Dundee litter fines concern

I have expressed concern about Dundee City Council’s woeful record on litter fixed penalties issued over the past two years which are :

In calendar year 2019 – just 12 litter FPNs issued

In calendar year 2020 – just 9 litter FPNs issued

In Glasgow, 4490 penalties handed out in 2019 and even with the COVID pandemic in 2020, Glasgow City council still issued 950 fines last year and I feel that Dundee City Council should be putting more resource into tackling littering and issuing fixed penalties, something many constituents view as an important issue.

Whilst issuing fixed penalties for people who litter the city is only one way of tackling the problem, the City Council’s record on issuing these in recent years is pretty grim and it really must do better on this. 

So many residents in my own ward in the West End regularly complain about the mess of litter and not issuing fixed penalties to those who cause the problem does not help. The environment staff do a good job of clearing up mess when I raise residents’ concerns about litter at particular locations but fixed penalties play a role in tackling this problem and the council has to get the act together on this. I agree that there are other actions that are also necessary including a good network of litter bins and also more street sweeping staffing.

Environment management has lost significant staffing since 2015 and the number of posts lost in the past six years we are advised amounts to over 50 posts. The number of manual street sweeping posts included in this figure that have been deleted amounts to over 30 of these with the remaining posts being a loss of gardeners, Ground Maintenance Operatives, Seasonal Leisure Attendants and others. I called for an additional 15 street sweeping staff at this year’s budget and believe this is also a vital action that should be taken.

The City Council’s Head of Community Safety and Protection advised me :

“I can advise that our approach to dealing with litter involves a wider strategy than enforcement. Dealing with litter is part of our Take Pride in Your City Campaign, which has as one of its strategic aims to encourage people to take shared responsibility for their environment. The campaign is an ongoing programme of work that promotes public and business participation. Prior to the first lockdown colleagues from Environment, Community Safety & Protection and Zero Waste Scotland collaborated on a 'nudge' project to encourage the use of street litter bins in the City Centre. In 2019/20 the waste and recycling team visited 27 nurseries, primary and secondary schools giving talks to children and young people to encourage the use of litter bins.

A recent new action added to the programme is to make visits to businesses as they reopen following easing of the Covid -19 restrictions to ensure that operators reinstate appropriate commercial waste contracts. The outcome of this will be to reduce littering created by business operators who fail to properly contain their commercial waste, prevention being better than cure. Having said that, a number of the FPN we have issued relate to commercial premises, where discarded refuse sacks can lead to litter being easily spread once they are split open.”

I have suggested to the council officers that some discussion takes place with Glasgow City Council about its proactive approach to littering and the Head of Community Safety and Protection has agreed that officers will speak with that council about how it tackles the litter issue. I do think it is vital that a proactive approach is taken if the city is genuinely to be ‘Bonnie Dundee.’

Temporary Traffic Order - Tay Street Lane

From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of Scottish Water repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Tay Street Lane, Dundee

This notice comes into effect on Friday 18 June for one night (7.30pm to 6.30am).

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

No alternative routes for vehicles are available

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Pleasance Court #dundeewestend

Many thanks to the residents who recently highlighted to me that the fence at Pleasance Court on the corner of Brook Street and Brewery Lane is rather badly damaged.

I contacted the factors Ross & Liddell who now have matters in hand - the fence was hit by a vehicle and the driver has given Ross & Liddell insurance details.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 14 JUNE 2021

Perth Road (at Riverside Drive) – off‑peak temporary traffic control for one week for lining work.

Brook Street, Dundee– temporary traffic lights for 2 weeks for City Fibre H3G project.

City Road (Tullideph Place to Logie Street) – closed southbound on Monday 14 June (7.00pm to 1.00am) for BT work.

Logie Street (at Ancrum Road) – temporary traffic lights on Monday 14 June (7.00pm to 1.00am) for BT work.

City Fibre H3G Project – rolling road closures commencing on Tuesday 15 June for 7 weeks. Rankine Street (full length) – closed from Tuesday 15 June for 10 days: Horsewater Wynd closed southbound from Monday 28 June for 4 days: West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Ward Road) – closed northbound from Monday 28 June for 2 days: Lochee Road (Cleghorn Street to Tullideph Road) closed from Tuesday 29 June for 4 days: West Marketgait (South Ward Road to Argyllgait) – closed southbound from Wednesday 30 June for 2 days. Closures of Lochee Road (Dudhope Terrace to Black Street), Polepark Road, Cleghorn Street, Brewery Lane, Session Street, Brown Street, Argyllgait and South Ward Road to follow in July.

Nethergate (at Tay Street Lane) – overnight (7.30pm to 6.00am) temporary traffic control on Friday 18 June for Scottish Water ironwork repair. Access to Tay Street Lane closed.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Riverside Avenue (near Mayo Avenue) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 21 June for one week for Vodafone work.

Temporary traffic order - City 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 duct repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in City Road (westbound between Tullideph Place and Logie Street), Dundee

This notice comes into effect on Monday 14 June for one night (7pm to 1am).

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available Tullideph Road / Lochee Road / Logie Street

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Generation Rent project

From the City Council :

The Generation Rent project is a collaboration between Dundee City Council and Generation Rent.

The aim of the project is to identify best practice in ensuring tenants in the private sector are more informed of their rights and responsibilities.

Dundee is the only Scottish Local Authority participating alongside three English and one Welsh authority in the project.

We recognised that whilst we have very good lines of communication with landlords and agents through the HMO Licensing Scheme, Landlord Registration and Dundee Landlord Accreditation, it is much more difficult to communicate with tenants and particularly the most vulnerable tenants who will often move home on a regular basis.

We encouraging tenants to complete an online or telephone survey that launched last month and runs until 18th June. Submitted questionnaires will be subsequently analysed by Generation Rent and the outcome of the project nationally, used to identify best practice.

You can access the survey here.

Blether Bus - an update #dundeewestend

As recently reported in the Courier and Evening Telegraph, a number of residents have asked me when the Blether Bus service that was suspended at the start of the COVID-19 health emergency can return. It has take longer to bring back as it uses small mini-buses and that's a challenge with social distancing still in place.

The City Council's Team Leader, Parking and Sustainable Transport has now updated me as follows :

"My colleague has been in discussion with the team at Fleet Management and we are targeting a date during the school summer holidays for the return of Blether Bus services. We hope this can be achieved.

We are also watching the public health advice for bus travel carefully, conscious of the age of the client group and the limited space within the minibuses for physical distancing.

When we have a firm date for the return of the Blether Bus services we will communicate this with all elected members within whose wards the services operate. We will also liaise with colleagues in the communications team to discuss how we can best publicise the return of the services to passengers."

I will, of course, keep residents updated.

Getting things done - Tay Rail Bridge Disaster memorial #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted to me that the area around the Tay Rail Bridge Disaster memorial on Riverside Drive is badly in need of weeding.

I therefore asked environment management in the City Council to carry this out and it was promptly tidied up although I have asked for it to be completed so it is neater and the surrounding area given a tidy too.

Harris Academy : The First Pupils

The Dundee City Archives blog has a great article about the very first pupils who attended Harris Academy after it was first established in 1885.

This can be read here.

Riverside West End FC - Riverside 2011s

 

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 7 JUNE 2021

Step Row – closed for its entire length for street lighting column replacement from Monday 7 June for 5 days.

Forthcoming Roadworks

City Fibre H3G Project – rolling road closures commencing on Tuesday 15 June for 7 weeks.  Rankine Street (full length) – closed from Tuesday 15 June for 10 days:  Horsewater Wynd closed southbound from Monday 28 June for 4 days:  West Marketgait (Hawkhill to Ward Road) – closed northbound from Monday 28 June for 2 days:  Lochee Road (Cleghorn Street to Tullideph Road) closed from Tuesday 29 June for 4 days:  West Marketgait (South Ward Road to Argyllgait) – closed southbound from Wednesday 30 June for 2 days.  Closures of Lochee Road (Dudhope Terrace to Black Street), Polepark Road, Cleghorn Street, Brewery Lane, Session Street, Brown Street, Argyllgait and South Ward Road to follow in July.

Update from Bonnie Dundee!

 

Getting things done - Lochee Park #dundeewestend

A number of residents have said it would be a great boon for Lochee Park to have a multi-use games area (MUGA). These are now provided in various locations in the city and would be of real benefit in Lochee Park.

I therefore took up the matter with environment management at the City Council and indeed raised it at the council's Neighbourhood Services Committee.

The Service Manager - Environment has updated me as follows :

"While in agreement that the addition of a MUGA would potentially be an asset to Lochee Park, we do not have capital monies available to fund such a project currently.

Funds are focused on health and safety, balanced with need and level of use throughout all wards. We will of course keep it on our radar to explore feasibility in the future."

I have responded asking that Lochee Park is considered in future capital programmes for a multi-use games area and will continue to pursue this.

Temporary Traffic Order - City 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 duct repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in City Road (westbound between Tullideph Place and Logie Street), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Sunday 6 June 2021 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Tullideph Road / Lochee Road / Logie Street.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Ashbank Road #dundeewestend

Numerous residents have contacted me this week about the overflowing bottle bank in Ashbank Road.

I therefore asked environment management to have it emptied and the surrounding area tidied ASAP. 

Temporary Traffic Order - Step Row

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 street lighting column replacement works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Step Row (for its entire length), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 7th June 2021 for five working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Access for residents will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available Perth Road / Patons Lane / Magdalen Yard Road / Thomson Street .

For further information contact 433168.

Executive Director

City Development Department

Dundee City Council

Roseangle Kitchen Cafe - thrift shop!

Just a reminder that the Roseangle Kitchen Cafe thrift shop is still open weekdays from 10.30am to 3.15pm until this Friday, 4th June.

Items include clothing, bedding, toys, bric a brac, books and shoes!

The thrift shop is at the cafe within Dundee West Church's halls at 132 Perth Road.

Al-Maktoum College Virtual Open Day

From Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education :

Zoom into a world of exciting career opportunities and new horizons at the Al-Maktoum College Virtual Open Day on Wednesday 2nd June from 4pm to 6pm.

You’ll have the opportunity to chat with current students about what to expect in studying at Alm College.

Our admissions team and academic teaching staff will also be on hand to answer any questions throughout the event.

You can sign up here.

Friends of Wighton - latest update

The next Friends of Wighton Lunchtime Recital is on Wednesday 2nd June - 1.15pm - 1.45pm

Friends of Wighton stalwart Sheena Wellington will be the guest in the Lunchtime Recital. 

The well-known local singer needs little introduction but promises to bring along some ballads, some stories and perhaps, some fun!

Sheena Wellington is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Lunchtime Recital

Time: Jun 2, 2021 01:00 PM Greenwich Mean Time

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83719821692?pwd=TENDTzV0QXJXelliUnQ0M0NVY1g3UT09

Meeting ID: 837 1982 1692

Passcode: 548311

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 29 AND SUNDAY 30 MAY 2021

Wright Avenue – overnight (7.00pm to 7.30am) temporary traffic lights on Saturday 29 May for telecoms mast replacement.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 31 MAY 2021

BT Cable Renewal Programme – rolling off peak temporary traffic lights at various locations for 2 weeks – streets affected in order are: Strathmore Avenue (at Hospital Street); Loons Road (at Gardner Street); Logie Street (at Ancrum Road); Glamis Road (at Ancrum Road); City Road (at Pentland Avenue); Charleston Drive (at Yarrow Terrace); Glamis Road (at Elmwood Road); Blackness Road (at Seymour Street) and Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane).

Perth Road (at Riverside Drive) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 17 May for 2 weeks for kerbing work.

City Road (Tullideph Place to Logie Street) – closed westbound on Sunday 6 June for BT work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Step Row – closed for its entire length for street lighting column replacement from Monday 7 June for 5 days.

Getting things done - Milnbank Road at the corner of Easson's Angle #dundeewestend

Following residents' concerns about road safety and the speed of a minority of vehicles in Milnbank Road at the corner of Easson's Angle , I raised this with the City Council's roads team.

The Senior Engineer – Traffic & Road Safety has now advised as follows :

"A speed survey was undertaken in the summer of 2015 on Milnbank Road just west of Easson's Angle. The average speed was recorded as 24mph with the majority of drivers travelling at or below the speed limit.

As this survey was over five years ago, I will arrange for another one to be undertaken. Please be aware that because of the two national lockdowns there is a significant backlog of surveys and with limited staff and resources I cannot give you a date for when this survey will be undertaken. 

Any records of speeding will be forwarded onto Police Scotland, who are responsible for enforcing the speed limits, to allow them to provide targeted enforcement as required. 

There have been no recorded injury accidents at this location over the last five years, 2016 to 2020.  However, I will arrange for a site survey to be undertaken to determine if any appropriate measures can be introduced."

Logie : Scotland’s First Council House Scheme - an online event #dundeewestend

The Friends of Dundee City Archives are doing an online talk via Zoom about the history of the Logie housing scheme on Thursday 3rd June at 1pm.

Sarah Aitken, Assistant Archivist at Dundee City Archives, will speak about Dundee's pioneering Council Housing Scheme at Logie - the first of its kind in Scotland.

Find out why the site at Logie was chosen, why Dundee was the first council to build homes and who were the first people to live in those homes.

You can book your attendance here.

Getting things done - Park Place #dundeewestend

I have recently had numerous concerns from residents about the state of the bins in Park Place, near to the junction with the West Port.

These are not all council bins for residents' use but there are also commercial bins there for business use.

The City Council's Enforcement Officer in Community Safety and Protection has been very proactive and helpful in response to my raising this and her latest update is as follows :

"Having visited the location over the past few weeks to monitor the situation, I would advise that domestic waste was being left at the trade bins.   In line with restrictions at this time, these businesses were closed and waste uplifts suspended.

I requested operations attend to remove the excess waste and clear the litter/debris from the over-full bins.

I also spoke to the businesses about securing their bins to prevent this happening again.

Following contact from one of the businesses, I contacted NWH who have removed a bin that was still on a suspended contract due to the business not trading and when I visited (most recently) the bins were orderly and there was no excess waste. 

I will continue to monitor the area and take appropriate action."

Bus service X54 – an update #dundeewestend

Residents have been in touch with me about the decision by Stagecoach to currently suspend bus service X54 as far as its route west of the City Centre goes. This is concerning as it removes the service from the most westerly part of the Perth Road.

I took this up with the City Council’s Team Leader, Parking & Sustainable Transport who has now advised me as follows :

“I have spoken to the commercial manager at Stagecoach East Scotland who has confirmed the 'temporary' suspension of X54 between the city centre and Ninewells.

The longer term future of this express service will depend on passenger numbers returning to something like pre-pandemic levels. If this does not happen, it is possible that Stagecoach will curtail the X54 service in the city centre and passengers travelling from Fife will be advised to change buses for onward connections to Ninewells.

If that scenario were to happen, the commercial manager has indicated it is possible that Stagecoach East Scotland may then consider diverting another bus service (e.g. Service 39) so that some journeys serve the most westerly section of the Perth Road.”

I have asked to be kept updated as the loss of the X54 service is of real concern in this part of the Perth Road given the dearth of bus services there.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 24 MAY 2021

BT Cable Renewal Programme – rolling off peak temporary traffic lights at various locations for 2 weeks – streets affected in order are: Strathmore Avenue (at Hospital Street); Loons Road (at Gardner Street); Logie Street (at Ancrum Road); Glamis Road (at Ancrum Road); City Road (at Pentland Avenue); Charleston Drive (at Yarrow Terrace); Glamis Road (at Elmwood Road); Blackness Road (at Seymour Street) and Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane).

Perth Road (at Riverside Drive) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 17 May for 2 weeks for kerbing work.

Glamis Drive (Glamis Road to Hazel Drive) – closed on Wednesday 26 May for Scottish Water work.

Wright Avenue – overnight (7.00pm to 7.30am) temporary traffic lights on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 May for telecoms mast replacement.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Step Row – closed for its entire length for street lighting column replacement from Monday 7 June for 5 days.

Getting things done - Perth Road #dundeewestend

Similarly to recent flooding at the bottom of Roseangle due to a blocked gully, a similar situation has recently existed on the Perth Road on its north side near to the bottom of Seymour Street.     See photo below.

I therefore asked the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership to take appropriate action with a gully machine to resolve the issue here too.

I have since received the following helpful feedback :

"An order has been raised for the gully machine to attend."

Temporary traffic order - Glamis 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 Scottish Water ironwork repairs being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Glamis Drive (between Hillside Road and Glamis Road), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Wednesday 26 May 2021 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Glamis Road / Perth Road / Invergowrie Drive / Glamis Drive.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee

                    

Blether Tay-Gither is the Dundee Storytelling Group.

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

Hope you can join us for our May Blether on Zoom

Tuesday 25th May – 7pm to 9pm

This month's theme for those who want a theme is is Gardens but feel free to share any story, poem or song you would like to share.  We're very informal and not at all strict.   Limit 10 mins max please. 

There's no shortage of tales about what goes on in the gardens of Scotland. It is often the dwelling place for all sorts of odd creatures, as well as the setting for moments of romance, deception, and intrigue; and sometimes all those wrapped up together.

Join us at Blether this May to share a tale or just have a listen. We are a welcome and forgiving bunch so please feel at ease to share a tale.

Topic: Blether Tay-Gither Monthly Storytelling Club
Time: May 25, 2021 07:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83501190059

Meeting ID: 835 0119 0059 

Hope to see you there!

Getting things done - Clayhills Drive #dundeewestend

I have recently received residents' concerns about the need for repairs to the roads surface in Clayhills Drive - see photos below.

I therefore raised this with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership, requesting repairs and have been promised that an Order for pothole repairs to be carried out has now been raised.

Getting things done - Roseangle #dundeewestend

There has recently been significant flooding at the south end of Roseangle - see photo below.

I was therefore in touch with the Roads Maintenance Partnership to get this rather recurring issue resolved and was promised that a gully machine would be used to ensure the gullys are cleared and run free.

Getting things done - Riverside Drive #dundeewestend

In recent weeks, I have had repeated concerns from residents about the full bins and extent of litter on Riverside Drive, particularly the stretch from the Bridgeview Station restaurant in the west to the V&A in the east.

I raised this again with environment management at the City Council and have received the following helpful response :

"As you know this area has saw a dramatic increase in footfall over the last year, particularly during periods of lock down. At the weekend the bins and litter picking would traditionally be on a route which covers quite a number of areas in the west end of the city and it was often the afternoon when it arrived at Riverside.

To try and alleviate the litter issues that are now occurring, over the last few weekends we have deployed an additional member of staff, who starts at the V&A/Slessor Gardens and works out to Riverside and Magdelen Green. This is an additional resource and not a replacement of the existing service. Depending on when the picture was taken it my have been that they had not arrived at Bridgeview, the lighter evenings mean that people are staying out later, creating additional work for us in the morning.

There are also 2 additional litter bins to be installed at Bridgeview, which is where most of the complaints occur.

We will continue to monitor the situation to see if there are any further improvements we can make."

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 17 MAY 2021

BT Cable Renewal Programme – rolling off‑peak temporary traffic lights at various location from Monday 26 April for 2 weeks – streets affected in order are: Strathmore Avenue (at Hospital Street); Loons Road (at Gardner Street); Logie Street (at Ancrum Road); Glamis Road (at Ancrum Road); City Road (at Pentland Avenue); Charleston Drive (at Yarrow Terrace); Glamis Road (at Elmwood Road); Blackness Road (at Seymour Street) and Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane).

Perth Road (at Riverside Drive) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 17 May for 2 weeks for kerbing work.

Forthcoming Road Works

Glamis Drive (Glamis Road to Hazel Drive) – closed on Wednesday 26 May for Scottish Water work.

Step Row – closed for its entire length for street lighting column replacement from Monday 7 June for 5 days.

The Nature of Empire – Decolonising the D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum

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

The Nature of Empire – Decolonising the D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum - being presented on Wednesday 26th May from 6pm to 7.15pm

Like many natural history museums, D’Arcy Thompson’s zoology collection was largely acquired during the colonial era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Many of the museum’s specimens come from colonies and dominions of the British Empire as well as the colonies of other European countries.

Often, these animals were killed by trophy hunters or by the agents of professional natural history dealers who exploited other countries in order to collect animals for profit.

Some of the specimens in the museum are from species that are now extinct or endangered because of colonial activity, and the scientific research that such specimens were collected for often reinforced racist or colonial beliefs.

This live online event explores some of the previously hidden stories of the museum’s connections to empire, slavery and racism, as part of an on-going project to decolonise the collections. We are also delighted to welcome guest speakers to provide further context to the project.

Speakers –

Matthew Jarron, Curator of Museum Services at the University of Dundee

Philomène Dubrun, MPhil student in Museum & Gallery Studies at the University of St Andrews

Sheila Asante, Project Manager for Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums at Museums Galleries Scotland

Rebecca Machin, Natural Sciences Curator at Leeds Museums & Galleries and a PhD student at the University of Leeds

The event is free and places can be booked here.

Getting things done - Blackness Avenue #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted to me recently that the road markings from the top of Blackness Avenue, from the junction with Blackness Road, south to just around the bend in the road by Hillcrest Road, are very worn.

There is a ‘hatchet” section in the middle of the road that has almost completely disappeared.

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

"An order has been raised for these road markings to be refreshed as soon as is feasible."

Getting things done - Riverside Drive #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted with me the fact that the railings at the walkway and steps over the rail line at Riverside Drive, just south of Newhall Gardens/the Botanic Garden, are badly in need of repainting.

I have raised this with the City Council asking that necessary liaison takes place with Network Rail to get this attended to.

Getting things done - West Park Road #dundeewestend

During the significant snowfall in early February, as part of the snow clearance effort on West Park Road, a JCB was used to remove much of the build up of snow.

Regrettably, as residents have since pointed out to me, the JCB caused some damage to the road surface.

The damaged part of West Park Road is mainly at the junction of Westpark Gardens and Norwood Terrace.

I have since raised this with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and it has been agreed that a site inspection will take place to check the extent of damage and then get repairs undertaken.

Better pothole repairs! #dundeewestend

Dundee City Council currently has on loan a demonstration model of a new pothole repair system “JCB Road Mender” and yesterday, along with some council colleagues I attended a demo of the system in action, repairing potholes in Newhall Gardens.

I was very impressed with both the speed and quality of repair – the quality can be seen in the second photo below.    

There’s obviously a significant cost in purchasing new plant like this but the quality of repair is very good indeed and certainly worthy of consideration within the council’s capital programme.

Getting things done - Victoria Park - an update #dundeewestend

 

Residents may recall that recently I advised that a local resident recently reported as follows to me :

"We went to visit play park in Victoria Park this afternoon. Wanted to use baby swing.

I obviously had a young child with me and my adult daughter who is a power chair user.

We were unable to access the play park as no designated access path.

Grass very wet, not pram or wheelchair friendly."

I had taken this issue up with the City Council's environment management and a senior service manager agreed to take this matter up.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 10 MAY 2021

BT Cable Renewal Programme – rolling off peak temporary traffic lights at various location from Monday 26 April for 2 weeks – streets affected in order are:  Strathmore Avenue (at Hospital Street); Loons Road (at Gardner Street); Logie Street (at Ancrum Road); Glamis Road (at Ancrum Road); City Road (at Pentland Avenue); Charleston Drive (at Yarrow Terrace); Glamis Road (at Elmwood Road); Blackness Road (at Seymour Street) and Perth Road (at Pennycook Lane).

Ninewells Avenue (Perth Road to Ninewells Drive) – closed northbound from Monday 10 May for 5 days for new cycle lane and surfacing work.

Forthcoming Road Works

Glamis Drive (Glamis Road to Hazel Drive) – closed on Wednesday 26 May for Scottish Water work.

Temporary Traffic Order - Ninewells 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 new cycle lane and surfacing works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Ninewells Avenue (northbound between Perth Road and Ninewells Drive), Dundee

This notice comes into effect on Monday 10 May 2021 for 5 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes are available via Perth Road / Glamis Road / Ninewells Avenue.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Green Health Week 2021

The Dundee Green Health Week 2021 managed by Green Health Partnership Dundee runs from today until 16th May and details can be found here. 

There will be over 50 activities all designed to improve people's mental, physical and social wellbeing.

Green Health Week coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week.

Activities will be online but also in person.    All activities are free, booking is essential.

Today sees the launch a series of self-led activities to download as well as a variety of videos about the health benefits of being outdoors created by NHS staff, how to form new health habits by University of Dundee and Iowa State University staff; Biodiversity, Climate Change and Sustainability (by Dundee City Council staff), Joe - a boy from Lochee who gardens at Fruitbowls, and more!

There's something here for everyone 🙂

Getting things done - Brown Street #dundeewestend

Residents will be aware that the creation of the new bus lane at the West Port roundabout from West Marketgait into Hawkhill has resulted in a new road layout at the Brown Street junction (and no right turn into Brown Street from the West Marketgait direction).

As has been pointed out to me :

"This has removed the give way markings from the turning that comes off the Hawkhill when you on to Brown Street.   It has resulted in cars taking that corner which is partially blind due to the hedges at speed.

In the period since layout has been in place, I have seen a handful of cars having to swerve or stop/slow suddenly due to pedestrians crossing as they come out of the flats opposite Duke's Corner or cross the other way."

This is a very valid point and I raised it with the City Council.     

The Transportation Officer (Road Safety) in the Traffic & Road Safety Team has now helpfully updated me as follows :

"I have ordered a slow marking to be installed on the slip road, and a new road layout ahead temporary sign. 

These shall be installed as soon as Tayside Contracts can get them programmed.

I will also continue to monitor the location."

Vote Scottish Liberal Democrat today!

Willie Rennie and the Scottish Liberal Democrats have run a positive campaign in the Scottish Parliamentary election, putting recovery first.

Please support Daniel Coleman, Scottish Liberal Democrat, today for Dundee City West on the lilac coloured ballot paper and the Scottish Liberal Democrats on the peach coloured ballot paper for North East Scotland.

My many thanks!

Getting things done - Miller's Wynd car park #dundeewestend

I have over a period of time received concerns from residents about the poor performing floodlights in the Miller's Wynd car park that have not been functioning properly.

I have raised this with the Team Leader, Parking & Sustainable Transport, at the City Council, who has now updated me as follows :

"My colleague from the Street Lighting Partnership went out to the Miller's Wynd car park to assess the situation.

He reported that while there is power to the lighting column that holds the floodlights, it is difficult to access because of the trees and therefore almost impossible to replace the lanterns safely.

He has recommended an alternative lighting solution (new column, new floodlights, new location) which he thinks would be more effective in bringing the car park lighting up to the expected standard and allow for future maintenance.

I have asked for a cost for the work and funds allowing will propose that we implement the new plan over the summer."

Temporary Traffic Order - Perth Road

From the City Council :

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of Scottish Water manhole repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Perth Road (between Hyndford Street and Windsor Street), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Wednesday 5 May 2021 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Glamis Road / Blackness Road / Blackness Avenue.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council