Dundee Art Society - free talk #dundeewestend

The next free talk and demonstration at the Roseangle Gallery will be from Jonathan Mitchell, the renowned landscape painter.

It takes place this Friday evening - 19th April - from 7pm to 9pm.

Jonathan will be demonstrating his incredible skill with a demo piece of work so whatever you paint yourself you’ll learn from his techniques or as he said himself “... an opportunity to bear witness to Mitchell’s Magic brush in action”.

Non members very welcome for a very entertaining evening.

Fraser’s weekly ward surgeries today! #dundeewestend

Fraser's ward surgeries commence again today following the return of the schools this week after the Easter holidays.

They are as follows :

Tuesdays at 5pm prompt – Blackness Library

Tuesdays at 5.45pm prompt – Ancrum Road Primary School

All residents welcome – no appointment necessary.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 15 APRIL 2024

Cleghorn Street (Rosebery Street to City Road) – closed from Friday 12 April for one week for Scottish Water work.

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until 27 May 2024 for road safety concerns.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until June 2024 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until May 2024 for construction works.

Seafield Road, Dundee - closed from its westmost end (in cul-de-sac) extending for a distance of no more than 20 metres in an easterly direction to facilitate a site access for a new housing development until November 2025.

West Marketgait (Nethergate to West Port roundabout) – off‑peak (9.30am to 3.30pm) northbound nearside lane closure from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April for Commsworld Limited work.

Blackness Road (at Glenagnes Road) – temporary traffic lights from 9.00am on Wednesday 17 to 6.00m on Thursday 18 April for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Lochee Road (Parking layby opposite Polepark Junction) – closed from Monday 22 April for 5 days for subsidence investigation works.

James Black Place (turning head) – closed from 9.00am on Sunday 28 April to 6.00am on Monday 29 April for Scottish Water work.

James Black Place (west of turning head) – temporary traffic control from 9.00am on Sunday 28 April to 6.00am on Monday 29 April for Scottish Water work.

Greenmarket (Greenmarket to train station) – closed on Sunday 5 May for Scottish and Southern Energy Network work.

Greenmarket (Greenmarket to train station) – closed Sunday 12 May for Scottish and Southern Energy Network work.

Leisure and Culture Dundee - Cultural Strategy discussion at Blackness Library #dundeewestend

There's an upcoming event in Blackness Library that will be a round table discussion about Leisure and Culture Dundee's new Culture Strategy for Dundee.

It takes place in Blackness Library next Thursday - 18th April – from 10am to 11.30am. It is an opportunity for community leaders, organisers of events and participants locally to discuss what is important in the local area.

For further information, please contact Claire Dow (Cultural Strategy Lead Officer) by e-mail claire.dow01@leisureandculturedundee.com or phone 307464.

Call for urgent progress on replacement West End housing #dundeewestend

As reported in yesterday’s “Evening Telegraph”, we have called on Dundee City Council to make urgent progress on promised replacement housing in Blackness Road, following the demolition of 27 Victorian flats three years ago given the state of their external stairwells.

The original housing at 219-245 Blackness Road was demolished in spring 2021 and at the time the council promised to deliver a £4.5 million project to build 24 modern apartments.

Three years on, despite planning consent, building has yet to commence and we have said the council must urgently make good on its promise to build the replacement housing.

Michael said :

“I have now been a member of the council for almost two years and I have been extremely disappointed with the lack of progress in building the promised replacement Blackness Road flats.

“This appears to be down to the Scottish Government’s cuts to the housing capital budget and I am anxious that the funding gap is filled urgently and the new housing now built as soon as possible.”

The council’s Interim Head of Housing and Construction has advised us :

“We have received a commitment to £215,856 of extra funding as a result of our request (to Scottish Government).

However, as this is £2,029,943 less than we had applied for I am now working with colleagues in City Development to carry out an options appraisal on possible ways forward for this site, with a view to reporting back to the appropriate committee as soon as possible.”

Fraser added, “The decision to demolish the original housing and build modern housing in its place was a difficult and controversial one and it was reluctantly taken because of the significant cost of replacing the external stairwells. Some of the original flats were in good condition but the ground floor bedsits were not.

“We have been chasing up progress on the replacement modern flats for some time and are alarmed at the lack of progress which appears to be down to the SNP Scottish Government cutting housing capital budgets. This needs to be urgently rectified.

“A promise is a promise and the community was given a commitment to 26 new apartments on this site in Blackness Road – these must be delivered ASAP.”

The Scottish Government’s housing capital budget was slashed by some 26% by Depute First Minister and Finance Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison in the government’s latest budget – the Blackness flats project is just one example of the impact on new affordable house building of this decision.

The council’s Interim Head of Housing and Construction further advised us :

“Although I am not able to provide you with a definitive position re this development at this point, please be assured that we are working away on options to deliver these properties. Given the unit costs for this development we are looking at the options for obtaining improved value for money and /or attracting alternative sources of funding.

I will of course update you as soon as I am in a position to inform you of the outcome of our options appraisal.”

Michael concluded, “Fraser and I are adamant that Dundee City Council must make progress on this new build housing project as soon as possible. The site has been sitting empty for three years at a time there are well over 7000 people in the city on the housing waiting list.

“The culprit here is the huge cut to the Scottish Government’s capital budget and it is vitally important that the funding gap for this housing build project in Blackness Road is bridged as a matter of urgency and the new flats built and offered to some of the many people on Dundee’s housing waiting list.”

Getting things done - Corso Street Complex #dundeewestend

Residents recently pointed out to us that tenants with mobility difficulties who use the Corso Street sheltered lounge and access it using the path down from the lock-ups above have no handrail to hold onto walking up and down the slope.

We asked the City Council to consider installing a handrail and the Team Leader (Tenancy and Estates) has responded helpfully as follows :

"Thanks for getting in touch and bringing this to our attention.

It seems like a reasonable request to me.

I cannot think of any particular reason why we would not get this work done."

He has requested colleagues now inspect this and log the necessary work order.

Michael's West End ward surgeries update #dundeewestend

Just a reminder that Michael’s ward surgeries today do not take place as it is during the school Easter holidays.

However, we can be contacted at any time on 459378 or by email at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk - many thanks!

Michael’s surgeries return next Thursday (18th) as the new term starts next week.

Dundee West Church's Guild coffee morning #dundeewestend

Dundee West Church's Guild has a coffee morning this Saturday at the church's upper hall at 132 Perth Road - 10am to 12 noon.

All welcome!

Fraser's West End ward surgeries update #dundeewestend

Just a reminder that Fraser’s ward surgeries today do not take place as it is during the school Easter holidays.

However, we can be contacted at any time on 459378 or by email at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk - many thanks!

Fraser’s surgeries return next Tuesday (16th) as the new term starts next week.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 8 APRIL 2024

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until 27 May 2024 for road safety concerns.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until June 2024 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until May 2024 for construction works.

Seafield Road, Dundee - closed from its westmost end (in cul-de-sac) extending for a distance of no more than 20 metres in an easterly direction to facilitate a site access for a new housing development until November 2025.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Blackness Road (at Glenagnes Road) – temporary traffic lights from 9.00am on Wednesday 17 to 6.00m on Thursday 18 April for Scottish Water work.

Lochee Road (Parking layby opposite Polepark Junction) – closed from Monday 22 April for 5 days for subsidence investigation works.

James Black Place (turning head) – closed from 9.00am on Sunday 28 April to 6.00am on Monday 29 April for Scottish Water work.

James Black Place (west of turning head) – temporary traffic control from 9.00am on Sunday 28 April to 6.00am on Monday 29 April for Scottish Water work.

Greenmarket (Greenmarket to train station) – closed on Sunday 5 May for Scottish and Southern Energy Network work.

Harris Education & Recreation Association - enrolment night #dundeewestend

HERA will be back in May with a brand new term of evening classes.

Bookings for all classes will open up at HERA's enrolment night event on Wednesday 17th April in Harris Academy from 6pm and 7pm.

Come along and chat to tutors and find out about the range of classes on offer.

Find our more at www.facebook.com/events/3704478183121274

Getting things done - Kinloch Park #dundeewestend

Residents have contacted us about the boundary fencing between Kinloch Park and the Ninewells Hospital site as it has collapsed in places - see photo.

We contacted NHS Tayside regarding this and following it seeking advice from NHS National Services Scotland Central Legal Office, responsibility for repair we understand rests with the house builder and we have therefore approached the house builder to ensure repairs are carried out.

Ninewells Community Garden - family fun! #dundeewestend

 

Michael's West End ward surgeries update #dundeewestend

Just a reminder that Michael’s ward surgeries today do not take place as it is during the school Easter holidays.

However, we can be contacted at any time on 459378 or by email at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk - many thanks!

History Tellers Session #dundeewestend

Harris Education & Recreation Association's Dundee Time and Place class is delighted to be part of the History Tellers project this Spring. Come along to its free (but ticketed) event at the Corso Street Sheltered Lounge at 37 Blackness Avenue on Saturday 6th April 11am to 12 noon.

Local history as told by the Dundee citizens who lived through the early years of the last century. Lots of audience participation if you would also like to supplement the piece of history discussed. So come along and share your memories of Dundee!

All are welcome - book at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/history-tellers-session-tickets-859408352517

Fraser's West End ward surgeries update #dundeewestend

Just a reminder that Fraser’s ward surgeries today do not take place as it is during the school Easter holidays.

However, we can be contacted at any time on 459378 or by email at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk - many thanks!

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 1 APRIL 2024

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until 27 May 2024 for road safety concerns.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until June 2024 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until May 2024 for construction works.

Seafield Road, Dundee - closed from its westmost end (in cul-de-sac) extending for a distance of no more than 20 metres in an easterly direction to facilitate a site access for a new housing development until November 2025.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Lochee Road (Parking layby opposite Polepark Junction) – closed from Monday 22 April for 5 days for subsidence investigation works.

James Black Place (turning head) – closed from 9.00am on Sunday 28 April to 6.00am on Monday 29 April for Scottish Water work.

James Black Place (west of turning head) – temporary traffic control from 9.00am on Sunday 28 April to 6.00am on Monday 29 April for Scottish Water work.

Getting things done - Roseangle playpark #dundeewestend

We have recently received concerns about repairs needed at the Roseangle playpark.

As one resident advised :

"We were in Roseangle play park with my wee boy today, it is sadly in a bit of a state.

The wee train’s steering wheel and seat is gone, the zipline is broken again and a lot of the barriers around the swings are damaged.

I hope it can be fixed before the good weather is here, it would be great having every toy available for the kids to play with."

We raised this with the City Council's environment management and have received the following helpful response :

"Our playgrounds team will assess the damage to the wooden train and the barriers as mentioned in your email below. Thereafter required repairs will be scheduled as soon as possible.

We are currently awaiting delivery of a replacement zip line wire. Once this arrives from our supplier the playgrounds team will fit this bringing the play equipment back into use."

Getting things done - Bankmill Road to Rosefield Place #dundeewestend

Michael is pictured in the path from Bankmill Road to Rosefield Place where residents reported dumped foliage at the south end.

There's also some graffiti back on the wall to the west side of the path - disappointing as it was previously all removed at our request.

We raised both issues with our local environment manager who responded helpfully as follows :

"With regard to your below enquiry re Rosefield Place / Bankmill Road. I have contacted Construction Services requesting the graffiti on the wall to be painted over once more.

Our operatives will attend to remove the accumulation that has been dumped behind the railings at Rosefield Place.

It is likely that this will be addressed over a couple of visits in the coming days but we will uplift and remove."

Join the Futures Collective Dundee

Young people aged 12-16 years are invited to take part in a free 3-hour hands-on design and make workshop during the Easter holidays.

Led by local designers and researchers from the University of Dundee, more details are available at https://sites.dundee.ac.uk/futurescollective

📅 - 2 dates available (April 3rd or 4th)

📍 - Steam Hub, Central Library

🎟️ - Free, booking essential

☕ - Light snacks and refreshments will be provided

Sign up for a place on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/futures-collective-dundee-tickets-859372164277

Michael’s weekly ward surgeries today! #dundeewestend

Michael’s ward surgeries take place today and every Thursday during school term time.

They are as follows :

Thursdays at 5.45pm prompt – West End Campus (come to reception area of St Joseph’s RC and Victoria Park Primary Schools)

Thursdays at 6.30pm prompt – Harris Academy reception area

All welcome – no appointment necessary!

Please note that Michael and Fraser have no surgeries during the school Easter holidays and, after tonight's, Michael's surgeries return on Thursday 18th April.

West Marketgait - update on tree replacement #dundeewestend

Last year, we reported that, following Storm Arwen resulting in a large tree falling at West Marketgait near Palais Court, an assurance had been given to us that a new tree would be planted during a future planting season.

We are pleased to report that this has now happened - Michael is pictured at the new tree - below.

With regard to several other felled trees we reported, the Service Manager (Environment) has updated us as follows :

"Forestry have further advised that all trees mentioned have been purchased and are in transit from our supplier and will be planted in due course."

Fraser’s weekly ward surgeries tonight! #dundeewestend

Fraser’s weekly ward surgeries take place later today and every Tuesday during school term time.

They are as follows :

Tuesdays at 5pm prompt – Blackness Library

Tuesdays at 5.45pm prompt – Ancrum Road Primary School

All residents welcome – no appointment necessary.

Please note that Fraser has no surgeries during the school Easter holidays and, after tonight's, his surgeries return on Tuesday 16th April. Michael has his last surgeries before the holidays this Thursday evening.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 25 MARCH 2024

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until 27 May 2024 for road safety concerns.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until June 2024 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until May 2024 for construction works.

Seafield Road, Dundee - closed from its westmost end (in cul-de-sac) extending for a distance of no more than 20 metres in an easterly direction to facilitate a site access for a new housing development until November 2025.

Seafield Road (Perth Road to No 31 Seafield Road) – closed on Tuesday 26 March for BT work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Lochee Road (Parking Layby opposite Polepark Junction) – closed from Monday 22 April for 5 days for subsidence investigation works.

Temporary traffic order - Seafield 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 BT cabling works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Seafield Road (between Perth Road and number 31), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Tuesday 26 March 2024 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Perth Road / Roseangle / Bellefield Avenue / Seafield Road.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Perth Road near Sinderins #dundeewestend

Residents recently contacted us about concerns around pedestrian safety crossing the slip road from Hawkhill to Perth Road near Sinderins, to the immediate west of the shops on the north side of Perth Road.

As one resident advised us :

"Many vehicles turn at a reasonable rate, preparing to slow up. Several, however, come around the bend at speed.

Recently my husband had stepped off the pavement when a car sped round the bend with the driver looking right towards oncoming traffic, completely unaware of the pedestrian on his left hand side. This is not the first time this has happened.

I can walk quite quickly, but many folk can’t. For drivers not used to the setup there, there is no warning sign about pedestrians crossing."

We have raised this with the council's road safety team leader requesting warning signage/road markings to make clear to drivers that pedestrians cross at this location.

Getting things done - Blackness Library - an update #dundeewestend

Back in early 2020, Fraser obtained a commitment for Community Payback to repaint the railings of Blackness Library which are in a really poor state.    Unfortunately the COVID pandemic at the time resulted in this work not taking place 

Michael was photographed at the railings recently and - as the photos indicate - the need for work to repaint the railings is now urgent.

We have therefore taken up this matter again with the City Council and will keep residents updated on progress.

Michael’s weekly ward surgeries today! #dundeewestend

Michael’s ward surgeries take place today and every Thursday during school term time.

They are as follows :

Thursdays at 5.45pm prompt – West End Campus (come to reception area of St Joseph’s RC and Victoria Park Primary Schools)

Thursdays at 6.30pm prompt – Harris Academy reception area

All welcome – no appointment necessary!

Getting things done - Kelso Place and Jedburgh Road #dundeewestend

Many thanks to the residents who contacted us recently about potholes and deterioration of the road surface at Kelso Place and Jedburgh Road - see photos.

We contacted the roads maintenance partnership requesting repairs and were assured these would be done.

Fraser’s weekly ward surgeries tonight! #dundeewestend

Fraser’s weekly ward surgeries take place later today and every Tuesday during school term time.

They are as follows :

Tuesdays at 5pm prompt – Blackness Library

Tuesdays at 5.45pm prompt – Ancrum Road Primary School

All residents welcome – no appointment necessary.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 18 MARCH 2024

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed from 27 November 2023 for 6 months for road safety concerns.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until June 2024 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until May 2024 for construction works.

Seafield Road, Dundee - closed from its westmost end (in cul-de-sac) extending for a distance of no more than 20 metres in an easterly direction to facilitate a site access for a new housing development. Commencing Tuesday 22 August 2023 for 15 months.

Lochee Road at Polepark Road – temporary traffic lights from Monday 18March for one week for traffic signal refurbishment.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Seafield Road (Perth Road to No 31 Seafield Road) – closed on Tuesday 26 March for BT work.

Lochee Road (Parking Layby opposite Polepark Junction) – closed from Monday 22 April for 5 days for subsidence investigation works.

Celebrating Skylarks #dundeewestend

The posters below highlights the very first spotlight event in collaboration with the Dundee Botanic Garden and Riverside Nature Park.

All welcome to attend to learn, explore, get creative and celebrate Skylarks during this whole-day event.

Tickets are limited so please book at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating-skylarks-tickets-851328515507 :

Proposal for a Logie 20mph speed limit #dundeewestend

Residents will be aware that we have long campaigned for - at the request of residents - a lower speed limit in the Logie estate, where roads are very narrow and there is a large population of elderly people, particularly on the north side of the estate where the sheltered housing is.

Fraser raised this at the council's former City Development Committee some time ago and this was agreed as a future 20mph project.

The City Council will shortly be consulting on a proposed new 20mph which is rather larger than Logie itself.

Please see the proposed public notice which will be promoted shortly as part of the consultation exercise on the proposal.     

The list of affected streets is highlighted as part of this public notice :

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL (LOGIE AREA, DUNDEE) (20 MPH ZONE) ORDER 2024

Dundee City Council in exercise of the powers conferred on them by Section 84 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (which Act of 1984 is hereinafter referred to as “the said Act”) and of all other powers enabling them in that behalf and after consultation with the Chief Constable in accordance with Part III of Schedule 9 to the Act hereby make the following Order  : 

1.	This Order may be cited as Dundee City Council (Logie Area, Dundee) (20 mph Zone) Order 2024.
2.	No person shall drive a motor vehicle on any lengths of roads specified in the Schedule to this Order at a speed exceeding 20 miles per hour. DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL (LOGIE AREA, DUNDEE) (20 MPH ZONE) ORDER 2024 - SCHEDULE

 LOGIE AREA

1. ASHBANK ROAD (ALL) for their entire lengths

 

2. BANK MILL ROAD for its entire length

 

3. BAXTER STREET for its entire length

 

4. BENVIE GARDENS for its entire length

 

5. BENVIE ROAD for its entire length

 

6. BIRCHWOOD PLACE for its entire length

 

7. BLYTH STREET for its entire length

 

8. BROOK CLOSE for its entire length

 

9. BROOK COURT for its entire length

 

10. BROOK GARDENS for its entire length

 

11. CITY ROAD (BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH MILNBANK ROAD AND PENTLAND AVENUE) for its entire length

 

12. CLEGHORN STREET for its entire length

 

13. DANIEL PLACE for its entire length

 

14. DANIEL STREET for its entire length

 

15. DANIEL TERRACE for its entire length

 

16. EASSON’S ANGLE for its entire length

 

17. EDWARD STREET (ALL) for their entire lengths

 

18. ELM STREET (ALL) for their entire lengths

 

19. FLEUCHAR STREET for its entire length

 

20. FOREST PARK PLACE for its entire length

 

21. FOREST PARK ROAD for its entire length

 

22. FRIARY GARDENS for its entire length

 

23. FYFFE STREET for its entire length

 

24. GLENAGNES GARDENS for its entire length

 

25. GLENAGNES ROAD for its entire length

 

26. GLENAGNES STREET for its entire length

 

27. LARCH STREET (ALL) for their entire lengths

 

28. LAWRENCE STREET (ALL) for their entire lengths

 

29. LIME STREET (ALL) for their entire lengths

 

30. LOGIE AVENUE (ALL) for their entire lengths

 

31. LOGIE GARDENS for its entire length

 

32. MILNBANK GARDENS for its entire length

 

33. MILNBANK ROAD for its entire length

 

34. MITCHELL STREET for its entire length

 

35. PITFOUR STREET for its entire length

 

36. ROSEBERY STREET for its entire length

 

37. ROSEFIELD PLACE for its entire length

 

38. ROSEFIELD STREET (ALL) for their entire lengths

 

39. SCOTT STREET for its entire length

 

40. SYCAMORE PLACE for its entire length

 

41. URQUHART STREET for its entire length

 

42. WALTON STREET for its entire length