Friends of Balgay event on Saturday! #dundeewestend

The Friends of Balgay are hosting a talk at Blackness Library this Saturday - 12th October - about planting for bees and butterflies: an insight into the selection of pollinator-friendly plants for every garden.

It starts at 10am - all welcome!

Environmental improvements at Balgay Hill and Victoria Park #dundeewestend

At council committee on Monday night, Michael welcomed proposals for some improvements at Greater Balgay.

These include installation of new fence to the north of Rose Garden, installation of bollards at Balgay Hill and repair to wall north of Balgay Cemetery.

We continue to raise residents' issues about maintenance at Greater Balgay and recently reported damage to part of the boundary fence between the cemetery and Royal Victoria Hospital immediately north of Elliot Road.

A Balgay festive scene! #dundeewestend

 

With thanks to Neil Kerr for the use of his fabulous image!

Balgay Hill upkeep update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that, a few weeks ago, Fraser had a site visit around Greater Balgay with two senior environment managers from the City Council and the Chair of West End Community Council to look at issues needing attended to.

We have since also had further concerns about the planet trail where much of the greenery needed trimmed back (see photos) and we have received an assurance this will be attended to.

We have also received concerns about the overgrowth from Balgay Hill northwards towards Ancrum Drive and we also raised this with the council.

The Greenspace Team Leader (Environment) at Dundee City Council has since advised us :

"As you will be aware the ownership of the area identified is split - some is not in the Council’s ownership. However the area where the fencing / tree planting works have been carried out, does belong to Dundee City Council.

The access on this part of Balgay Hill is not part of the formal path infrastructure and as such has not been maintained by us. The weather conditions recently with warm temperatures and frequent rain showers has encouraged lush growth of the grasses and other plants resulting in overhanging vegetation.

In the communication sent to residents before the tree planting works commenced, it was intimated that council officers would investigate the formalisation of some of the informal paths. This very much depends on the identification of additional resources for both path creation and management."

We have made it clear that better management and path creation should indeed be carried out and will continue to pursue this with the council.

Nature Restoration Fund - woodland planting at Balgay and Riverside Nature Park #dundeewestend

As part of its drive to implement the Dundee Climate Action Plan and Biodiversity Action Plan, the council has been awarded significant funding from the Nature Restoration Fund to develop its woodland resource. The proposals will increase the resilience of the city to withstand the effects climate change, act as a carbon store and provide spaces for biodiversity and local people.

In addition to the direct grant from the Scottish Government, the council has been awarded a further £182 000 from the Nature Restoration Fund. The funding proposal, which was agreed last night by the council's Neighbourhood Services Committee, is to create 12 hectares of new native woodland across 3 sites in the city.

These sites include areas at Riverside Nature Park and Balgay Hill. These new areas of planting will enable Dundee City Council to expand existing woodland areas, improving climate resilience, creating new habitat for wildlife and a future resource for local people.

Officers have communicated the grant success with the local ‘Friends of’ groups, who are supportive, and local community officers are aware of the proposals.

It will also write to the residents of properties which border the area of Balgay. This letter will include a map of the areas to be planted, explain the council’s intentions to increase the woodland resource in the city and the benefits that this will bring, and advises that there will be opportunities for local people to get involved in the planting.

The letter explains the planting process and that temporary protective fencing will be erected. It also highlights that any potential impact on residents have been considered, with planting being situated away from houses, using smaller shrub species at the edges of planting and maintaining informal access paths where possible. No letters will be sent in relation to Riverside Nature Park proposals as there are obviously no immediately adjacent residential properties.

Getting things done - Greater Balgay #dundeewestend

Residents recently highlighted to us that this large branch that broke off a tree at Balgay Hill during Storm Arwen. It was on the south side of the path near the observatory.

We raised this with environment management at the City Council and this has now been attended to.

At the council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee recently, Michael welcomed news that the council has secured £54 000 funding from “Woodlands in and about town” awards. This will allow for further forestry works, paths improvements and signage at Balgay.

Getting things done - Balgay Park #dundeewestend

Residents contacted us about the damage to the entrance pillar to Balgay Park and Hill at the Glamis Road side of the park. This was caused by a vehicle some weeks ago.

We asked our local environment manager for an update on progress with repairs and have received this helpful response :

"I can confirm that we are aware of damage that has occurred at the entrance of Balgay Cemetery Glamis Road, and this damage has been assessed by the Area Officer.

The Area Officer is currently making arrangements with department colleagues to remove the damage in the short term with a view to arranging a full repair of the pillar."

Road safety at Balgay Hill - an update #dundeewestend

As residents may recall, some time ago, I discussed with officers in environment management at the City Council measures to improve safety on the roadway at Balgay Hill going up to the observatory. This included better signage of the 10 mph speed limit and better traffic management to protect pedestrians.

Progress with this has been delayed due to the COVID-19 health emergency but I recently asked for an update on the matter and have been given the following helpful feedback from the Service Manager - Environment at the City Council :

"I appreciate your understanding throughout the covid 19 emergency and would confirm that we remain outwith our normal service provision due to ongoing measures. Nevertheless, we have made some progress since we last exchanged emails. Our discussions with the City Engineers have led to a costed design for traffic calming measures in the form of speed bumps and additional signage along the road.

It is our intention to progress the above works this financial year.

In the meantime, we will be arranging for the road to be swept again, to reveal the white paint is fully visible before the observatory is opened and traffic is permitted passed the gate.

We will also ensure the rock armour placement is correct which can be moved if necessary."

Getting things done - Balgay Hill #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted to me that, following several trees being felled up Balgay Hill in recent months, the safety barriers have been left behind.

I have therefore raised this with the environment management team at the City Council who have advised as follows :

"The fencing was put in place as a safety measure because of the damage to the footpaths by the windblown Corsican Pine trees. As the trees were blown parts of the path had lifted causing a safety issue and the fences were put in place to prevent direct access.

I can only assume the fence had fallen or had been pushed over.

I am led to believe that heavy plant machinery will be on site this week to rectify the footpath. In the short term I will request that staff reposition the fence."

Getting things done - Balgay Hill #dundeewestend

In the past few months, many residents have expressed concern to me about unofficial bike trails that have been created on Balgay Hill.

Leaving aside their unauthorised nature and damage to the hill, the other concern is the health and safety of mountain bikers using these.

I have raised this with the council's environment team who are tackling the issue and have recently placed some sensible signage about these and suggesting better and safer places where mountain bike skills can be practiced.

Beautiful view from Balgay Hill #dundeewestend

A fantastic view from Balgay Hill, with grateful thanks to George!

Balgay Hill road safety - an update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that I recently had a meeting with a senior member of environment management at the City Council and with two Balgay Park regular users about safety concerns about the speed of some vehicles using the road up to the observatory.

I have now received feedback on actions council management has taken thus far following this meeting :

"Cleaning and signage,

The roads have been mechanically swept and the speed limit is clear to see from road markings and vertical signage. However to compliment this I still intend to add new signage at the entrance providing awareness and educational message. 

Following discussion with Leisure and Culture Dundee (LACD),  I also confirm that we plan to work together to improve directional signage leading to the observatory.

Barrier security, 

Due to operational requirements LACD employees open the barriers when they arrive for duty which is in advance of the public opening times as they have other duties to fulfil in the observatory, unfortunately it is not practical for members of staff to open and secure/close barrier as they come in and then have to come back to re open the barrier for the public opening times. Following discussion with my colleague at LACD I am in agreement that this most practical option available and I am happy to confirm most recent opening timings once received.

Speed bumps, 

Our officers have met with City Development engineers to gain advise on the type, placement and costs for the potential installation of speed bumps and await a response.  

Blocked areas, 

Upon inspection 2 locations which should have rock armour in place and had been moved for operation work requirements, these shall be replaced to ensure the area is blocked off to vehicles.  

Speeding/driver behaviour,

Information received regarding the vehicle speeding etc was passed to our LACD colleagues and understand this has been addressed.

I hope you find this information helpful and will come back to you once I have more information relating to the speed bumps."

I have fed back some very useful feedback from park users to this response and welcome further feedback.   It is important that the safety issues are comprehensively tackled.

Getting things done - Greater Balgay #dundeewestend

I have had numerous concerns recently about the frequency of grass cutting and maintenance in Balgay Park, Victoria Park and Lochee Park and also the need to attend to overgrown bushes at the Victoria Park boundary with Jedburgh Road.

I took this up with the council's Service Manager - Environment and he has now responded as follows :

"I can confirm that the grass at Victoria Park has now been cut. 

In terms of Lochee Park, to ensure the pitches are kept in a suitable standard for football we always endeavour to cut these weekly, the remainder of the park is cut on a fortnightly basis hence the grass is a bit longer in the non football areas cut rather than being of excessive length.

The hedge in Jedburgh Road is cut annually and is scheduled to commence at the start of next month."

Friends of Balgay Spring meeting #dundeewestend

The next Friends of Balgay meeting will be at 2pm on Saturday 27th April at the Mills Observatory.

Keith Walker, local artist and archivist, will give a  talk on “Old Balgay – 1600 to 1800” - and all are very welcome to attend.

Friends of Balgay AGM and autumn meeting #dundeewestend

The Friends of Balgay AGM and autumn meeting will take place on Saturday 8th September at 2pm at the Mills Observatory.

In addition to the AGM, there will be an illustrated talk by staff from the Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre - all welcome!

Friends of Balgay Spring litter pick #dundeewestend

The Friends of Balgay Spring 2018 litter pick takes place on Sunday 27th May.

If you can lend a hand, please meet at the Balgay Bridge at 2pm - many thanks.

Friends of Balgay Spring meeting

The next Friends of Balgay meeting will be at 2pm on Saturday 28th April at the Mills Observatory.

Author and historian Murdo Fraser will give a talk on 'Montrose and Argyll' - his recent book - and all are very welcome to attend.

Friends of Balgay - Litter Pick #dundeewestend

The Friends of Balgay are holding a litter pick today, Sunday 29th October.

Please come along and help remove any litter from Balgay Park - meet this afternoon at 2pm at the Balgay Bridge - all welcome!

Friends of Balgay Autumn meeting #dundeewestend

The Friends of Balgay Autumn meeting takes place this coming Saturday (30th September) at 2pm at the Mills Observatory.

In addition to the AGM, Jean Oudney (pictured right) of the Tayside Bat Group will give a talk about "Batty Tayside" - all welcome!

Friends of Balgay Spring Litter

The Friends of Balgay Spring Litter pick at Balgay takes place at 2pm on Saturday 29th April.

All welcome to help tidy the park!

Equipment provided - meet at Balgay Bridge.