. 
  
Saturday 9th December – Christmas Tea and Carols at the Gate Church – 3pm to 5.30pm.    Come along and enjoy a festive afternoon tea including sandwiches and cakes and a sing along to some of your favourite Christmas carols.  

Over Christmas Fortnight – Window Spotting Competition for children – prizes include a family membership of the Botanic Garden.

Monday, 13 November 2017

Council to review street cleaning changes

Dundee City Council’s Policy and Resources Committee has agreed to review the effectiveness of changes made to the street cleaning operation across the city, following implementation of a report in December 2015 that has resulted in alteration to the service and removal of street cleaning posts.

I made the request to the Policy and Resources Committee as it is important that the council reviews the situation to ensure that there is no reduction in the effectiveness of the street cleaning service.

My motion – accepted unanimously by councillors – states :

“Street Cleaning and Open Space Management

Motion by Bailie Fraser Macpherson 

Given that it is approaching two years since adoption of Report 439-2015 on the Street Cleaning and Open Space Review, adopted at committee on 7th December 2015, this committee instructs Neighbourhood Services to review the effectiveness of the street cleaning revised operation to ensure that the changes undertaken since 2015 have not significantly impacted on the quality of street cleaning in any part of the city.   

A report on the outcomes of such a review should be brought back to committee, together with any necessary recommendations, to ensure Dundee City Council maintains good quality street cleaning standards across the city over the coming years.”

Earlier this year, Accounts Commission reported that the streets of Dundee are becoming dirtier – the report showing that Dundee’s street cleanliness score fell by 1.6% over the past six years and the council’s spending on street cleaning, per 1 000 residents, had been reduced by 39.8% over the same period.

The staff doing street cleaning do an excellent job.   However, recent changes have already resulted in some 26 fewer posts in street cleaning and this is bound to affect the service.     It is really important therefore that the street cleaning operation is fully reviewed and I am pleased the council has agreed to this.

A photo of an example of residents’ complaints about street cleaning (taken in Annfield Road) is shown above right – I highlighted this example at the Policy and Resources Committee.