Getting things done - Dunmore Drive and Dunmore Gardens - an update #dundeewestend

Michael is pictured in Dunmore Gardens where the road surface is really poor and we had long requested resurfacing.

This was agreed but resurfacing work in both Dunmore Drive and Dunmore Gardens had to be postponed from late 2022 as another resurfacing project over-ran due to flooding issues - so we sought assurances from the City Council that the work will take place in early 2023.

We were initially advised as follows from the Senior Engineer - Roads Maintenance Partnership :

“At present all being well, the works are currently programmed for the last week in February, first week in March.

The only sticking point is with the increases in the Bitumen prices there may be a possibility that the works may be postponed until after March. I am currently working out the likely outturns for the works on site now against the budget.

Once this has been completed I will let you know."

We are pleased to now advise that we were recently further updated as follows :

"Latest position is still the same, programmed for last week in February, first week in March. It looks like the budget will be there to complete the works."

Dundee Cancer Support Network

The cancer support café and drop in is every Thursday from 10am to 2pm at the Wellgate Listening Post.

Everyone is welcome.

Read more about the Dundee Cancer Support Network at www.cancerdundee.org

The Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee - a history

On Wednesday 8th February, Toma Pustelnikovaite will be speaking at the Abertay Historical Society's February meeting - "Connecting past, present and future: an exploration of how The Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee engages with its history."

It takes place in Lecture Theatre 2, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee at 6.30pm (refreshments available from 6pm).

It is free to members to attend.    Donations will be requested from non-members.

Read more about the talk at www.abertay.org.uk/event/connecting-past-present-and-future-an-exploration-of-how-the-nine-incorporated-trades-of-dundee-engages-with-its-history

The Nine Incorporated Trades' website is at www.ninetradesofdundee.co.uk 

Dundee’s Voice

The City Council is encouraging sign ups to a new digital participation platform that aims to seek the views of Dundonians across the city.

Dundee’s Voice is a tool for citizen engagement that the council hopes will become one of the main channels for open dialogue with Dundee residents and community involvement that will influence and shape what happens in Dundee.

The website uses an open-source software called CONSUL, developed by COSLA on behalf of Scotland's 32 local authorities and it allows citizens to vote, discuss and comment on projects in their local communities.

Dundee’s Voice leads on from previous the participatory budget exercise Dundee Decides which saw 11,000+ people vote over an eight-week period in 2018 on £1.2 million of funding for 30 projects across Dundee.

Everyone who lives in Dundee that is aged 11 or above is eligible to sign up. You can sign up today on Dundee’s Voice website at :

www.dundeesvoice.communitychoices.scot

There's also a video at :

www.facebook.com/officialdundeecity/videos/560181869473747

Friends of Balgay - promoting the park #dundeewestend

It was a pleasure for us both yesterday to visit the Friends of Balgay's informal meeting at the Blackness Library.

It was a great opportunity to find out about the Friends' plans for the coming year and chance to get to chat with the committee.

You can find out more about the Friends of Balgay's activities by contacting the committee at friendsofbalgay@hotmail.com

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 28 AND SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2023

Riverside Drive (Tesco roundabout to Barnetts Garage) – closed overnight (10.00pm to 6.00am) on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January for Network Rail bridge safety inspection.

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 30 JANUARY 2023

West Marketgait (Northbound) at Greenmarket (new BT development) – off‑peak (9.30am – 3.30pm) lane closure for 5 no water service connections until Friday 3 February.

Session Street – closed from Monday 30 January for 2 weeks for Scottish Water work.

Session Street/Hawkhill/Binshall Street/Guthrie Street - temporary traffic lights and lane closures for cladding inspection works at The Hub building from Sunday 29 January – Friday 2 February.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Riverside Esplanade – nearside westbound lane closure from 9.00am on Monday 6 February to 6.00am on Tuesday 7 February for Scottish Water manhole repair.

Blackness Road (at Annfield Road) – overnight (7.00pm to 6.00am) temporary traffic lights on Monday 13 February for Scottish Water investigation work.

Lochee Road (at Blinshall Street) – overnight (7.00pm to 6.00am) temporary traffic lights on Monday 13 February for Scottish Water investigation work.

Glamis Drive – road closure on Monday 13 February for CityFibre works.

Dunmore Drive/Gardens – closed on Thursday 23 February for 5 days for carriageway resurfacing.

Garden waste permits 2023

The City Council is asking residents to renew their garden waste permits for 2023 following the opening of the permit’s ordering system.

Householders are being urged to plan ahead to ensure they are signed up in advance of the first collections in March. The cost of a permit is £42.50 per bin and covers the 20 collections allocated to eligible households across this year. The Liberal Democrat group has always objected to the charge and in fact proposed it be cut - not increased - at the 2022 council revenue budget. Unfortunately, the other parties on the council voted that down.

Customers who opted in to the scheme in 2022 will receive invitations either by letter or email to re-apply for the 2023 collections. Reminders and updates also feature on 2023 collection calendars and on the Council’s social media channels.

Members of the public can still dispose of their garden waste free of charge at the city’s household waste recycling centres located at Riverside and Baldovie.

The garden waste collected is taken to the Riverside Composting facility to create the PAS 100 quality certified Discovery Compost, which is then made available for purchase by gardeners, community groups, and farmers.

Home composting bins can also be bought in many retail outlets and are available to purchase from Dundee City Council directly for £20 with free delivery.

Further information, frequently asked questions and the online application form can be found at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/neighbourhood-services/environment/garden-waste-charging

Power outages in Seafield Road/Seafield Lane #dundeewestend

We received concerns in the New Year from Seafield Lane residents about further power outages for households served by the electricity sub-station in Seafield Road.

We contacted SSE about this and have been updated as follows :

"Unfortunately we are aware of an ongoing fault on one of the underground cables at Seafield Lane in Dundee. Every time this has faulted, it has blown the fuses at the substation, we have been able to restore power by replacing the fuse.

To build expectations, this will continue to happen until we can identify the exact location of the cable fault. The Network Integrity team are aware of this fault and efforts are ongoing to identify the faulty section of the cable.

I appreciate that this is not the response you will be looking for but I would like to reassure members of the local community that we are aware of the ongoing fault and once we have identified the location, we will carry out the necessary repairs."

Temporary traffic order - Riverside 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 Network Rail bridge safety inspection works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Riverside Drive (between Tesco Roundabout and Barnetts garage), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Saturday 28 January 2023 for 2 nights (10pm to 6am).

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Riverside Drive / South Union Street / Nethergate / Perth Road / Riverside Avenue.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Promotional sign at Tay Square #dundeewestend

As residents may be aware, Shopmobility Dundee was a charity that provided the use of mobility scooters, power and manual wheelchairs for all ages in and around the city centre, and it sadly closed recently after years of providing an excellent service.

One member of the former Shopmobility team has pointed out that the promotional sign in Tay Square (pictured) near to The Rep still features the service.

We have therefore asked the City Council to have the signage updated and the Head of Planning & Economic Development has advised :

"You may be aware that several of the wayfinding signs in the city centre area have been vandalised and we are in the process of repairing these.

Where appropriate, the content of signs is being updated as part of this work.

Thankfully, the sign at Tay Square has not suffered from vandalism, although we recognise that the information regarding Shopmobility is out of date.

There are signs at City Square and the Bus Station that will also need to be updated for the same reason.

We will seek to progress this, subject to funding being found."

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 23 JANUARY 2023

Glamis Drive – closed eastbound in 2 phases for 2 weeks for Scotland Gas Networks work. Phase 1: Hazel Avenue to Glamis Road. Phase 2: Invergowrie Drive to Hazel Avenue.

Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane) – temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 10 January to Wednesday 25 January for bus shelter relocation.

West Marketgait (Northbound) at Greenmarket (new BT development) – off‑peak (9.30am – 3.30pm) lane closure for 5 no water service connections commencing 16 January for 2 weeks.

Riverside Drive (at Bridgeview Café) – temporary traffic lights on Monday 23 January (9.00am to 6.00am) for Scottish Water ironwork repair.

South Marketgait (at Railway Station) – off‑side westbound lane closure on Monday 23 January for Scottish Water ironwork repair.

Riverside Drive (at rail bridge) – series of overnight temporary traffic lights as follows: 1) Tuesday 24 January (00:01am to 7:00am): 2) Tuesday 24 January (10:00pm to 7:00am): and 3) Wednesday 25 January (10:00pm to 7:00am) for bridge cleaning works.

Riverside Drive (Tesco roundabout to Barnetts Garage) – closed overnight (10.00pm to 6.00am) on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January for Network Rail bridge safety inspection.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Session Street – closed from Monday 30 January for 2 weeks for Scottish Water work.

Riverside Esplanade – nearside west bound lane closure Monday 6 February (9:00am) to Tuesday 7 February (6:00am) for Scottish Water manhole repair.

Blackness Road (at Annfield Road) – overnight (7:00pm to 6:00am) temporary traffic lights Monday 13 February for Scottish Water investigation work.

Lochee Road (at Blinshall Steet) – overnight (7:00pm to 6:00am) temporary traffic lights Monday 13 February for Scottish Water investigation work.

Glamis Drive – road closure on Monday 13 February for CityFibre works.

Dunmore Drive/Gardens – closed Thursday 23 February for 5 days for carriageway resurfacing.

Monday Yoga at Blackness Library #dundeewestend

Temporary Traffic Order - Session Street

Dundee City Council proposes to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating Scottish Water mains repair works. The Order is expected to be in force for two weeks from 30 January 2023. Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in Session Street between Guthrie Street and Hawkhill.

An alternative route will be available via Hawkhill, Brown Street and Guthrie Street.

If you have any queries, please contact the Network Management Team, City Development Department, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS or call 433082.

Uncertain Territories and Museum Mooches

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

Our programme for 2023 starts with a new exhibition, Uncertain Territories – Women & Nature, in the Tower Foyer Gallery.

The exhibition celebrates a variety of women artists and scientists from Dundee and beyond who have explored the natural world and left tangible traces through the artefacts, specimens and artworks in the University of Dundee Museum Collections. Whether through pioneering research, collecting or creating, these women have helped us to understand nature and the world around us.

The exhibition runs until 1st April and is open Monday to -Friday 9.30am-7pm and Saturday 11am-4pm.

Further details at www.dundee.ac.uk/events/uncertain-territories-women-and-nature

We’re also delighted to announce our latest series of Museum Mooches, part of our Museums for Wellbeing initiative. Each time we meet at the Enquiry Centre at DUSA and take you to a different part of the campus to explore some interest displays and collections.

Our upcoming programme is:

Friday 20th January, 2pm – Dalhousie Building Art Tour

Friday 3rd February, 2pm – Hawkhill House Tour

Friday 17th February, 2pm – Museum Mystery Tour!

Friday 3rd March, 2pm – Artists’ Book Collection Tour

Friday 17th March, 1.45pm (or meet at Ninewells at 2.30pm) – Medical History at Ninewells Tour

The Mooches have been designed mainly for students and staff but anyone is welcome to attend.

Full details on how to book for these and other events can be found at www.dundee.ac.uk/museum/events

Getting things done - Colinton Place and Saggar Street #dundeewestend

We have recently had complaints about a number of potholes in Colinton Place and Saggar Street.

We therefore reported these to the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership to ensure these are repaired and received the following helpful response :

"Thank you for your report.   Repairs have been ordered."

Bus stop outside Dundee Rail Station #dundeewestend

As reported in yesterday's Evening Telegraph, we have raised concerns with Dundee City Council about road safety at Dundee rail station, following constituents highlighting the lack of a proper bus bay outside the rail station – see photo.

Residents have raised with us the fact that, as there is no bus bay for the Stagecoach buses that drop off and pick up passengers at the station, the very busy inside lane is blocked when a bus is stationary at the bus stop.   

This leads to drivers trying to switch lane to get past the bus and residents have highlighted examples of near misses of vehicles as some drivers dart out to get past the bus and back into the nearside lane.     All this could have been avoided if the council simply supplied a bus bay at this site. 

The councillors contacted the City Council about this and were advised by the council’s Team Leader for parking and sustainable transport as follows :

“I do recall that there was a discussion about pros and cons of a bus lay-by (circa 2015/2016) at the station but I can't recall the detail of why it was rejected.   My best memory was that ultimately it was a considered decision taken by the then Director of City Development and based on a desire for high quality public realm in front of the station.   

“In practice, the Stagecoach buses stopping at this location has not caused significant disruption to traffic and I am unaware of any accidents involving buses.   The sightlines are fairly good on the approach from east and west and much of the traffic should be travelling at reduced speeds.”

We really don’t accept the “high quality public realm” argument against putting in a bus bay here – public safety is paramount and the space in front of the station is really wide so a bus bay could have been accommodated without impacting on the quality of the public realm at all.   

We did have the accident record database checked and although accepting that any bumps to date will have been minor as there have been no more serious accidents reported to Police Scotland since 2019, we still think it would be common sense to provide a bus bay – not just from the safety aspect but it would also help avoid tailbacks at this very busy stretch on road when buses are stopped at the bus stop, particularly at rush hour.

We have asked the Director of City Development if senior officers can discuss this request more fully.

There’s a wider issue about the disconnect between rail station and bus station services in the city but meantime we would like to see the bus situation right outside the rail station addressed.

NHS Tayside to consider parking improvement at Ninewells Hospital #dundeewestend

As reported in the Courier and Evening Telegraph over last weekend, we have welcomed a positive response from NHS Tayside to a suggestion to improve the parking situation for Ninewells Hospital out-patients.

We regularly receive complaints from constituents about the difficulty getting parked at Ninewells Hospital in our West End Ward and this is a particular concern for people with an out-patient appointment with a specific time. Residents report circling round and round the hospital’s car parks in their vehicle trying to find an available space.

Although the challenging parking situation has always been an issue at the hospital, people report it has worsened since parking charges have been abolished. We strongly supported the abolition of parking charges as these were effectively a tax on ill-health, but it is important that spaces are used by patients, staff and visitors to the hospital and not used as a free ‘park and ride’ facility by commuters with no connection to the hospital.

We raised the possibility of parking arrangements being reviewed to adopt the system at Perth Royal Infirmary where the parking is also free but you must display a tear-off slip from your appointment letter to use some of the car parking spaces.

The system at PRI is a good idea. It means that there are parking spaces specifically allocated to out patients who display a tear off strip on their car dashboard as proof of their appointment. This makes getting a space a little easier and also gets round the problem of time-limited spaces too. We therefore asked NHS Tayside if it would consider doing this also at Ninewells Hospital and we are pleased at a positive response to this suggestion.

NHS Tayside Director of Facilities, John Paterson, advised us :

“NHS Tayside offers free parking and operates one of the largest car parks within Scotland, with 2383 spaces available within the Ninewells Hospital site. Ninewells Hospital can experience significant car parking demands at certain peak times of the day, which is a similar situation as experienced at most large acute hospitals. Over the years we have introduced measures to maximise the number of parking spaces and make best use of the physical footprint space available and to manage car parking effectively.

Within the grounds of Ninewells Hospital there are strict parking arrangements in place that support an effective and safe environment for patients, visitors and staff. Signage is present in all areas outlining the parking arrangements on the Ninewells site, with clear notification of penalties should a member of staff or visitor fail to comply with these arrangements.

There are dedicated short-stay parking specifically for patients and visitors adjacent to the entrances of the hospital, found within Car Parks 5, 6, 7, East Block car park and the Renal Unit car park. To support this initiative we have ‘Collect and Display’ ticket machines within these car parks. Long-stay parking is also available for staff, patients and visitors within Car Parks 1, 2, 9 and the multi-storey (Car Park 8).

I can confirm that we are exploring the opportunity for our outpatient services to adopt the tear off slip on the letters from our clinical colleagues to be consistently implemented across Tayside.

It is really worth noting that this system does not guarantee patients a parking space. However, whilst parking in a time restricted area, no patient will receive a parking charge notice.”

We appreciate that parking will always be a challenge at such a large hospital and know from constituents that many use public transport to get to Ninewells Hospital as it is well-served by bus services, but that’s not an option for every out-patient and having the tear-off slip system would, in our view, improve matters for out-patients so we really do hope NHS Tayside rolls out this system already in place at PRI to Ninewells Hospital as soon as possible.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2023

Glamis Drive – closed eastbound in 2 phases for 3 weeks for Scotland Gas Networks work. Phase 1: Hazel Avenue to Glamis Road. Phase 2: Invergowrie Drive to Hazel Avenue.

Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane) – temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 10 January to Wednesday 18 January for bus shelter relocation.

West Marketgait (Northbound) at Greenmarket (new BT development) – off‑peak (9.30am – 3.30pm) lane closure for 5 no water service connections commencing 16 January for 2 weeks.

Blackness Road (at Blackness Avenue) – off‑peak temporary traffic lights on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 January for sign installation.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Riverside Drive (at Bridgeview Café) – temporary traffic lights on Monday 23 January (9.00am to 6.00am) for Scottish Water ironwork repair.

South Marketgait (at Railway Station) – off‑side westbound lane closure on Monday 23 January for Scottish Water ironwork repair.

Riverside Drive (Tesco roundabout to Barnetts Garage) – closed overnight (10.00pm to 6.00am) on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January for Network Rail bridge safety inspection.

Session Street – closed from Monday 30 January for 2 weeks for Scottish Water work.

Blackness Road (at Annfield Road) – overnight (7:00pm to 6:00am) temporary traffic lights Monday 13 February for Scottish Water investigation work.

Lochee Road (at Blinshall Steet) – overnight (7:00pm to 6:00am) temporary traffic lights Monday 13 February for Scottish Water investigation work.

Glamis Drive – road closure on Monday 13 February for CityFibre works.

Dunmore Drive/Gardens – closed Thursday 23 February for 5 days for carriageway resurfacing.*

* On this work in Dunmore Drive/Gardens postponed from late 2022, we sought assurances from the City Council that the work will take place in early 2023. We have been advised as follows from the Senior Engineer - Roads Maintenance Partnership :

“At present all being well, the works are currently programmed for the last week in February, first week in March.

The only sticking point is with the increases in the Bitumen prices there may be a possibility that the works may be postponed until after March. I am currently working out the likely outturns for the works on site now against the budget so should have a better idea by the end of (this) week.

Once this has been completed I will let you know."

Swing dancing taster class #dundeewestend

Dundee University Swing Dance is continuing the academic year with a new semester of classes and share the joy of swing dancing with you.

This class will be a taster of swing dance, perfectly suited to those new to swing or even new to dancing. 

It is also a great chance for the more experienced dancers among us to brush up on the basics and get back into the 'swing' of things!

 

All welcome - and find out more at www.facebook.com/DUSwingDance

Elliot Road tennis courts - an update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that, back in September of last year, we highlighted the deteriorated state of the Elliot Road playing field's tennis courts.

Having raised this with the City Council, Fraser took part in a very useful meeting at that time, including representatives from Dundee City Council, Harris Academy, sports clubs representatives and West End Community Sports Hub.

Yesterday, a follow-up meeting took place that Fraser took part in.    The tennis courts have since seen work to the blaze surface to remove weeds and will be raked and rolled before the spring.

We discussed at some length funding options to create a proper, multi-functional facility.   A collective bid to external organisations covering around five Dundee projects will be made in the coming months, including Elliot Road, which is really good news.

We will, of course, keep residents updated on further developments.

Forthcoming events from West End Carers #dundeewestend

Community Councils across Dundee - public consultation

During 2023, the City Council will formally review its scheme for the establishment of Community Councils.

There are a number of Community Councils (such as West End and Broughty Ferry) and Neighbourhood Representative Structures (such as Ardler Village Trust and Kirkton Community Partnership) currently operating in Dundee.

The council is asking Dundee residents to take part in an informal consultation. 

Further details can be found at www.bit.ly/commcouncils23

The survey closes on Friday 20th January.

Getting things done - Perth Road - an update #dundeewestend

Some time ago, we reported to the Roads Maintenance Partnership that one of the two bollards on Perth Road near the bottom of Ryehill Lane (just west of Dil Se restaurant) was missing and also asked that it repaired the grating adjacent to the bollards as it was knocked off and needed reinstated.

The bollard was promptly repaired but the grating - polychannel - remains to be sorted.

We have now been promised that a programme of polychannel repairs has been agreed so hopefully this will be resolved soon.

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.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 9 JANUARY 2023

Glamis Drive – closed eastbound in 2 phases from Monday 9 January for 4 weeks for Scotland Gas Networks work. Phase 1: Hazel Avenue to Glamis Road. Phase 2: Invergowrie Drive to Hazel Avenue.

Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane) – temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 10 January to Friday 13 January for bus shelter relocation.

Perth Road/Nethergate (Roseangle to South Tay Street) – overnight (7.00pm to 6.00am) rolling temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 January for C-Plan duct proving works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

West Marketgait (Northbound) at Greenmarket (new BT development) – off‑peak (9.30am – 3.30pm) lane closure for 5 no water service connections commencing 16 January for 2 weeks.

Blackness Road (at Blackness Avenue) – off‑peak temporary traffic lights on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 January for sign installation.

Riverside Drive (at Bridgeview Café) – temporary traffic lights on Monday 23 January (9.00am to 6.00am) for Scottish Water ironwork repair.

South Marketgait (at Railway Station) – off‑side westbound lane closure on Monday 23 January for Scottish Water ironwork repair.

Riverside Drive (Tesco roundabout to Barnetts Garage) – closed overnight (10.00pm to 6.00am) on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January for Network Rail bridge safety inspection.

Session Street – closed from Monday 30 January for 2 weeks for Scottish Water work.

Glamis Drive – road closure on Monday 13 February for CityFibre works.

Dunmore Drive/Gardens – closed Thursday 23 February for 5 days for carriageway resurfacing. *

* On this work in Dunmore Drive/Gardens postponed from late 2022, we sought assurances from the City Council that the work will take place in early 2023. We have been advised as follows from the Senior Engineer - Roads Maintenance Partnership :

“At present all being well, the works are currently programmed for the last week in February, first week in March.

The only sticking point is with the increases in the Bitumen prices there may be a possibility that the works may be postponed until after March. I am currently working out the likely outturns for the works on site now against the budget so should have a better idea by the end of next week.

Once this has been completed I will let you know."

Entrance to Balgay Park at Balgay Road/Scott Street #dundeewestend

We received complaints about the road surface and footways around the entrance to Balgay Park at Balgay Road/Scott Street.    We raised this with the City Council and received the following feedback :

"Neighbourhood Services and the Roads Maintenance Partnership have completed their inspections of Balgay Park/Scott Street entrance. Below is their feedback :

Neighbourhood Services

The road surface to the inside of the Balgay Park falls within a promoted cycle route and a request has been submitted to Sustainable Transport Team seeking the possibility of resurfacing of this area due to the degradation experienced through general wear and tear, albeit I am pleased to confirm no actionable defect is present.    The park gate / barrier is in need of a repair and as such, repair work is in the process of being organised.

Roads Maintenance Partnership 

The surrounding footways leading into Balgay Park are all in good condition with no actionable defect present.    The Scott Street carriageway is in a worn condition simply due to its use and age;   however no actionable defect is present.    Unfortunately due to ongoing funding cuts being passed down to the Roads Maintenance Partnership and the effects of hyperinflation, it is unlikely this carriageway will be resurfaced for the foreseeable future."

Dundee Technopole - an update #dundeewestend

Residents have asked us about progress with the Dundee Technopole - the area to east of Annfield Road - running between Hawkhill to the south and Blackness Road to the north.

We asked for an update from the council's Director of City Development who updated us as follows :

"The existing building fronting the Hawkhill (previously Cyclacel) is currently on site and will be opened shortly as the Centre For Protein degradation.

All other buildings including the Incubator and Tayside Scientific Services remain in use

The University are currently tendering the new building for the Tay Cities Regional Deal funded biomedical cluster, which will occupy the site to the north of the University incubator.

This leaves two or three plots at the northern end of the site which are reserved for future life sciences spin-outs. These will be promoted as part of the Life Sciences Innovation District once this is launched. No fixed time at this stage, but University will move on to this after the Biomedical hub is on site."

Christmas tree recycling

If you have a real Christmas tree requiring removal, the City Council provides a recycling service for this.

To arrange for a pick-up of your tree please go to the following link - www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/neighbourhood-services/environment/christmas-tree-recycling

Remember to remove tinsel, decorations or any pots and stands before presenting your tree for collection.

Alternatively you can take your tree to the recycling centres at Riverside and Baldovie for disposal.   Please note, however, that the Riverside recycling centre has not been open the past couple of days due to flooding at the site.

Michael's weekly ward surgeries #dundeewestend

As the school Christmas holidays continue, Michael's weekly ward surgeries at Harris Academy and the West End campus (St Joseph's RC and Victoria Park Primary Schools) do not take place today.

Please call us on Dundee 459378 if you have any local issues or problems we can assist with.

Our surgeries return next week - Fraser's on Tuesday 10th January;  Michael's on Thursday 12th January.

Temporary Traffic Order - Glamis Drive

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 SGN mains replacement works. The Order is expected to be in force for four weeks from 9 January 2023. Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all eastbound vehicular traffic in Glamis Drive from (1) Hazel Avenue to Glamis Road and (2) Invergowrie Drive to Hazel Avenue.

Access for residents will be maintained.

An alternative route will be available via (1) Hazel Avenue, Glamis Terrace and Glamis Road and (2) Invergowrie Drive, Perth Road and Glamis Road.

If you have any queries, please contact the Network Management Team, City Development Department, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS, or call 433082.

Fraser's weekly ward surgeries #dundeewestend

As its the school Christmas holidays, Fraser's usual Tuesday surgeries at Ancrum Road Primary School and Blackness Library do not take place, but we can be contacted at any time on Dundee 459378.

Coach stop at Greenmarket #dundeewestend

We have in recent months received complaints about Greenmarket coach/bus stop.

The coaches to Edinburgh Airport and numerous coaches including holiday ones leave from there.

There’s no bus shelter and it is very exposed – so we asked the City Council if it would consider provision of a shelter at this location.

The Team Leader, Parking & Sustainable Transport advised us :

"Unfortunately there is currently no budget available for new bus shelters.

We are in on-going discussion with a number of different coach operators about suitable locations for long distance coach operations serving Dundee and our request is that they look to use the Seagate Bus Station where a full range of passenger waiting facilities are already provided. Stagecoach East Scotland who own the bus station have indicated a general willingness to accommodate different coach operators.

On a practical note, at Greenmarket, the Ember coach drivers allow passengers to board for up to 15 minutes before the coach's scheduled departure time, thus minimising time that would be spent outside in inclement weather."

The lack of a budget for new bus shelters in a city of 150 000 residents is a real concern and shows the impact of years of poor council budget settlements by Scottish Government.

Happy New Year everyone!

... from Councillor Michael Crichton and Bailie Fraser Macpherson

A guid Hogmanay!

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,

For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,

And surely I'll be mine,

And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,

For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,

And pou'd the gowans fine,

But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,

Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn

Frae morning sun till dine,

But seas between us braid hae roar'd

Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,

And gie's a hand o thine,

And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,

For auld lang syne

Words adapted from a traditional song by Rabbie Burns (1759-96)