Wednesday 31 March 2021

Bus timetables concern - an update #dundeewestend


Last year, I highlighted that residents have pointed out that, although real time bus information is working at bus shelters, paper timetables have been out of date since the bus companies altered bus services temporarily at the start of the COVID-19 the health emergency.

Whilst appreciating there needed to be the return to normal services and stability in timetables before new and correct timetables could be placed at every bus stop, I got assurances that erroneous, out of date information would be removed meantime.

With the Xplore Dundee recent bus services review having taken place at the start of 2021, I asked the Sustainable Transport team at the council for an update and have been advised by a Transport Officer as follows :

“Xplore Dundee is amending its service provision again from 12th April.    Therefore ‘at stop’ timetables will not be erected at this stage until we are sure that the service provision is stable.

I have been in contact with the bus operators and are in the process of providing an at stop notice which will be erected at bus stops directing passengers to websites and phone numbers for any information regarding bus services.   These, I am hopeful will be designed, printed and erected within the next few weeks.”

Tuesday 30 March 2021

Getting things done - Clovis Duveau Drive #dundeewestend


I recently received residents’ concerns about the faded white road lining in Clovis Duveau Drive.

I raised this with the City Council’s Road Maintenance Partnership and have now been assured as follows :

“An order for refreshing the road markings has been raised.”

I also asked that the road is swept given the loose gravel and grit on it that residents also reported.

Monday 29 March 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 29 MARCH 2021

West Marketgait (northbound from Nethergate to West Port roundabout), West Port roundabout (south side of outer lane), Hawkhill (westbound from West Port roundabout to Brown Street) - closed for 2 weeks for Bus Priority Improvement Works.

Forthcoming Road Works

Riverside Avenue (at Wright Avenue) – off peak temporary traffic lights on Thursday 8 April for Scottish Water work.

Sunday 28 March 2021

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee


Blether Tay-Gither is the Dundee Storytelling Group.

From Sheila Kinninmonth, Blether Tay-Gither’s secretary :

Hope you can join us for our March Blether on Zoom

Tuesday 30th March – 7pm to 9pm

This month's theme is Rivers.

And, it's our birthday!

Rivers, the flowing life giving water of the land. Rich with stories and activity.   We are drawn to rivers for the wonders that lay along their banks, for the beauty they hold, and for the history written on their waters.

This month we are exploring rivers through story and you are welcome to come along.   Bring a story and share a cuppa over the internet, or just come to listen and have a blether.

Also, it's our 14th birthday! Can you believe it!   We have been together continuously as a storytelling club since 2007, and even through a world crisis we have managed to keep going.  Maybe you want to bring a piece of cake and a candle to this month's storytelling club and help us celebrate?

Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 846 2908 9197

Hope to see you there!

Read more about Blether Tay-Gither here.

Saturday 27 March 2021

Getting things done - Newhall Gardens #dundeewestend


A number of Newhall Gardens residents have contacted me about the need for a dog bin in the large grass strip along the centre of the street.   The nearest such bin at present is in Riverside Drive, south of the entrance to the street, so some distance away.

I took this up with the City Council's environment team and have now been advised as follows :

"I have visited location and will arrange to have a bin sited on grass area.

We have no bins in stock at present, but will erect at site as soon as new stock arrives."

Friday 26 March 2021

Scottish parliamentary elections - West Park conference centre voters #dundeewestend


I have been in correspondence with the City Council's electoral registration team regarding polling arrangements in the West End for the Scottish parliamentary elections in May - particularly challenging given the COVID-19 health emergency.

The only polling place change in the West End this year is that the West Park Conference Centre is not available and electors who normally vote there vote this year in the Ballroom at the Invercarse Hotel. This affects a large number of voters in the western part of the West End Ward as it is one of the largest polling districts in Dundee.

The Scottish Government has determined that each polling station within a polling place will be restricted to 800 electors to help social distancing - each polling station within every venue will be well spaced apart.

However, my strong advice to everyone is to vote by post this year. If you require more information about this the council has helpful advice on postal vote registration and other aspects of the election here.

Thursday 25 March 2021

Getting things done - Victoria Park #dundeewestend


A local resident recently reported as follows to me :

"We went to visit play park in Victoria Park this afternoon. Wanted to use baby swing.

I obviously had a young child with me and my adult daughter who is a power chair user.

We were unable to access the play park as no designated access path.

Grass very wet, not pram or wheelchair friendly."

I have taken this issue up with the City Council's environment management and a senior service manager has agreed to take this matter up.

Wednesday 24 March 2021

Getting things done - Pentland Crescent #dundeewestend


Residents at the top end of Pentland Crescent have contacted me on numerous occasions about the regularly overflowing general waste Eurobin.    This serves not just the top end of the street but is also used by some Pentland Avenue residents nearby.

I contacted the City Council's environment management team about this and am pleased with the following helpful response :

"I have discussed this with the area supervisor and there is adequate waste capacity, but we will put an additional bin in to determine whether this results in any improvement to the situation."

Tuesday 23 March 2021

Getting things done - Milnbank Road/Bankmill Road playpark #dundeewestend


I am grateful to the residents who contacted me recently to advise that the gate to the playpark Bankmill Road/Milnbank Road (Bankmill side) won’t lock and the gate is scraping the ground when opening and closing.

I contacted the City Council’s environment team about this and have now been updated as follows :

“… it looks like we need to put in a few washers to raise gate slightly.   This is on our list and will be carried out shortly.”

Monday 22 March 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


                DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 22 MARCH 2021

West Marketgait (northbound from Nethergate to West Port roundabout), West Port roundabout (south side of outer lane), Hawkhill (westbound from Westport roundabout to Brown Street) – closed from Monday 22 March for 3 weeks for Bus Priority Improvement Works.


Sunday 21 March 2021

Getting things done - Lochee Park #dundeewestend


Last summer, it was good to report the provision of a new picnic table in Lochee Park.

This has been well-used and, at the request of residents, I asked the City Council's environment management team some time ago if further picnic tables could be provided.

I am pleased to advise I had a positive response to this and recently asked for an update on timescales.

In the past week I received the following feedback :

"Picnic tables are ordered and should be coming next week. We will look to install as soon as we can."

Saturday 20 March 2021

Temporary Traffic Order - West Marketgait, West Port Roundabout and Hawkhill


From the City Council :

Dundee City Council proposes to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating bus priority improvements.  The Order is expected to be in force for 3 weeks from 22 March 2021.  Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months. 

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in (1) West Marketgait northbound from its junction with Nethergate to West Port Roundabout, (2) West Port Roundabout on the south side of the outer lane and (3) Hawkhill from West Port Roundabout to Brown Street.

An alternative route will be available southbound via West Marketgait, Dudhope Crescent Roundabout, Lochee Road, Polepark Road, Brook Street, Guthrie Street, Horsewater Wynd and Hawkhill and northbound via Nethergate, Perth Road and Hawkhill.

For further information, please contact the Network Management Team, City Development Department, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS - phone 433275.

Friday 19 March 2021

West End community engagement project #dundeewestend

Residents will recall my recent Facebook post at www.tiny.cc/MuseumOfHere from Freya Macleod, a University of Dundee student about her community engagement project.

Freya has extended the closing date for any resident interested in getting in touch - to next Wednesday - 24th March.

Full details are below :

Thursday 18 March 2021

Temporary Traffic Order - Glamis Drive


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 repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle Glamis Drive (between Hillside Road and Glamis Road), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Friday 19 March 2021 for 1 day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Glamis Road / Perth Road / Invergowrie Drive / Glamis Drive.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Wednesday 17 March 2021

Proposed Lochee Road/Cleghorn Street road safety improvements #dundeewestend


As residents know, I have long campaigned for road safety improvements at the junction of Cleghorn Street and Lochee Road.

There have been a number of minor accidents at the junction and, following my request to the then Director of City Development some time ago, it was agreed to include the junction for a safety audit and any resulting improvements.

The feedback from residents has been that the right turn out of Cleghorn Street into Lochee Road is a potential safety issue.    It also, at busy times, leads to tailbacks at the junction in Cleghorn Street, in an area of  known and long-standing air quality problems.

I am therefore pleased to advise that, yesterday, the City Council updated me as follows :

"Please find attached a drawing showing road safety improvement proposals for Lochee Road/Cleghorn Street junction. 

We are proposing to install a section of central island on Lochee Road adjacent to Cleghorn Street, thus preventing any right hand turning movements into Cleghorn Street heading inbound to city centre. Also there will be no right-hand movements out of Cleghorn Street onto Lochee Road inbound to city centre. 

These works will hopefully be carried out with the next few months barring any more future lock down restrictions."

This is a sensible improvement and I have been assured I will be kept informed on timescales and will keep residents updated.

Tuesday 16 March 2021

Getting things done - Ninewells Avenue #dundeewestend


I recently have been contacted by residents who, noting recent tree and bush cutting along Perth Road near the WL Gore site, asked if this could be extended to Ninewells Avenue.

As one resident pointed out :

"It would be ideal to see this happen up both sides of Ninewells Avenue. The trees and bushes continue to obscure parts of the path on both sides. Some are very very overgrown."

I contacted environment management at the City Council and have now been updated as follows :

"This is work that our contracts team are carrying out for City Development.   It is for improving the sightlines and general improvements to the Green Circular.

"Unfortunately, there are no plans to extend the work to Ninewells Avenue.   However as you have brought it to our attention we can add this to our routine maintenance later this year."

Monday 15 March 2021

Dundee Adult Employability Team update

The Dundee Adult Employability Team is Dundee City Council's employability service and undertakes great work working with people to get them back into the workforce - particularly vital at this challenging time.

The team has recently launched a new leaflet about its services that you can see below.

You can read more about the team's work here.


Sunday 14 March 2021

Home Start Dundee

Home Start Dundee is a superb charity in the city providing wellbeing, emotional and practical support to any parents and carers in Dundee who have at least one child aged 5 years old or under.

It is looking for new Trustees to serve on the Board of the charity and who are responsible for directing the management and administration of it.

If you are interested, more details below :


Saturday 13 March 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 15 MARCH 2021

Glamis Drive (between Hillside Road and Glamis Road) – closed on Friday 19 March for Scottish Water repair works.

Forthcoming Road Works

West Marketgait (northbound from Nethergate to West Port roundabout), Westport roundabout (south side of outer lane), Hawkhill (westbound from West Port roundabout to Brown Street) – closed from Monday 22 March for 3 weeks for Bus Priority Improvement Works.

Friday 12 March 2021

Dundee Partnership Funding for the West End #dundeewestend

As I previously reported, the Dundee Partnership Fund is offering increased funding to the West End of £20 000 for 2021/22 for community groups and local projects in our local area next financial year.

Get in touch with Joanne Kelly, our community development worker - see contact details below - for more information.

Application forms are available here.

Thursday 11 March 2021

Getting things done - Jedburgh Road #dundeewestend

I recently received complaints from residents about the road condition in Jedburgh Road.

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

"An order has been raised for pothole repairs to be carried out."



Wednesday 10 March 2021

Flooding on Riverside Avenue - an update #dundeewestend


Residents recently highlighted to me that there’s been a load of water pouring across Riverside Avenue on and off from some form of blue pipe – about 50m east of the Wright Avenue junction.    This was causing a large puddle at times and making cycling past there really difficult.

I contacted the City Council about this and have been updated as follows :

"Dundee City Council and Network Rail are currently working together to prevent flooding of the railway as a result of a collapsed culverted watercourse in close proximity to the track. 

The water is currently being temporarily pumped to the adjacent grassed verge areas to take advantage of existing infiltration available, however after heavy rainfall overland flow may find its way onto the carriageway and this is being closely monitored by the City Engineers. 

Please note this is only a temporary measure to allow Network Rail and their appointed contractor to undertake necessary drainage works beneath the track. As soon as Network Rail have completed their track works the temporary pumps will be moved back to the wooded area.  

Dundee City Council and Network Rail are currently finalising a drainage design and we hope to have the permanent drainage works in place soon." 

I was then further updated as follows :

"I can confirm that an engineer from my team met with the contractor ... to further review the current water pumping arrangements along Riverside.  

The contractor has been instructed to relocate the pump from the existing grass verged area, back to a suitable vegetated area between the carriageway and the rail track about 50m west of the works.   

The pumping works will then continue for a period of time to allow Network Rail to complete their under-track crossing works and for the City Council to complete the permanent drainage reinstatement."

Tuesday 9 March 2021

"Dundee Decides" - Sinderins Beacon project - an update


Residents will recall that last month I posted an update from the City Council about the Sinderins Beacon public art project, the final part of the "Dundee Decides" participatory budgeting consultation back in 2018.

The other parts of the project that was supported by residents back in 2018 were other public art projects - the "Perth Road" seating at the Miller's Wynd car park and the Eurobins artwork project - had been long-delivered.  

The "Sinderins Beacon", the proposal for an entrance structure at the west end of the shopping area at Sinderins, has taken an age to progress and I have raised concerns about this    Residents have given a variety of views on the design but I have had real concerns about the lack of engagement - over a long, long period - as the Beacon project has moved forward and the detail in the financial outturn. 

On querying this with officers I was very concerned at the way it has been managed.    After the initial seating and artwork projects were delivered, there was just over £14 000 left in the budget.    The actual cost now of delivery of the Beacon at 2021 prices is just over £30 000 - some £16 000 over budget.

As residents will have noted, the preparatory work to construct the Beacon has now started (see photo) and I asked officers if, given the project is alarmingly above budget, if the council was legally committed to the contractor, which it turns out it is.   

I have raised questions about how this project has been managed and why a project so over-budget was "waved through" without any updates or consultation with local councillors before it was committed to.    

I have been assured that the additional £16k can be found through underspends on other projects, but that's really not the point as there should be good financial management on each and every project.    There should also be regular updates on progress to councillors (which I have only ever received when I did the chasing) and also to the community - this project failed at the first hurdle in this respect.

The main points I have made to officers about my concerns are :

(a) any future participatory budgeting projects should have a commitment to keep elected members updated at every stage.

(b) that any material budget overshoot is immediately reported and agreement reached in a transparent way on whether or not to proceed before a project can go forward.

(c) specifically in relation to future public art projects, a proper engagement with local artists and designers is undertaken (and possible competition) so that we make use of the local talent in the city rather than the way this project was developed.   

In the case of the Beacon, the council did seek the input of three community representatives who gave freely of their time and expertise and they should be thanked for their input and efforts.   However, the council "managed" the design process inhouse and making use of the wealth of artistic and design talent we have in the city would be the best approach in my view.   Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design is literally just down the road ...!

In response to my comments, I was advised by a team leader in the City Development department :

"This is the first time that officers and elected members have been part of a participatory budget process and although awards have been won, I agree that there are lessons to be learned including keeping members up to date throughout the process.   

"As part of the Broughty Ferry to Monifieth Active Travel Improvements we will be engaging with suitably qualified artists to submit proposals for public art to provide 'placemaking' on the route.  Hopefully a number of local artists will be keen to be involved and submit proposals for this key project."

I have been sufficiently concerned about this matter than I have taken it all the way to the council's Chief Executive, and I spoke with him last Friday about the matter.   He has positively taken on board the points I have made about how this sort of situation is avoided in the future.     

This is important as the Scottish Government wants to see more participatory budgeting - where the public get a say on what projects get priority - and the City Council will be coming forward with further participatory budgeting in the future. 

Monday 8 March 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021

West Marketgait (at West Port roundabout) – off-peak northbound nearside lane closure from Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 March for SSEN work.


Sunday 7 March 2021

Riverside household waste recycling centre #dundeewestend


From the City Council :

"Please be aware that Riverside household waste recycling centre will be shut on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th March for re-surfacing works to take place."

Other recycling facilities elsewhere are unaffected and a full list is available here.

Saturday 6 March 2021

Getting things done - Seabraes #dundeewestend

I am grateful to the residents who recently highlighted to me that the pillars at Seabraes where the lemmings statues are have unfortunately been vandalised with graffiti.
I raised this with the City Council's environment team requesting that the graffiti is removed and pleased to say this was done towards the end of last week.

Friday 5 March 2021

Dundee Women’s Festival 2021


Today sees the start of a very different Dundee Women’s Festival this year.

Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, it has gone virtual, but thanks to the ingenuity and co-operation of all involved it is able to offer an amazing programme of events.

Please see full details and the programme here.

Thursday 4 March 2021

Getting things done - Miller's Wynd #dundeewestend


I am grateful to the resident who recently advised me as follows :

"We have at least 2 drains blocked with leaves and debris in Millers Wynd. 

This is resulting in large pools of water at the bottom of the lane."

I raised this with the City Council and have now been updated as follows :

"(The local inspector) ... has raised an order for these gullies to be cleared."

Wednesday 3 March 2021

Helping tackle fuel poverty for older people across Dundee


The Evening Telegraph recently ran an important article that highlighted concerns that hundreds of older people in Dundee are missing out on thousands of pounds of benefits to help with fuel poverty this winter.

New statistics from the charity Independent Age has found 1 145 older people in Dundee West are missing out on approximately £160 000 by not taking up the UK Government’s warm home discount scheme.   This includes folk in the West End and I am anxious to highlight this important issue.

You can read the article here - it is particularly useful as it lists a number of benefits are older people entitled to.

I am always keen to speak with any constituent with fuel poverty or benefits entitlement concerns and can be contacted at fraser@frasermacpherson.org.uk or just call me at home on 459378 - always here to help.

Tuesday 2 March 2021

Latest news from Friends of Wighton!


From Sheena Wellington :

We have a very special online Lunchtime Recital starting at 1.15pm on Wednesday 3rd March.

Medieval Harp virtuoso Simon Chadwick needs no introduction to the Wighton audience! As Musician in Residence, harp tutor and hard working secretary he was a mainstay of Friends of Wighton for many years.

Since he moved to Armagh in 2018 though we have kept in touch he has been sorely missed so it is a particular delight to welcome him on the 3rd.

A Chadwick recital is always a treat and an adventure. During the last year's lockdowns, Simon has been working on old Irish harp tunes from the Bunting collection, finding unusual tunes, and unusual versions of better known tunes. He will play some of them for you on Wednesday including some with interesting connections to versions in the Wighton collection.
The Zoom link is below, the Recital is free but donations can be made on our webpage www.friendsofwighton.com

Sheena Wellington is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Wighton Lunchtime Recital
Time: Mar 3, 2021 01:00 PM Greenwich Mean Time

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 871 7136 4577
Passcode: 513416

Monday 1 March 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 1 MARCH 2021

Blackness Road (at Rosefield Street) – off-peak temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 2 March for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Road Works

West Marketgait (at West Port roundabout) – off-peak northbound nearside lane closure from Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 March for SSEN work.