Tuesday 31 August 2021

Lunchtime Recital from Friends of Wighton


Lunchtime Recital  - tomorrow - Wednesday 1st September.

From Sheena Wellington :

And to kick off the new season we have ...

Choras, harmony singing trio

Choras are Aileen Carr, Barbara Dymock, and Janice Reavell. 

Each is a much loved and respected traditional singer in her own right and together they excel. 

A concert with this acappella trio with their superb harmonies, eclectic selection of songs and sense of fun is not to be missed! 

Barbara Dymock is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Choras

Time: Sep 1, 2021 01:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84086842145?pwd=QU9rRFJlWS9xOElrZmpTSkpDNzdSdz09

Meeting ID: 840 8684 2145

Passcode: 280639

Monday 30 August 2021

Temporary Traffic Order - Annfield 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 mains repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Annfield Row (from its junction with Annfield Road for a distance of 35 metres), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Tuesday 31 August 2021 for 5 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Annfield Road / Annfield Street / Peddie Street.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Sunday 29 August 2021

Getting things done - Corso Street #dundeewestend


I recently received complaints from residents about potholes in parts of Corso Street's road surface.

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

"The Road Inspector has raised a works order for pothole repairs in this street."

Saturday 28 August 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 28 AND SUNDAY 29 AUGUST 2021

Riverside Drive Taxi Rank – closed overnight (10.00pm - 7.00am) on Saturday 28 August for work at the Railway Station.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 30 AUGUST 2021

Annfield Row (at Annfield Street) – closed from Tuesday 31 August for 5 working days for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Riverside Drive (opposite Tesco) – mini contraflow on Sunday 5 September for Scottish Water manhole repair.

Lochee Road (at Tullideph Road) – temporary traffic lights from Friday 10 to Thursday 16 September for Scottish Water work.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Friday 27 August 2021

Victoria Gardens - family picnic day #dundeewestend

The Victoria Gardens community garden is having a family picnic day tomorrow -  Saturday 28th August - 12 noon to 4pm - all welcome :

Thursday 26 August 2021

Getting things done - Riverside recycling centre #dundeewestend


Residents will be aware that, at the re-opening of the Riverside recycling centre last year, after the first lockdown, service provision was reduced and did not include paper/cardboard recycling.   This was due to social distancing and queuing necessity at the time.

I have been pressing for full recycling services to recommence and have now had this helpful update from the City Council's Waste Services Manager :

"Following the announcement last week we are reviewing the implications and what control measures are now required in line with industry and government guidance.  

We are also speaking with colleagues in neighbouring authorities.  

We are certainly hoping in the coming few weeks that we can re-instate all services to both recycling centres."

I have asked to be kept updated and will advise residents when I hear further about this.

Wednesday 25 August 2021

29 000 Reasons


Dundee Youth Work Network is launching a new campaign - 29 000 Reasons - this Saturday which is really worthy of support! 

The network was formed during the first lockdown to support mutual support and collaboration between youth work agencies in Dundee.  

It now has more than a dozen member organisations who are working together on community fundraising from Saturday 28th August to 11th September to support youth work across the city.

You can find out more details at its campaign page at :

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/29000ReasonsDundee

There are 29 000 young people living in Dundee and facing the many challenges of the pandemic and of ordinary life. 

Dundee Youth Work Network members work citywide offering support around emotional and mental health, employability support, housing support, sexual health, LGBT+, support for ADHD, sports coaching, dancing, gaming and anything else young people need.    

With help from friends around the city it is doing lots of different actions around the number 29 or 29 000 and asking people to support this excellent initiative!

Tuesday 24 August 2021

Unadopted pavements in the West End #dundeewestend


Some time ago, the council's administration group proposed changing the criteria for the adoption of unadopted pavements to widen it to include other unadopted assets that wouls allow some areas that had previously not met the criteria for adoption to be considered in the future, such as cul de sacs and some remote footpaths.

My colleague Councillor Duncan from Broughty Ferry and I had no issue with the change in principle but felt it should be altered only after the current unadopted list had been honoured - indicative dates had been given in relation to streets on the "old" list up to this financial year 2021-22 - and were in the public domain.   

Changing the criteria would potentially mean that indicative dates would not be honoured, but the council administration was not for listening and the change went ahead before the old unadopted footways list had been completed.

There were six outstanding schemes in the West End on the "old" list and I recently asked the Senior Engineer in the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership what the position with them is :

"I have had a look at the list and interpolated the positions of the schemes you asked about.

At current budget levels we do roughly 15 schemes a year

I have put the place in the list beside the address : 

1. Elliot Road At Tennis Courts, East Footway - Footpaths on Elliot Road all adopted

2. Rockfield Crescent - This financial year

3. Roxburgh Terrace  South Footway - Place 235 in list - roughly 2036-37

4. Millhall Crescent remote path to No 3,5,7,9 &11 - Place 279 in list roughly 2039-40

5. Dunmore Gardens - This financial year

6. Norwood Terrace - This financial year"

On the "old" criteria, Roxburgh Terrace south footway would have been upgraded and adopted last year so will now be done 16 years late.     Millhall Crescent's path covering numbers 3 to 11 would have been improved this financial year and is now scheduled to be done 18 years late.

In the West End, this affects only two pavements but the issue will exist in other wards and could have been avoided by changing the criteria for adoption from 2022-23.

Monday 23 August 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 23 AUGUST 2021

Larch Street – closed from Wednesday 18 August for 6 days for road resurfacing.

Riverside Drive Taxi Rank – closed overnight (10.00pm - 7.00am) on Saturday 28 August for work at the Railway Station.

Brook Street between Brewery Lane and Brook Close - 2 way temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 24 August for 3 days

Forthcoming Roadworks

Annfield Row (at Annfield Street) – closed from Tuesday 31 August for 5 working days for Scottish Water work.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Sunday 22 August 2021

Getting things done - Riverside Avenue/Drive - an update #dundeewestend


Residents will recall that I recently highlighted that the foliage on the roundabout at Riverside Avenue/Drive near the Riverside Inn was so overgrown, a pedestrian trying to cross could not see on-coming traffic.

I asked the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership to attend to this. This has now been carried out - and it looks a lot better.

Saturday 21 August 2021

Footbridge over rail line south of Harris Academy #dundeewestend


Residents have queried with me why the footbridge over the rail line south of Harris Academy has recently been closed.

I took this up with the City Council and the Team Leader, Bridges and Structures has advised :

"One of the steps on the north side has been very recently damaged and presents a significant safety issue to users. 

The bridge closure was done urgently so we didn't have a chance to provide advance notice unfortunately.

We have a hardwood replacement ordered but don't have a precise timescale for its renewal due to material shortages, hopefully should be a matter of days."

Friday 20 August 2021

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 crane lifting works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Perth Road (between Roseangle and McVicars Lane), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Sunday 22 August between the hours of 00:15 and 05:30.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Roseangle / Magdalen Yard Road / Windsor Street / Perth Road.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development
Dundee City Council

Thursday 19 August 2021

Getting things done - Ryehill Lane - an update #dundeewestend


As residents will recall, I recently highlighted the poor state of the seating area at the corner of Ryehill Lane and Perth Road.

This is owned by JCDecaux the billboard advertising company and I contacted them about this and was promised a tidy up.

I am pleased to say this has now taken place and the area looks a lot tidier.

As I previously I will continue to pursue a permanent improvement to what could be a lovely seating area, but at least this is some progress.

Wednesday 18 August 2021

Getting things done - Pentland #dundeewestend


Residents have highlighted to me that the path from Saggar Street running along Pentland Crescent towards Pentland Avenue has the foliage from a rather overgrown tree causing an obstruction - see photo above.

I have raised this with our local environment manager asking that the tree is trimmed back.

Tuesday 17 August 2021

Scotland's Garden Scheme - this coming weekend! #dundeewestend

This forthcoming weekend again sees Frances and John Dent in Glamis Drive open their lovely garden to residents as part of Scotland's Gardens Scheme.

Not only is a visit to the garden a pleasure - it also helps raise funds for Dundee Maggie's Centre at Ninewells.

You can get full details below :


Monday 16 August 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 16 AUGUST 2021

Riverside Approach –overnight (midnight to 6.00am) temporary traffic lights for one week for bridge parapet works.

Larch Street – closed from Wednesday 18 August for 6 days for road resurfacing.

Brown Street (at Hawkhill) – closed on Monday 16 August for road marking works.

Riverside Drive Taxi Rank – closed overnight (10.00pm - 7.00am) Saturday 21 and Saturday 28 August for work at Railway Station.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Annfield Row (at Annfield Street) – closed from Tuesday 31 August for 5 working days for Scottish Water work.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Sunday 15 August 2021

HMS Pinafore at the University of Dundee Botanic Garden #dundeewestend


University of Dundee Botanic Garden

Saturday 21st August at 6.30pm

Set on board the warship HMS Pinafore, the opera cheerfully mocks such Great British institutions as Class, Patriotism and the Royal Navy.

A great event at the Botanic Garden!    

Full details here.

Saturday 14 August 2021

Temporary Traffic Order - Larch Street

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 carriageway resurfacing works.  The Order is expected to be in force for 6 days from 18 August 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 Larch Street for its entire length.

An alternative route will be available via Urquhart Street, Brook Street, Edward Street and in reverse.

For further information, please contact the Network Management Team, City Development Department, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS or call 433168.

Friday 13 August 2021

Getting things done - Perth Road #dundeewestend


I have had numerous (and I mean numerous!) concerns raised by residents about the proposed road layout on Perth Road at Invergowrie Drive and near Glamis Road to accommodate the merger of cyclists and vehicles from the sections of new cycle lane.

The provision of traffic islands I (and many residents) felt was not a good idea at all as it was resulting in vehicles going onto the opposite side of the road and I questioned this with the project manager, passing onto him many residents' concerns.

As a result I was advised that a review meeting was taking place yesterday and I have now been advised :

"Following a review of the works on the Perth Road and considering the concerns expressed by members of the public, I have ordered the removal of the islands. An alternative design to safely merge cyclists and vehicular traffic has been agreed and will be implemented as soon as possible.

The islands and give way markings should be removed by the end of the week."

There have been other issues raised by residents such as lining at driveways and inappropriately placed cycle lane markers at a pedestrian crossing and I am also assured these will be sorted.

Thursday 12 August 2021

Temporary Traffic Order - Brown Street


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 road marking works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the entry to Brown Street at its junction with Hawkhill, Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 16th August for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available West Port roundabout / Session Street / Guthrie Street / Brown Street.

For further information contact 433168.

Executive Director
City Development Department
Dundee City Council

Wednesday 11 August 2021

Getting things done - Briarwood Terrace #dundeewestend


Residents recently contacted me regarding some less than satisfactory pothole repairs in the badly deteriorated road in Briarwood Terrace.

I contacted the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership about this and was advised :

"The pothole repairs are very difficult on such a poor surface and they are as good as we can do with the road in its current state."

However, the very good news is that this poor conditioned roadway will be completely resurfaced this financial year, likely to take place in November.

Tuesday 10 August 2021

Libraries update #dundeewestend

Libraries across the city will have extended opening hours from Monday.

Details for Blackness Library are below :

Monday 9 August 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 9 AUGUST 2021

Riverside Approach –overnight (midnight to 6.00am) temporary traffic lights from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 August for bridge parapet works.

Abbotsford Place – closed for 5 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Larch Street – closed from 16 August for 6 days for road resurfacing.

Brown Street (at Hawkhill) – closed on Monday 16 August for road marking works.

Riverside Drive Taxi Rank – closed overnight (10.00pm - 7.00am) Saturday 21 and Saturday 28 August for work at Railway Station.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Sunday 8 August 2021

Getting things done - Roseangle/Magdalen Green area #dundeewestend


Residents have mentioned to me that it would be a boon to have some outdoor gym equipment in the Roseangle/Magdalen Green area, as is already in situ elsewhere in the city - eg Camperdown and Stobsmuir parks.

I took this up with the Service Manager - Environment at the City Council who positively advised me as follows :

" ...  whilst we have no plans to instal gym equipment at this time, I am happy to include this for future consideration within capital development plans."



Saturday 7 August 2021

Temporary Traffic Order - Abbotsford Place


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 carriageway resurfacing works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Abbotsford Place (Blackness Avenue to Peddie Street), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 9th August 2021 for five working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available Blackness Avenue / Hawkhill / Peddie Street and in reverse.

For further information contact 433168.

Executive Director
City Development Department
Dundee City Council

Friday 6 August 2021

Getting things done - Riverside Avenue/Drive #dundeewestend


A resident recently highlighted to me that the foliage on the roundabout at Riverside Avenue/Drive near the Riverside Inn  is so overgrown, a pedestrian trying to cross cannot see on-coming traffic.

I have therefore asked the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership to attend to this ASAP and have been promised this will take place this weekend.

Thursday 5 August 2021

Getting things done - Logie Avenue #dundeewestend


Residents have highlighted overgrown foliage from council-maintained ground on Logie Avenue that is protruding right across the pavement.

I have raised this with the City Council to get this cut back.

Wednesday 4 August 2021

Getting things done - Union Place #dundeewestend



Many thanks to the residents who recently highlighted the poor state of repair of the road at the south end of Union Place.

I have highlighted this to the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership requesting repairs.

Tuesday 3 August 2021

Getting things done - Westgate Health Centre #dundeewestend


Many West End residents use the Westgate Health Centre for their GP services.

I have received requests that the practice has a handrail added outside the entrance to assist patients with mobility difficulties parking in the disabled parking bays to get from there to the GP entrance.

I raised this with NHS Tayside and its Medical Director has helpfully responded as follows :

"NHS Tayside is committed to ensuring our sites are accessible for patients and I can confirm that improvements to ramp access have been made and automatic doors have been installed at the health centre in recent years.

The issue regarding the lack of handrails has been passed to our Property Team and I can advise that a handrail will be designed and fitted as soon as possible.   This is being done in consultation with the Westgate Practice Manager.   

We will also undertake an assessment of the roadways and footpaths as required to ensure the continued safety of patients."

Monday 2 August 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 2 AUGUST 2021

Lochee Road at its junction with Dudhope Terrace – prohibition of some entry and exit manoeuvres for 3 days (commenced Saturday 31 July- to complete today – 2nd August) for City Fibre works.

City Fibre H3G Project – temporary traffic lights on Brook Street between Brewery Lane and Brook Court for 3 days starting 2 August 2021.

Blinshall Street (Lochee Road to Guthrie Street) – temporary traffic control from Monday 5 July for 4 weeks for Street Lighting work.

Lochee Road (at Blinshall Street) – off‑peak temporary traffic lights until Tuesday 3 August for new telecoms apparatus.

Riverside Approach –overnight temporary traffic lights from 3-6 August for bridge parapet works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Abbotsford Place – closed from Monday 9 August for 5 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Larch Street – closed from 16 August for 6 days for road resurfacing.

Blackness Avenue – closed from 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Sunday 1 August 2021

Getting things done - Perth Road to Riverside Avenue - overgrown path #dundeewestend


Residents have raised with me the fact that the path from Riverside Avenue to Perth Road just west of River Crescent is badly overgrown. 

I have asked environment management at the City Council to get it cut back and tidied.