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.

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee - tonight!

Blether Tay-Gither is the Dundee Storytelling Group.

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

We attempted to meet in-person in May but were thwarted at the last minute.

So we are going to try again tonight, this time in the historic Dudhope Castle where we have been offered the use of a lovely space.

It's a little out of the town centre but there is plenty parking and the 28 bus goes in that direction and there is a bus stop just a couple of minutes walk from the castle.

Date: Tuesday 28th June

Time : 7pm to 9pm

Venue: Dudhope Castle

Dudhope Park

Dundee

DD3 6HF

Our Theme this month if you need one is "Celebrations."    Join us with a story or just come to listen.

It is not a cafe but we do have access to a kettle and we'll bring some tea and coffee but if you'd prefer, your welcome to bring your own.

Hope to see you there!

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 27 JUNE 2022

South Tay Street – temporary traffic lights from Monday 27 June for 4 weeks for footway works.

Miller’s Wynd – closed at its junction with Hawkhill for major construction works. Start date Monday 27 June for 6 months.

Dudhope Roundabout – lane closures from 9.00am on Friday 1 July to 6.00am on Saturday 2 July for Scottish Water work.

City Road at Logie Street – southbound lane closure from Wednesday 29 June for 2 days for CityFibre Works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

City Road at Baxter Street – 3-way temporary traffic lights from Monday 4 July for 3 days for CityFibre works.

Milnbank Road at Bankmill Road - 2-way temporary traffic lights from Thursday 7 July for 3 days for CityFibre works.

Milnbank Road at Rosefield Street - 3-way temporary traffic lights from Monday 11 July for 3 days for CityFibre works.

Milnbank Road at Forest Park Road - 3-way temporary traffic lights from Thursday 14 July for 3 days for CityFibre works.

Thomson Street (Seafield Lane for 50m south) – closed Wednesday 6 July for 2 weeks for Scottish Water work.

Minto Place (west leg) – closed from Monday 11 July for 5 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Pennycook Lane – closed from Wednesday 20 July for 3 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Ninewells Avenue – closed from Monday 25 July for 10 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Getting things done - Tullideph Road #dundeewestend

The paths to the rear of the Tullideph Road flats near to the north end of Loganlee Terrace are in a poor state of repair and unfortuntealy there have been falls there.    See photo below.

We raised this with the tenancy officer for the area who has since updated us as follows :

"I was out at the property and had a look at the paths. 

From looking at the condition of the paths I have requested a site meeting with the repairs team to see what can be done to repair the paths. 

As soon as the site visit has taken place I will update you with the agreed course of action."

Getting things done - Roseangle playpark - an update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that we recently highlighted to us repairs and upgrades required at the Roseangle playpark - examples below.

We reported this to the City Council and have now received the following update from environment management :

"We are struggling to get contractors in just now and most local authorities are requesting similar issues with play installers. 

This has had a knock on effect internally too as we have had a few retirements  and we are currently recruiting.

We are working through various works in parks and it is key that we have safe play areas and will get to repairs as soon as we can.

I can only apologise for the delay."

We will keep residents updated on this as we are anxious to see repairs take place as soon as possible.

Temporary Traffic Order - Miller's Wynd

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 construction works. The Order is expected to be in force for four months from 27 June 2022. Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily the entry to and exit from Hawkhill at its junction with Miller's Wynd.

No alternative route is available.

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 Dundee 433082.

Getting things done - Magdalen Green footbridge #dundeewestend

We recently received a concern that one of the steps on the footbridge over the rail line at Magdalen Green has badly worn, causing a trip hazard.

We have reported this to the City Council requesting repairs.

Getting things done - Newhall Gardens - an update #dundeewestend

Last year, a number of Newhall Gardens residents have contacted us about the need for a dog bin in the large grass strip along the centre of the street.   

The nearest such bin at present is in Riverside Drive, south of the entrance to the street, some distance away.

This was agreed to but there was a lack of stock of bins at the time and dog bin locations are currently subject to a review.

We asked the council to honour its promise to provide a bin and have now been advised :

"In answer to your below email enquiry concerning the installation of a new dog bin within Newhall Gardens. I have made arrangements to fulfil the previous and agreed commitment. 

We hope to be able to be in a position to install this new bin by mid / late this week."

Wighton Centre Open Day today

Today is Make Music Day!

To celebrate, the most interesting and rarest books of the world renowned Wighton Collection will be on display at its  home in Central Library's Wighton Heritage Centre. 

As well as the chance to see and hear about these gems, there will be be live music from the Wighton Singers, Rosa Michaelson, Sheena Wellington,The Doolichters and, maybe, a surprise guest or two!

The room is open from 2pm until 5pm, admission is free so please do drop in and let us show you some of Dundee's treasures!

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 20 JUNE 2022

West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Ward Road) – northbound nearside lane closure on Monday 20 June for Scottish Water ironwork repairs.

Forthcoming Roadworks

South Tay Street – temporary traffic lights from Monday 27 June for 4 weeks for footway works.

Miller’s Wynd – closed at its junction with Hawkhill for major construction works.  Start date Monday 27 June for 6 months

Minto Place (west leg) – closed from Monday 11 July for 5 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Pennycook Lane – closed from Wednesday 20 July for 3 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Ninewells Avenue – closed from Monday 25 July for 10 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

South Tay Street – temporary traffic lights from Monday 8 August for 2 weeks for footway works.

Getting things done - Eton Street #dundeewestend

Residents recently highlighted to us the deterioration in part of the road surface at Eton Street - see photo :

We reported this to the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have since received this helpful reply :

"Thank you for your report.    An order has been raised for repairs to be carried out."

Magdalen Green band concert tomorrow! #dundeewestend

The Forfar Instrumental Band is playing at Magdalen Green tomorrow!

Getting things done - West Port #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted to us that the pyramid artwork on the West Port needs some TLC. 

The paintwork around it badly needs a repaint and the area spruced up.

We raised this with the Executive Director of City Development at the council who has asked the public art officer to see what can be done to improve this, which is welcome.

Blackness Primary School Summer Fair this Saturday - all welcome! #dundeewestend

 

Getting things done - Riverside Approach #dundeewestend

Residents have raised with us the very poor state of the railings in Riverside Approach around the rail bridge there.

The City Engineer advises us that :

"The wrought/cast iron sections are likely to be Dundee City Council's. The timber sections facing the Tay Rail Bridge are Network Rail’s."

His team has kindly agreed to approach Community Justice Services to hopefully get a project put together to have the railings brought back to standard.

Environmental improvements for Perth Road area #dundeewestend

Residents may recall that some months ago, Fraser took part in a walkabout around the Perth Road district shopping centre, the purpose of which was to look at possible environmental improvements that could be funded through the Town Centre Fund.

In terms of possible viable projects, three were identified - Pennycook Lane outside the police station, the Miller's Wynd car park and area around the West End Community Fridge and the Sinderins "triangle."

The council's City Development Department has now created "concept drawings" for Miller's Wynd and Pennycook Lane (Sinderins "triangle" to follow) and these are shown in the photos below.   These are initial ideas, not the final design.

Feedback from residents would be appreciated and the subject will be discussed at tonight's West End Community Council meeting, taking place at 7pm in Logie & St John's (Cross) Church Hall - Shaftesbury Terrace - all welcome.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 13 JUNE 2022

City Road/Tullideph Road – 4 way temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 31 May for 4 days for CityFibre works.

Blackness Road at Abbotsford Street – off-peak 2 way temporary traffic lights from Monday 6 June for 3 days for CityFibre Works.

City Road/Saggar Street – 3 way temporary traffic lights from Wednesday 8 June for 3 days for CityFibre Works.

Logie Street (between City Road and Ancrum Road) – footway closed with pedestrian walkway on carriageway from Monday 13 June for 3 days for CityFibre works.

Explorer Road – off‑peak convoy work on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 June for traffic management training.

Forthcoming Roadworks

West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Ward Road) – northbound nearside lane closure on Monday 20 June for Scottish Water ironwork repairs.

WestFest Big Sunday today! #dundeewestend

Don't miss WestFest Big Sunday today!   We'll be lending a hand at the Harris Education and Recreation Association stall.     

More details of WestFest Big Sunday is available www.facebook.com/events/3130303717204304

Getting things done - Seabraes viewing area #dundeewestend

We recently had a query regarding the redevelopment of the Seabraes viewing area.

The path surfacing was looking odd as new black tarmac was placed on a section of the path (see photo) which looked poor next to the original buff colour.

We contacted the council's Projects Team Leader who reassured us as follows :

"The buff resin bond surfacing is due to be laid around the benches. It should be noted that the new resin bond colour will appear brighter than the original surfacing due to weathering but will blend in over time."

School crossing patrollers #dundeewestend

Tayside Contracts is currently recruiting for more school crossing patrollers - and specifically for Blackness Primary School for the Hawkhill crossing.

It is vital that all school patrol crossing points are staffed and if any resident is interested, details are below :

Getting things done - Larch Street to Blackness Road #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted to us that in the Larch Street to Blackness Road public path, there is extensive graffiti and also weeds needing attended to.

We have raised this with the council's Neighbourhood Services requesting removal of the weeds and graffiti.

Ryehill Health Centre - latest update #dundeewestend

Further to our earlier updates about the impending closure of GP services from the Ryehill Health Centre, residents have contacted up to ask why letters - promised by NHS Tayside by the end of May - advising patients of which practice they are being transferred to from 1st July, have yet to arrive.

We queried this with the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership and have been advised by the Senior Manager Service Development and Primary Care as follows :

"As you have noted the impact of the Friockheim closure on the 31st May has slightly delayed finalising information for Ryehill patients, for which we apologise.

The team is in the final stages of this and I now hope to have this complete and letters posted very soon.

I will update you when I know when this is."

Getting things done - Kelso Street #dundeewestend

Some time ago, residents in Kelso Street asked us if it would be possible to add a "no through road" symbol to street name signage in the street.

Some vehicles emerging from the Royal Victoria Hospital do at times go up the street thinking there is an exit to Blackness Road, when the exit is, in fact, via Jedburgh Road.

The roads maintenance partnership agreed to our request and Michael is pictured at the recently installed sign.

This new signage took rather longer than anticipated to be provided as the initial new sign was damaged but a replacement was ordered and is now in place.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 6 JUNE 2022

West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Dudhope roundabout) – nearside northbound lane closure until Monday 6 June for Scottish Water work.

City Road/Tullideph Road – 4 way temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 31 May for 4 days for CityFibre works.

Blackness Road at Abbotsford Street – off-peak 2 way temporary traffic lights from Monday 6 June for 3 days for CityFibre Works.

City Road/Saggar Street – 3 way temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 7 June for 3 days for CityFibre Works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Explorer Road – off‑peak convoy work on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 June for traffic management training.

Forthcoming events from West End Carers #dundeewestend

 

Dundee Art Society Summer Exhibition #dundeewestend

 

Victoria Gardens Big Lunch - all welcome! #dundeewestend

 

Getting things done - Magdalen Green #dundeewestend

Residents recently highlighted to us that the notice boards on Magdalen Green badly need cleaned and also really ancient out of date notices (eg evening classes spring 2021!) need removed.   See photo below :

We raised this with the council's Head of Environment who has promised this will be attended to.

Getting things done - Perth Road #dundeewestend

We recently received complaints about the poor condition of the tactiles at the crossing point on the south side of Perth Road just west of Shepherd's Loan. See photo below :

We raised this with the Roads Maintenance Partnership Manager who has responded positively below :

"With regard to the worn stick down tactile slabs, we will look to replace the damaged items in due course."

Getting things done - Annfield Street #dundeewestend

Residents have complained to us that foliage from the trees in the Peddie Street industrial area is significantly impending the pavement on the south side of Annfield Street - see photos :

We have therefore asked the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership to contact the site owners to have the foliage cut back.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 30 MAY 2022

Strawberrybank (at Perth Road) – closed for one week for Scottish Water emergency work.

West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Dudhope roundabout) – nearside northbound lane closure from Monday 30 May for 6 days for Scottish Water work.

City Road/Tullideph Road – 4 way temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 31 May for 4 days for CityFibre works.

Hillside Terrace – closed on Sunday 5 June (11.00am – 5.00pm) for a Street Party.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Blackness Road at Abbotsford Street – 2 way temporary traffic lights from Monday 6 June for 2 days for CityFibre Works.

City Road/Saggar Street – 3 way temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 7 June for 3 days for CityFibre Works.

Explorer Road – off‑peak convoy work on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 June for traffic management training.

World View - Travelling the Globe through Art & Design

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

World View - Travelling the Globe through Art & Design

Lamb Gallery, Tower Building, University of Dundee

Running now until 22nd July 2022

Monday to Friday 9.30am-7pm

Over the past two years the pandemic has prevented most of us from travelling. At the same time, we are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of travel.

This exhibition presents an opportunity to see the world remotely through the creative eyes of previous travellers over the past 200 years – artists who used different cultural experiences as inspiration for their work, though often seen through a western, colonial viewpoint.

The exhibition also features a range of traditional and modern designs from other parts of the world – from Korean ceramics to Scandinavian textiles and beyond. All of the objects and artworks on display are drawn from the University’s own Museum Collections.

See more at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/world-view-travelling-the-globe-through-art-design-tickets-330492330457

Temporary Traffic Order - Ninewells Avenue

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 cycle lane improvement works. The Order is expected to be in force for two weeks from 30 May 2022. Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in Ninewells Avenue between Perth Road and Ninewells Drive.

An alternative route will be available via Perth Road, Glamis Road and Ninewells Avenue.

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.

Meeting with Xplore Dundee

Yesterday evening, we had the pleasure, along with our Liberal Democrat Group colleague Councillor Daniel Coleman, to meet with David Phillips, the new Director and General Manager and Marc Winsland, Commercial Manager, at Xplore Dundee to discuss bus services in the city.

We had a really productive and useful discussion and it is clear that the positive relationship we have had with Xplore Dundee over a long period will continue and grow in the years ahead.

Scotland's Gardens Scheme - Glamis Drive this weekend! #dundeewestend

 

Harris Academy Parent Council meeting #dundeewestend

It was a pleasure last night for us both to attend the last Harris Academy Parent Council meeting of the current school term.

This was the first parent council meeting that Fraser had been able to attend in-person since 2020 as all meetings have been on-line only during the COVID pandemic and this was Michael's first opportunity to attend a Harris Academy Parent Council meeting since his recent election to represent the West End on the City Council.

The meeting was a 'hybrid' one, allowing the choice of attending on-line or in person and this worked extremely well.

Very positive updates from Mr Millar and members of the senior leadership team including new school initiatives and the current SQA examinations diet has been running well.

We also discussed the possible future for the tennis courts at the Elliot Road playing fields that constituents have raised with us as these are badly in need of an upgrade or repurposing for perhaps an all-weather playing facility.

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."

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 23 MAY 2022

Scottish & Southern Energy Networks Glenagnes area Cable Investigation Scheme – rolling overnight (8.00pm to 6.00am) temporary traffic lights on Ancrum Road, Logie Street, City Road, Scott Street and Glenagnes Road from Monday 16 to Wednesday 25 May. Temporary traffic control on Glamis Road (Ancrum Road to Balgay Park service road); Balgay Road (at Logie Avenue) and Logie Avenue (south leg) closed from Monday 23 to Wednesday 25 May.

Rosefield Place – closed from Monday 23 May for 2 weeks for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Dudhope roundabout) – nearside northbound lane closure from Monday 30 May for 6 days for Scottish Water work.

City Road/Tullideph Road – 4 way temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 31 May for 4 days for CityFibre works.

City Road/Saggar Street – 3 way temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 7 June for 3 days for CityFibre Works.

Getting things done - Ford's Lane #dundeewestend

We recently received complaints from residents about the poor quality of reinstatement of the setts on the Ford's Lane path, following City Fibre installation. See below :

We therefore raised this with the council officer who is kindly dealing with liaison with City Fibre and have since been given the following reassurance :

"City Fibre will carry out a thorough inspection of this area and identify any defects. A member from my team inspected and has informed me the section of cobbles has been grouted."

Temporary Traffic Order - Rosefield Place

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 Scottish Water mains repair works. The Order is expected to be in force for two weeks from 23 May 2022. Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in Rosefield Place.

Alternative routes will be available via Rosefield Place for its entire length.

Access will be maintained where possible.

No diversion route is required as this road forms a cul-de-sac.

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

Getting things done - Riverside Drive #dundeewestend

Many thanks to the residents who recently highlighted the graffiti on the pavilion - some unfortunately offensive - and the worn state of the entrance signage to the pavilion area on Riverside Drive.   See photos of the pavilion below :

We raised this with the council's environment management and our local environment manager has responded positively as follows :

"Thank you for your email ... concerning the offensive graffiti. We will make arrangements to inspect and include the removal of graffiti from this property. We will also include the removal of the graffiti from the sign at Magdalen Green sign."

Temporary Traffic Order - Logie 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 SSEN investigation works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Logie Avenue (south leg between Glenagnes Road and Sycamore Place), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 23 May 2022 for 3 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained. Road will be closed in sections as work progresses.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Glenagnes Road / Scott Street / Balgay Road.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Blackness Road and Perth Road #dundeewestend

We are grateful to the residents who contacted us on Monday about the dreadful vandalism of a number of bus shelters along Blackness Road and Perth Road - see below :

We raised this with both Police Scotland and the transportation team at the City Council;  the latter to ensure that repairs are undertaken.