Al-Maktoum College Virtual Open Day

From Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education :

Zoom into a world of exciting career opportunities and new horizons at the Al-Maktoum College Virtual Open Day on Wednesday 2nd June from 4pm to 6pm.

You’ll have the opportunity to chat with current students about what to expect in studying at Alm College.

Our admissions team and academic teaching staff will also be on hand to answer any questions throughout the event.

You can sign up here.

Friends of Wighton - latest update

The next Friends of Wighton Lunchtime Recital is on Wednesday 2nd June - 1.15pm - 1.45pm

Friends of Wighton stalwart Sheena Wellington will be the guest in the Lunchtime Recital. 

The well-known local singer needs little introduction but promises to bring along some ballads, some stories and perhaps, some fun!

Sheena Wellington is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Lunchtime Recital

Time: Jun 2, 2021 01:00 PM Greenwich Mean Time

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83719821692?pwd=TENDTzV0QXJXelliUnQ0M0NVY1g3UT09

Meeting ID: 837 1982 1692

Passcode: 548311

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 29 AND SUNDAY 30 MAY 2021

Wright Avenue – overnight (7.00pm to 7.30am) temporary traffic lights on Saturday 29 May for telecoms mast replacement.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 31 MAY 2021

BT Cable Renewal Programme – rolling off peak temporary traffic lights at various locations for 2 weeks – streets affected in order are: Strathmore Avenue (at Hospital Street); Loons Road (at Gardner Street); Logie Street (at Ancrum Road); Glamis Road (at Ancrum Road); City Road (at Pentland Avenue); Charleston Drive (at Yarrow Terrace); Glamis Road (at Elmwood Road); Blackness Road (at Seymour Street) and Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane).

Perth Road (at Riverside Drive) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 17 May for 2 weeks for kerbing work.

City Road (Tullideph Place to Logie Street) – closed westbound on Sunday 6 June for BT work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Step Row – closed for its entire length for street lighting column replacement from Monday 7 June for 5 days.

Getting things done - Milnbank Road at the corner of Easson's Angle #dundeewestend

Following residents' concerns about road safety and the speed of a minority of vehicles in Milnbank Road at the corner of Easson's Angle , I raised this with the City Council's roads team.

The Senior Engineer – Traffic & Road Safety has now advised as follows :

"A speed survey was undertaken in the summer of 2015 on Milnbank Road just west of Easson's Angle. The average speed was recorded as 24mph with the majority of drivers travelling at or below the speed limit.

As this survey was over five years ago, I will arrange for another one to be undertaken. Please be aware that because of the two national lockdowns there is a significant backlog of surveys and with limited staff and resources I cannot give you a date for when this survey will be undertaken. 

Any records of speeding will be forwarded onto Police Scotland, who are responsible for enforcing the speed limits, to allow them to provide targeted enforcement as required. 

There have been no recorded injury accidents at this location over the last five years, 2016 to 2020.  However, I will arrange for a site survey to be undertaken to determine if any appropriate measures can be introduced."

Logie : Scotland’s First Council House Scheme - an online event #dundeewestend

The Friends of Dundee City Archives are doing an online talk via Zoom about the history of the Logie housing scheme on Thursday 3rd June at 1pm.

Sarah Aitken, Assistant Archivist at Dundee City Archives, will speak about Dundee's pioneering Council Housing Scheme at Logie - the first of its kind in Scotland.

Find out why the site at Logie was chosen, why Dundee was the first council to build homes and who were the first people to live in those homes.

You can book your attendance here.

Getting things done - Park Place #dundeewestend

I have recently had numerous concerns from residents about the state of the bins in Park Place, near to the junction with the West Port.

These are not all council bins for residents' use but there are also commercial bins there for business use.

The City Council's Enforcement Officer in Community Safety and Protection has been very proactive and helpful in response to my raising this and her latest update is as follows :

"Having visited the location over the past few weeks to monitor the situation, I would advise that domestic waste was being left at the trade bins.   In line with restrictions at this time, these businesses were closed and waste uplifts suspended.

I requested operations attend to remove the excess waste and clear the litter/debris from the over-full bins.

I also spoke to the businesses about securing their bins to prevent this happening again.

Following contact from one of the businesses, I contacted NWH who have removed a bin that was still on a suspended contract due to the business not trading and when I visited (most recently) the bins were orderly and there was no excess waste. 

I will continue to monitor the area and take appropriate action."

Bus service X54 – an update #dundeewestend

Residents have been in touch with me about the decision by Stagecoach to currently suspend bus service X54 as far as its route west of the City Centre goes. This is concerning as it removes the service from the most westerly part of the Perth Road.

I took this up with the City Council’s Team Leader, Parking & Sustainable Transport who has now advised me as follows :

“I have spoken to the commercial manager at Stagecoach East Scotland who has confirmed the 'temporary' suspension of X54 between the city centre and Ninewells.

The longer term future of this express service will depend on passenger numbers returning to something like pre-pandemic levels. If this does not happen, it is possible that Stagecoach will curtail the X54 service in the city centre and passengers travelling from Fife will be advised to change buses for onward connections to Ninewells.

If that scenario were to happen, the commercial manager has indicated it is possible that Stagecoach East Scotland may then consider diverting another bus service (e.g. Service 39) so that some journeys serve the most westerly section of the Perth Road.”

I have asked to be kept updated as the loss of the X54 service is of real concern in this part of the Perth Road given the dearth of bus services there.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 24 MAY 2021

BT Cable Renewal Programme – rolling off peak temporary traffic lights at various locations for 2 weeks – streets affected in order are: Strathmore Avenue (at Hospital Street); Loons Road (at Gardner Street); Logie Street (at Ancrum Road); Glamis Road (at Ancrum Road); City Road (at Pentland Avenue); Charleston Drive (at Yarrow Terrace); Glamis Road (at Elmwood Road); Blackness Road (at Seymour Street) and Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane).

Perth Road (at Riverside Drive) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 17 May for 2 weeks for kerbing work.

Glamis Drive (Glamis Road to Hazel Drive) – closed on Wednesday 26 May for Scottish Water work.

Wright Avenue – overnight (7.00pm to 7.30am) temporary traffic lights on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 May for telecoms mast replacement.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Step Row – closed for its entire length for street lighting column replacement from Monday 7 June for 5 days.

Getting things done - Perth Road #dundeewestend

Similarly to recent flooding at the bottom of Roseangle due to a blocked gully, a similar situation has recently existed on the Perth Road on its north side near to the bottom of Seymour Street.     See photo below.

I therefore asked the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership to take appropriate action with a gully machine to resolve the issue here too.

I have since received the following helpful feedback :

"An order has been raised for the gully machine to attend."

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

This notice comes into effect on Wednesday 26 May 2021 for one 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

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 May Blether on Zoom

Tuesday 25th May – 7pm to 9pm

This month's theme for those who want a theme is is Gardens but feel free to share any story, poem or song you would like to share.  We're very informal and not at all strict.   Limit 10 mins max please. 

There's no shortage of tales about what goes on in the gardens of Scotland. It is often the dwelling place for all sorts of odd creatures, as well as the setting for moments of romance, deception, and intrigue; and sometimes all those wrapped up together.

Join us at Blether this May to share a tale or just have a listen. We are a welcome and forgiving bunch so please feel at ease to share a tale.

Topic: Blether Tay-Gither Monthly Storytelling Club
Time: May 25, 2021 07:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83501190059

Meeting ID: 835 0119 0059 

Hope to see you there!

Getting things done - Clayhills Drive #dundeewestend

I have recently received residents' concerns about the need for repairs to the roads surface in Clayhills Drive - see photos below.

I therefore raised this with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership, requesting repairs and have been promised that an Order for pothole repairs to be carried out has now been raised.

Getting things done - Roseangle #dundeewestend

There has recently been significant flooding at the south end of Roseangle - see photo below.

I was therefore in touch with the Roads Maintenance Partnership to get this rather recurring issue resolved and was promised that a gully machine would be used to ensure the gullys are cleared and run free.

Getting things done - Riverside Drive #dundeewestend

In recent weeks, I have had repeated concerns from residents about the full bins and extent of litter on Riverside Drive, particularly the stretch from the Bridgeview Station restaurant in the west to the V&A in the east.

I raised this again with environment management at the City Council and have received the following helpful response :

"As you know this area has saw a dramatic increase in footfall over the last year, particularly during periods of lock down. At the weekend the bins and litter picking would traditionally be on a route which covers quite a number of areas in the west end of the city and it was often the afternoon when it arrived at Riverside.

To try and alleviate the litter issues that are now occurring, over the last few weekends we have deployed an additional member of staff, who starts at the V&A/Slessor Gardens and works out to Riverside and Magdelen Green. This is an additional resource and not a replacement of the existing service. Depending on when the picture was taken it my have been that they had not arrived at Bridgeview, the lighter evenings mean that people are staying out later, creating additional work for us in the morning.

There are also 2 additional litter bins to be installed at Bridgeview, which is where most of the complaints occur.

We will continue to monitor the situation to see if there are any further improvements we can make."

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 17 MAY 2021

BT Cable Renewal Programme – rolling off‑peak temporary traffic lights at various location from Monday 26 April for 2 weeks – streets affected in order are: Strathmore Avenue (at Hospital Street); Loons Road (at Gardner Street); Logie Street (at Ancrum Road); Glamis Road (at Ancrum Road); City Road (at Pentland Avenue); Charleston Drive (at Yarrow Terrace); Glamis Road (at Elmwood Road); Blackness Road (at Seymour Street) and Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane).

Perth Road (at Riverside Drive) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 17 May for 2 weeks for kerbing work.

Forthcoming Road Works

Glamis Drive (Glamis Road to Hazel Drive) – closed on Wednesday 26 May for Scottish Water work.

Step Row – closed for its entire length for street lighting column replacement from Monday 7 June for 5 days.

The Nature of Empire – Decolonising the D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum

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

The Nature of Empire – Decolonising the D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum - being presented on Wednesday 26th May from 6pm to 7.15pm

Like many natural history museums, D’Arcy Thompson’s zoology collection was largely acquired during the colonial era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Many of the museum’s specimens come from colonies and dominions of the British Empire as well as the colonies of other European countries.

Often, these animals were killed by trophy hunters or by the agents of professional natural history dealers who exploited other countries in order to collect animals for profit.

Some of the specimens in the museum are from species that are now extinct or endangered because of colonial activity, and the scientific research that such specimens were collected for often reinforced racist or colonial beliefs.

This live online event explores some of the previously hidden stories of the museum’s connections to empire, slavery and racism, as part of an on-going project to decolonise the collections. We are also delighted to welcome guest speakers to provide further context to the project.

Speakers –

Matthew Jarron, Curator of Museum Services at the University of Dundee

Philomène Dubrun, MPhil student in Museum & Gallery Studies at the University of St Andrews

Sheila Asante, Project Manager for Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums at Museums Galleries Scotland

Rebecca Machin, Natural Sciences Curator at Leeds Museums & Galleries and a PhD student at the University of Leeds

The event is free and places can be booked here.

Getting things done - Blackness Avenue #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted to me recently that the road markings from the top of Blackness Avenue, from the junction with Blackness Road, south to just around the bend in the road by Hillcrest Road, are very worn.

There is a ‘hatchet” section in the middle of the road that has almost completely disappeared.

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

"An order has been raised for these road markings to be refreshed as soon as is feasible."

Getting things done - Riverside Drive #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted with me the fact that the railings at the walkway and steps over the rail line at Riverside Drive, just south of Newhall Gardens/the Botanic Garden, are badly in need of repainting.

I have raised this with the City Council asking that necessary liaison takes place with Network Rail to get this attended to.

Getting things done - West Park Road #dundeewestend

During the significant snowfall in early February, as part of the snow clearance effort on West Park Road, a JCB was used to remove much of the build up of snow.

Regrettably, as residents have since pointed out to me, the JCB caused some damage to the road surface.

The damaged part of West Park Road is mainly at the junction of Westpark Gardens and Norwood Terrace.

I have since raised this with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and it has been agreed that a site inspection will take place to check the extent of damage and then get repairs undertaken.

Better pothole repairs! #dundeewestend

Dundee City Council currently has on loan a demonstration model of a new pothole repair system “JCB Road Mender” and yesterday, along with some council colleagues I attended a demo of the system in action, repairing potholes in Newhall Gardens.

I was very impressed with both the speed and quality of repair – the quality can be seen in the second photo below.    

There’s obviously a significant cost in purchasing new plant like this but the quality of repair is very good indeed and certainly worthy of consideration within the council’s capital programme.

Getting things done - Victoria Park - an update #dundeewestend

 

Residents may recall that recently I advised that 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 had taken this issue up with the City Council's environment management and a senior service manager agreed to take this matter up.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 10 MAY 2021

BT Cable Renewal Programme – rolling off peak temporary traffic lights at various location from Monday 26 April for 2 weeks – streets affected in order are:  Strathmore Avenue (at Hospital Street); Loons Road (at Gardner Street); Logie Street (at Ancrum Road); Glamis Road (at Ancrum Road); City Road (at Pentland Avenue); Charleston Drive (at Yarrow Terrace); Glamis Road (at Elmwood Road); Blackness Road (at Seymour Street) and Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane).

Ninewells Avenue (Perth Road to Ninewells Drive) – closed northbound from Monday 10 May for 5 days for new cycle lane and surfacing work.

Forthcoming Road Works

Glamis Drive (Glamis Road to Hazel Drive) – closed on Wednesday 26 May for Scottish Water work.

Temporary Traffic Order - Ninewells Avenue

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 new cycle lane and surfacing works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Ninewells Avenue (northbound between Perth Road and Ninewells Drive), Dundee

This notice comes into effect on Monday 10 May 2021 for 5 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes are available via Perth Road / Glamis Road / Ninewells Avenue.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Green Health Week 2021

The Dundee Green Health Week 2021 managed by Green Health Partnership Dundee runs from today until 16th May and details can be found here. 

There will be over 50 activities all designed to improve people's mental, physical and social wellbeing.

Green Health Week coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week.

Activities will be online but also in person.    All activities are free, booking is essential.

Today sees the launch a series of self-led activities to download as well as a variety of videos about the health benefits of being outdoors created by NHS staff, how to form new health habits by University of Dundee and Iowa State University staff; Biodiversity, Climate Change and Sustainability (by Dundee City Council staff), Joe - a boy from Lochee who gardens at Fruitbowls, and more!

There's something here for everyone 🙂

Getting things done - Brown Street #dundeewestend

Residents will be aware that the creation of the new bus lane at the West Port roundabout from West Marketgait into Hawkhill has resulted in a new road layout at the Brown Street junction (and no right turn into Brown Street from the West Marketgait direction).

As has been pointed out to me :

"This has removed the give way markings from the turning that comes off the Hawkhill when you on to Brown Street.   It has resulted in cars taking that corner which is partially blind due to the hedges at speed.

In the period since layout has been in place, I have seen a handful of cars having to swerve or stop/slow suddenly due to pedestrians crossing as they come out of the flats opposite Duke's Corner or cross the other way."

This is a very valid point and I raised it with the City Council.     

The Transportation Officer (Road Safety) in the Traffic & Road Safety Team has now helpfully updated me as follows :

"I have ordered a slow marking to be installed on the slip road, and a new road layout ahead temporary sign. 

These shall be installed as soon as Tayside Contracts can get them programmed.

I will also continue to monitor the location."

Vote Scottish Liberal Democrat today!

Willie Rennie and the Scottish Liberal Democrats have run a positive campaign in the Scottish Parliamentary election, putting recovery first.

Please support Daniel Coleman, Scottish Liberal Democrat, today for Dundee City West on the lilac coloured ballot paper and the Scottish Liberal Democrats on the peach coloured ballot paper for North East Scotland.

My many thanks!

Getting things done - Miller's Wynd car park #dundeewestend

I have over a period of time received concerns from residents about the poor performing floodlights in the Miller's Wynd car park that have not been functioning properly.

I have raised this with the Team Leader, Parking & Sustainable Transport, at the City Council, who has now updated me as follows :

"My colleague from the Street Lighting Partnership went out to the Miller's Wynd car park to assess the situation.

He reported that while there is power to the lighting column that holds the floodlights, it is difficult to access because of the trees and therefore almost impossible to replace the lanterns safely.

He has recommended an alternative lighting solution (new column, new floodlights, new location) which he thinks would be more effective in bringing the car park lighting up to the expected standard and allow for future maintenance.

I have asked for a cost for the work and funds allowing will propose that we implement the new plan over the summer."

Temporary Traffic Order - Perth Road

From the City Council :

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

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

This notice comes into effect on Wednesday 5 May 2021 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Glamis Road / Blackness Road / Blackness Avenue.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 3 MAY 2021

Riverside Drive/Riverside Approach - give/take traffic control for one week for sign replacement works.

BT Cable Renewal Programme – rolling off peak temporary traffic lights at various location from Monday 26 April for 3 weeks – streets affected in order are: Strathmore Avenue (at Hospital Street); Loons Road (at Gardner Street); Logie Street (at Ancrum Road); Glamis Road (at Ancrum Road); City Road (at Pentland Avenue); Charleston Drive (at Yarrow Terrace); Glamis Road (at Elmwood Road); Blackness Road (at Seymour Street) and Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane).

Perth Road (Hyndford Street to Windsor Street) – closed on Wednesday 5 May for Scottish Water work.

Deaf Action befriending volunteering opportunity

 

Getting things done - Lochee Park - an update #dundeewestend

Residents recall my update in March giving the positive response I had received from the City Council's environment management team about installing further picnic tables at Lochee Park.

I was advised at the time that delivery was to be taking place soon so, last week, I sought an update on installation.

The Project Officer in the council's Neighbourhood Services team has now updated me as follows :

"I met with a colleague last week and agreed the positions for two picnic benches.

I have since instructed our chargehand to install concrete bases for the benches. We have the benches in stock at Caird Park.

Once installed, hopefully next week, the concrete will require at least a week to cure before drilling and bolting down the benches.

Therefore approx 2 to 3 weeks for the bench fitting."