Saturday 30 March 2019

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 30 AND SUNDAY 31 MARCH 2019

Perth Road (Hyndford Street to Blackness Avenue) – off-peak temporary traffic lights and lane closures from Thursday 28 to Saturday 30 March for BT work.

Meadowside/Reform Street/High Street/Nethergate/Park Place – closed on Saturday 30 March (12.45pm – 3.45pm) for Trans Pride Parade.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Glamis Drive – Invergowrie Drive to Hillside Road (Phase 1) and Hillside Road to Glamis Road (Phase 2) – closed in phases as stated for Monday 15 April for 2 weeks for footway resurfacing works.  Only one phase closed at any one time.

Friday 29 March 2019

A welcome for traffic order improvements in Dundee

I have welcomed the decision by Dundee City Council to streamline the Traffic Regulation Order process, to speed up changes to waiting restrictions in the city in future.

The process of getting traffic regulations in place to improve parking and access for residents has been utterly torturous in the city in recent years – slow, bureaucratic and not customer-friendly.   

As an example, Kinloch Park in the West End, next to the entrance to Ninewells Hospital, had single yellow lining agreed, following a site visit with most of the street’s residents, Head of Roads and Transportation and myself in December 2016.   The agreed waiting restrictions to stop the street being used as a Ninewells overflow car park were finally put in place at the end of February 2019.   

Whilst, I am relieved the work in Kinloch Park was finally in place, two years and two months to complete the process highlighted the need to cut through the bureaucracy of the system, streamline it and speed it up.    

I raised the need to improve the Traffic Regulation Order process with the council’s Head of Democratic and Legal Services and am pleased that action has now been taken to tackle this issue.   We simply cannot again have relatively simple traffic alterations taking 26 months to implement.

The council’s Head of Roads and Transportation has now advised me :

“The Traffic Regulation Order process has been streamlined and, after discussions with the Director of City Development, we will undertake to look at the introduction of the Consultation Stage being undertaken in advance of going to City Development Committee.  

Ordinarily we would not progress with a Traffic Regulation Order if statutory consultees Police Scotland did not support a proposal.  

Any streamlining will involve less City Development Committee time and speed up the process with less stages.”

I will be monitoring future work to ensure there is a genuine speeding up of Traffic Regulation Orders to ensure that residents across the city get faster action on improved parking and tackling parking obstruction issues more efficiently.

Thursday 28 March 2019

Wednesday 27 March 2019

Tuesday 26 March 2019

Guided Tour of Bodies, Botanicals and Bindings: Reimagining Rare Books

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

Join the exhibition’s creators today at 1pm for a special guided tour in the Lamb Gallery. 

Curated by Archive Services, the show brings together some of the beautiful rare books in the University’s collections and work by artists and writers who have been inspired by the stories, annotations, typefaces, bindings, and materials which make up the books. 

Taking inspiration from the remarkable collections which date from the 15th century onwards the artists have created jewellery, etchings, drawings, ceramics, tattoo designs and creative writing. 

The tour will explain the history and composition of the books and will include a chance to chat to some of the artists and writers who have contributed to the exhibition. 

Meet in the Lamb Gallery, Tower Building, University of Dundee at 1pm today. 

Free admission - no need to book.

Monday 25 March 2019

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 25 MARCH 2019

Perth Road (Hyndford Street to Blackness Avenue) – off-peak temporary traffic lights and lane closures from Thursday 28 to Saturday 30 March for BT work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Glamis Drive – Invergowrie Drive to Hillside Road (Phase 1) and Hillside Road to Glamis Road (Phase 2) – closed in phases as stated for Monday 15 April for 2 weeks for footway resurfacing works.  Only one phase closed at any one time.

Sunday 24 March 2019

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee


Our March meeting will be on Tuesday 26th March at 7pm at The Bach, 31 Meadowside.

Join us at Blether Tay-Gither this month to remember and celebrate the life of Fiona MacLeod. 

Fiona was originally from Perthshire, spent some of her childhood in Ireland and had lived for many years in Brittany, she regularly returned to Scotland to tell her tales and was Blether's guest just last October aboard the Frigate Unicorn for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, where some of us heard her for the first time and saw what a lively and vibrant teller she was.

Come along to the Bach to hear some tales and to share some stories from the places she lived, or memories of Fiona.  All are welcome to join in and you may just wish to listen. Hot drinks and cakes are available in the welcoming and unique environment of the Bach. 

There’s a suggested Donation £3 and we hope to see you there.

Saturday 23 March 2019

Parenting strategy events - including at Harris Academy


You can book all the events listed above here.

Friday 22 March 2019

Play On Wheels Easter Holidays events #dundeewestend

Here’s Play On Wheels Easter Holidays events in the West End for local children!

Play On Wheels will be out whatever the weather so hope to see lots of you for some adventures.    Come and say hello and have some fun. 

Everyone welcome and all sessions are free of charge.

Play On Wheels is a Smart Play Network project funded through the BIG Lottery Investing in Communities 21st Century Life programme.


Thursday 21 March 2019

Dundee - A Global City

The One World Centre and Lifelong Learning Dundee at the University of Dundee present Dundee    -   A Global City.

The course will be of 5 sessions which will run on Wednesday evenings beginning on Wednesday 17th April from 6.30pm until 8.30pm - then  each Wednesday evening until 15th May  - so  17th April,  24th April, 1st May, 8th May and 15th May.

This programme introduces us to and explores the many and varied contributions that Dundonians have made and are making to our world.  Using stories from the past we will explore the links we have with others around the globe and consider how our lifestyles can contribute to a fairer, more sustainable and peaceful society

* Think Global – Act Local  … 17th April - Sally Romilly and Clare Fulton  - OWC
What is Global Citizenship?   Why has it developed as an idea?   What makes a Global citizen?  What does it mean for the local person in Dundee?    

* Dahka to Dundee….. 24th April - Alastair Scott Dundee Heritage Trust and   Sandra Thompson   

The jute trade unravelled - highlighting Dundee’s fascinating role.

* Dundonians face war – to fight or not to fight? ….. 1st May - Andrew Jeffrey and Sandy Constable

Looking at our different perspectives on war with  Andrew Jeffrey - author of  'This Dangerous Menace: Dundee and the River Tay at War, 1939 to 1945' (1991) - whose stories will shed new light  on how Dundonians faced up to war.    ... and Sandy Constable who shares memories of his father’s relationship to war.

* Dundee women in the World ….  8th May - Mary Henderson, Kate Armstrong and Norma McGovern

Beginning with the ‘four Marys’ we explore the range of Global contributions made by Dundee women.

* Welcoming our new citizens ….. 15th May - Dr Husam Al Waer, senior lecturer in Sustainable Urban Design,   Sally Romilly  and Clare Fulton (OWC)

As Dundee continues to welcome migrants and refugees into the community what are their challenges and our response.

For details from the One World Centre here.

Wednesday 20 March 2019

Tuesday 19 March 2019

Getting things done - Logie Cemetery #dundeewestend

Several constituents have recently contacted me regarding the condition of Logie Cemetery on Lochee Road north of Balgay Parish Church.   As residents know, the cemetery is very old and long closed to new interments.

At my request, an inspection of the cemetery was undertaken last Friday and the environment manager for the west of the city advised me after this  ... "all memorials are in a safe condition either dug in or lying flat.  The ones that remain upright have been found to be stable."

The Service Manager - Environment - at the City Council has also advised me :

"In an effort to reduce soil erosion which contributes to memorials stabilisation problems we have reduced grass cutting to twice per season and do not apply pesticide around the memorials. 

In ref to the memorial checks, this cemetery along with other non operational cemeteries are on our schedule for safety inspections.  

Due to the historical nature of the site there are limitations what works we can undertake but we shall ensure any headstones which present a risk to the public are addressed." 

Monday 18 March 2019

Cyber for Seniors Workshop

Abertay University is holding a Cyber for Seniors Workshop on Thursday 28th March between 10am and 4pm at the Events Space, Abertay University, Kydd Building, Bell Street.

Its purpose is to find out the challenges are that the elderly face with respect to cyber crime.     There will be talks about cyber challenges such as security and passwords.    The aim is to come up with solutions together to address some of these problems.    Lunch will be provided.

To book a space, please contact Karen Renaud, Professor of Cyber Security - k.renaud@abertay.ac.uk- or 308236 but please do so by close of play today.


Sunday 17 March 2019

Saturday 16 March 2019

Review of open spaces management rules

Residents are being invited by Dundee City Council to have their say on proposed new rules for open spaces across Dundee.

You can see details of the draft rules and how to submit comments by clicking here

Submissions should be made by 25th March.

Friday 15 March 2019

Getting things done - Seabraes area #dundeewestend

I have recently had complaints about the extent of rubbish and litter along the western end of the path running from Roseangle to Greenmarket.   The problem area has been the part from Seabraes west towards the Roseangle car park.

The council's Rapid Response Team, at my request, kindly did a litter-pick there recently.   However, I wrote to Scottish Enterprise to get its assurances that it would ensure the area is kept clean in future, as I was sure responsibility would rest with Scottish Enterprise.

The Director of Business Infrastructure at Scottish Enterprise has now advised me :

"I am advised that SE’s responsibilities cover the area shown outlined red on the plan (below). 

Our external Property Managing Agents have been reminded of our responsibilities with particular reference to litter collection so you should see an improvement."


Wednesday 13 March 2019

Boogie ... from Alzheimer Scotland!


Following the success of the Original Boogie in the Bar in Aberdeen, Alzheimer Scotland's Dundee Dementia Resource Centre is launching its very own Boogie! 

A Boogie is a community lead activity where people have an opportunity to come together to enjoy music, dancing and company. 

There will be a professional DJ and thanks to the committee of the Lochee Bowling Club, Alzheimer Scotland has secured their fantastic premises for the event.

If you would like to come along to the first Dundee Boogie this Friday - 15th March - please contact the Dundee team at Alzheimer Scotland on 210200 to book your place.

Doors open at Lochee Bowling Club at 1.30pm and the Boogie runs from 2pm to 4pm.


Tuesday 12 March 2019

West End Community Council meeting tonight #dundeewestend

The Community Council meets this evening at Logie St John's (Cross) Church Hall at 7pm - all residents welcome!   Here's the agenda :

WEST END  COMMUNITY  COUNCIL  MEETING
TUESDAY 12th MARCH 2019  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 11TH DECEMBER 2018 AND  MATTERS  ARISING
3. CORRESPONDENCE
4. POLICE SCOTLAND UPDATE
5. WESTFEST
6. PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE MAGDALEN GREEN – Calum Robertson
7. PERTH ROAD UPDATE – 
8. PLANNING  UPDATE 
9. OTHER MEETINGS ATTENDED ON BEHALF OF WECC
10. AOCB – MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INPUT

DATE  OF  NEXT  MEETING – Tuesday 9th April 2019

Monday 11 March 2019

Latest event from Friends of Wighton

From Sheena Wellington :

Cappuccino Concert with Fraya Thomsen, harp
Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library - this Saturday - 16th March - 11am (doors open at 10.30am)

Fraya Thomsen is heralded as a "leading female Scottish harpist and composer with the cosmic touch... free and wild..." - City Life Dundee

Taking influences from songwriters such as Ani DiFranco and Billy Bragg and combining it with the Scottish sensibilities that she learnt in her native Highlands of Scotland, Fraya has worked as a musician in a wide diversity of settings from international harp and roots festivals with The Duplets, to musician in residence with Feis Rois and award winning film/dance/art composer. 

This tour sees her striding forth in a solo capacity and features music from her 2017 Celtic Connections composition 'Community and Stardust' described as  "a musical and rhetorical triumph, a coherent argument beautifully structured” - David Francis, TRACS, and "...incredibly musical and incredibly thoughtful" - Phil Cunningham.

Doors open 10.30am, tickets are £5 and tea/coffee available for a small donation.

Sunday 10 March 2019

Event at the Botanic Garden today #dundeewestend

From the Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden :

The last talk of the season will be today at 2pm in the Education Centre at the Botanic Garden.

The speaker is Dr Sarah Easterby-Smith, Senior Lecturer School of History, St Andrews University.

The title of her talk is Botany and Plant Trade in the late 18th century.

Please come along and bring a friend!


Saturday 9 March 2019

Friday 8 March 2019

Thursday 7 March 2019

Getting things done - Clovis Duveau Drive #dundeewestend

Residents in Clovis Duveau Drive raised with me the faded whote lining in the street.

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

"An order to refresh the white lining for Clovis Duveau Drive has been raised.    It will be done as soon as resources are available."

Wednesday 6 March 2019

Tuesday 5 March 2019

Lighting on path at Harris Academy #dundeewestend

A number of constituents have raised concerns about the lighting on the public pathway that runs to the side of Harris Academy down to Riverside.     

Several of the lighting units are in a vandalised state or simply not working.

I reported this to the council's Street Lighting Partnership and have now been advised :

"We have decided that we are not simply going to replace the fittings as it is clear that they are mounted in a location which is easy to access and prone to vandalism.

(We are) currently working on some design calculations with a view to installing columns in their place."

Sunday 3 March 2019

Gowrie Care - volunteers wanted


Saturday 2 March 2019

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 2 AND SUNDAY 3 MARCH 2019

West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Ward Road) - off-peak northbound nearside lane closure from Sunday 3 to Tuesday 5 March for BT works.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 4 MARCH 2019

Riverside Drive (at Wright Avenue) - off-peak temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 5 March for gully repairs.

Friday 1 March 2019

Bodies, Botanicals & Bindings: Reimagining Rare Books

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

"Bodies, Botanicals & Bindings: Reimagining Rare Books" is a new exhibition featuring the work of artists and creative writers inspired by the University Archives' rare book collections.

This exhibition by Archive Services uses some of the University's extensive special collections to explore the history and materiality of rare books as well as the creativity they can inspire.    From bindings to bookplates and endpieces to annotations, books tell stories, reminding us of the lives of their owners as much as changes in communication and technology.

Taking inspiration from these remarkable collections which date from the 15th century onwards, artists and writers have created their own pieces of work which are exhibited for the first time here. 

On display is jewellery, etchings, drawings, textiles, ceramics and much more, all inspired by the wonderful illustrations and content within the books or simply by the way they are put together.

The exhibition is free and open to all and will run until 27th April with the  Lamb Gallery open Monday to Friday (9.30am to 7pm) and on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm.