Harris Academy FP Hockey Club Open Day today #dundeewestend

“Doors Open Days” this weekend!

Today and tomorrow sees Dundee’s contribution to “Doors Open Days” with thanks to the Dundee Institute of Architects who has coordinated the weekend’s events.

There are over 40 venues opening their doors this year with many favourites returning and some new venues such as NCR Discovery Centre tour. 

Avertical World is opening its doors to show off their exhilarating re-use of a former church building and University of Dundee School of Medicine who are hosting a fantastically informative Open Day at Ninewells Hospital. 

There are four walking tours this year.    Local eminent Architect and Town Planner Joe Dagen is guiding participants through a walk of hidden gems by the Architect WG Lamond; a tour of the lesser known areas of interest in Broughty Ferry by the Abertay Historical Society Fieldwork Division; a tour of Broughty Ferry’s public art installations and related locations of art interest by University of Dundee’s Matthew Jarron and a tour of the Verdant Works and Scouring Burn by Mark Watson of Historic Environment Scotland.

There are a number of exquisite churches with interiors that are hidden gems and deserve more exposure. The Dundee Art Society will exhibit its collection and there will be opportunities to sneek behind the scenes at Dundee City Archives, The McManus Collections Unit and even backstage at the Caird Hall and the Little Theatre.   ‘Doors Open Days’ celebrates the people and buildings of the city so please take this opportunity find out what happens behind closed doors at the Sheriff Court and visit the cells; meet local fire crews, teachers, artists and actors.

‘Doors Open Days’ caters for all ages with each venue offering something different, interesting and often unseen.  Find out all you can see this weekend here.

Ninewells Community Garden event #dundeewestend

Tomorrow - Saturday 14th September - from 10am-12.30pm - there will be a Herbal Workshop at Ninewells Community Garden. 

£5 suggested donation. 

Booking is essential so please contact - facilitator.ninewellsgarden@gmail.com

Temporary Traffic Order - Oxford Street

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 crane lifting works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Oxford Street (from Elliot Road to Eton Street), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Thursday 12 September 2019 for 1 day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes are available via Elliot Road / Cambridge Street / Eton Street.

For further information contact 433082.

Head of Roads and Transportation

Dundee City Council

Art for All event tonight

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

Dundee has an exceptional collection of over 500 sculptures, murals, mosaics and other forms of public art. Since 2018, the University of Dundee Museum Services have been leading a major project to research, catalogue and promote this unique resource. 

The exhibition Art for All in the Lamb Gallery showcases photographs of artworks past and present as well as unique behind-the-scenes material such as models, design sketches and installation images, revealing the pioneering story of public art in Dundee.

To accompany the exhibition we have a series of walking tours and other events, and this includes a talk tonight at 6.30pm by curator Matthew Jarron on the history of public art in Dundee, in association with Abertay Historical Society 

It takes place in Lecture Theatre 2, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee (booking not required) – all welcome.

West End Community Council meeting tonight #dundeewestend

The Community Council meets this evening at Logie St John's (Cross) Church Hall at 7pm - all residents welcome!   

Here's the agenda :

WEST END  COMMUNITY  COUNCIL  MEETING

TUESDAY 10th SEPTEMBER 2019  AT  7.00PM

LOGIE  AND ST JOHN`S (CROSS)  PARISH  CHURCH  HALL

(ENTER FROM  SHAFTESBURY  TERRACE  -  OFF  BLACKNESS  AVENUE)

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

2. MINUTE OF MEETING JUNE 11TH  2019 AND  MATTERS  ARISING

3. CORRESPONDENCE

4. POLICE SCOTLAND UPDATE

5. PERTH ROAD PLACEMAKING PROJECT UPDATE

6. CHANGES TO LOCAL BUS ROUTES

7. WEST END PARKING UPDATE 

8. PLANNING  UPDATE 

9. COMMUNITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2019

10. OTHER MEETINGS ATTENDED ON BEHALF OF WECC

11. AOCB – MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INPUT

12. DATE  OF  NEXT  MEETING – TUESDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2019 

Light refreshments will be provided.

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2019

Oxford Street (Elliot Road to Eton Street) – closed on Thursday 12 September for BT pole replacement works.

Getting things done - Pentland #dundeewestend

Residents in Pentland Crescent and Pentland Avenue have asked me why they currently do not get offered a brown bin garden waste collection.

I raised this with the City Council and received the following positive response from the Service Manager - Waste Management in Neighbourhood Services :

" ... neither Pentland Avenue or Crescent appear on our current brown bin routes.

However, going forward, I can't see any reason why they would be excluded. 

I'll discuss with the routing team to ensure they are sent appropriate information prior to the permitting scheme going live so they can participate if they so wish. 

This would also be the case for flats."

While it is good that a brown bin collection will be offered in the future, this clearly will not be the case until the £35 charge per bin is introduced in March 2020.

I reiterate that introducing a charge for recycling garden waste is a retrograde step that will not help the city reach its recycling targets.

Getting things done - Hawkhill #dundeewestend

Following residents' complaints as to how overgrown the Hawkhill is on its north side east of the Bellfield Street junction, I have raised this with the City Council :

I have also raised the need to tidy and remove litter on Hawkhill on its south side at the top of the Pennycook car park.

Miller's Wynd car park update #dundeewestend

Following the recent opening of the West End Community Fridge, I have been in further discussion with the Service Manager - Environment in the council's Neighbourhood Services to get the promised improvements at the Miller's Wynd car park undertaken.

I am therefore pleased to have been advised that the walling repairs and removal of weeds have now taken place :

Dundee Cyclathon – A fun cycling event for the whole family!

Getting things done - Paton's Lane #dundeewestend

Following complaints from residents about the state of the pathway at the north end of Paton's Lane that runs to Perth Road - including weeds and dumped shopping trolleys - I raised this with the City Council and the Area Manager in Neighbourhood Services' Environmental Management Section has since advised :

"The path has been treated with weedkiller and the shopping trolleys ... removed."

Friends of Wighton - latest update

With thanks to Sheena Wellington, here's the latest update from Friends of Wighton with its next event tomorrow :

Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library 

Wednesday 4th September : 1.15pm – 1.45pm.  

Lunchtime Recital with Claire Garabedian, cello

Dr Claire Garabedian, is a professional cellist specialising in historical performance, a Certified Music Practitioner (USA), and an experienced researcher focusing on the effects of the arts on people with dementia/people. 

She has presented her work throughout the UK, Europe and the USA, including at the Hay Literature Festival and on BBC Radio 4. 

Claire will play an engaging combination of familiar and perhaps unfamiliar classical and Scottish music. 

Admission free but donations welcome.

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 2 SEPTEMBER 2019

Lochee Road (Polepark to Gardner's Lane) – overnight (9.00pm – 6.00am) eastbound closure on Monday 2 September for BT works.

Dundee Age Concern Gala Fun Day!

One World Centre AGM - all welcome!

WestFest AGM - all welcome #dundeewestend

Temporary Traffic Order - Lochee Road (overnight only)

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 Lochee Road (eastbound from Polepark Road to Gardner’s Lane), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 2 September 2019 for 1 night (9pm to 6am).

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes are available via Polepark Road / Brook Street / Guthrie Street / Horsewater Wynd / Hawkhill / West Marketgait.

For further information contact 433082.

Head of Roads and Transportation

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Ancrum Drive #dundeewestend

I recently received concerns from residents about the state of the area around the lock-ups in Ancrum Drive.

These are managed by Hillcrest Housing Association and, having contacted the association, I have been advised that it has agreed to :

• Strim back overgrown weeds around the site

• Remove graffiti from two garage doors

• Attend to leaking downpipe and clean out gutters 

Ninewells Community Garden event #dundeewestend

This Thursday - 29th August - from 12 noon to 2pm at Ninewells Community Garden :

Let's Eat: Beans! 

All welcome - come and join the team for some tasty bean burgers!  

The theme for this month is beans - broad, runner, french, fine, kidney, baked - green, purple or red!  

Volunteer Christina Howie will show how to prepare one of her favourite bean recipes - please do bring along a recipe, or some food to share - with our without beans! 

At 1pm there will be a visit from the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service to talk about how to stay safe while cooking outdoors.  

A chance to learn some new ideas for the kitchen and catch up with garden friends old and new.

The third in a series of monthly healthy lunches and recipe swaps.  

Many thanks to the Community Growing Fund for supporting this project.

All welcome, no booking required.

Blackness General Economic Development Area - consultation event

Later this week, City Council planners will commence consulting on their proposed Design Framework for the future development of the Blackness General Economic Development Area (GEDA).

The proposed framework will be subject to a six week consultation, which will start with a drop-in event at Verdant Works.

The Blackness GEDA drop-in event will take place at Verdant Works this Thursday (29th August) from 12 noon to 7pm.

Planning officers will be on hand to outline the proposed Design Framework, discuss any issues and to gather any thoughts and ideas from those who attend.

Further information on the event is available here.

Meal Makers in Dundee

Meal Makers is an excellent service provided Food Train.   Food Train is an innovative volunteer led grocery shopping delivery service in Dundee and elsewhere in Scotland which brings vital fresh food to vulnerable older people in need.   You can read more about Food Train in Dundee here.

The Meal Makers service that Food Train also manages is a local neighbourhood food-sharing project that connects people who love cooking, and who are happy to share an extra portion of home cooked food, with an older neighbour who would really appreciate a freshly prepared meal and a friendly chat.

By turning an everyday activity into a volunteering opportunity, Meal Makers strengthens connections within communities and provides a flexible way for people to volunteer their time and skills locally in a way which suits them.

If you know an older person (55+ years) who could benefit from a home cooked meal and some company once a week then please call Meal Makers on 0800 783 7770.    

Further information about Meal Makers is available here.

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 24 AND SUNDAY 25 AUGUST 2019

West Marketgait (northbound at student accommodation) – lane closure on Sunday 25 August for window cleaning.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Lochee Road (Polepark to Gardner’s Lane) – overnight (9.00pm – 6.00am) eastbound closure on Monday 2 September for BT works.

Friends of Wighton update ...

From Sheena Wellington :

Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library

Tomorrow - Saturday 24th August

Cappuccino Concert with Just 3Folk - 11am (doors open 10.30am)

To kick off the autumn season at the Wighton we are delighted to welcome back, fresh from their successful concert series at the Edinburgh Fringe, Just 3Folk.

Liz Crawford, Maggie Douglas and Anne Hamilton are a three-part harmony folk singing trio, accompanying traditional and contemporary songs with guitar, banjo and ukulele. 

Sing along or sit back, relax and be entertained in a lively, friendly atmosphere.

Old favourites, new songs and some surprises with a healthy sprinkling of information about the songs.

 Tickets £5 (tea/coffee available for small donation).

Swallow roundabout improvements - an update

Further to the concerns in yesterday's "Courier" about safety at the Swallow roundabout that borders the West End Ward, Lochee Ward and the Perth and Kinross council boundary, I have had requests asking about progress with improvements to the road network here.

The council's Head of Planning and Economic Development has advised me :

"The Swallow junction is on the A90 trunk road and is therefore the responsibility of Transport Scotland/BEAR.    The Council has been involved in the consideration of the proposals to upgrade it to accommodate the housing developments being built to the west of Dundee at Dykes of Gray Road.

As you will be aware, planning permission was granted for these developments subject to a condition requiring the upgrading of the Swallow junction.  Planning permission was subsequently applied for and granted for works to upgrade the existing roundabout to a signalised junction similar to that at Myrekirk.  The main developer (Springfield Properties) intend to carry out the improvement works themselves in conjunction with Transport Scotland/BEAR.

The developer had previously advised the Council of the intention to commence works to improve the junction in May of this year.  However, an issue over the ownership of a section of land has delayed progress.  The works will commence once this issue has been resolved.  If the land ownership issue cannot be resolved timeously, the developer has indicated that the proposals will be amended to allow them to carry out the required improvements to the junction."

Exhibition at the Botanic Garden #dundeewestend

Dundee artist Pauline Lavery currently has an exhibition at Dundee Botanic Garden in the visitor centre.   This exhibition focuses on her Dundee paintings and there is also craftwork, cards and calendars.

Pauline creates her drawing and painting using several media and enjoys working in acrylics, watercolours and colouring pencils.   She is also a skilled felt-maker and creates felted jewellery, bags and scarves.

The exhibition titled "My Dundee" runs until Sunday 25th August during the normal summer opening times of the Botanic Garden.

Dundee Cycling Forum

Logie & St John's (Cross) Messy Church - all welcome!

Seabraes - looking superb again this year! #dundeewestend

I have highlighted over the years the superb job the City Council made of Seabraes planting each year.  

  

2019 is again no exception - see below - a real credit to the City Council’s environment team in Neighbourhood Services :

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 17 AND SUNDAY 18 AUGUST 2019

Kirsty Semple Way – closed on Saturday 17 August for crane lifting operations.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Lochee Road (Polepark to Gardeners Lane) – overnight (9.00pm – 6.00am) eastbound closure on Monday 2 September for BT works.

Cycletastic Funday at Victoria Park #dundeewestend

Temporary Traffic Order - Kirsty Semple Way

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 crane lifting works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Kirsty Semple Way (from the north side of its junction with Tom McDonald Way to its junction with James Arrott Drive), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on 17th August 2019 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Charleston Drive / Dickson Avenue / Ninewells Avenue / Tom McDonald Avenue

For further information contact 433168.

Head of Roads and Transportation

City Development Department

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Peddie Street #dundeewestend

Residents recently raised with me the very overgrown grass in Peddie Street running alongside the industrial units.

I am grateful that the City Council has acted upon my request to have this tidied :

Before

After

Harris Education and Recreation Association - HERA new classes #dundeewestend

Here's the details of the upcoming evening classes from HERA - together with information about enrolment night - click on the images below to enlarge and also more details are available here :

Surgeries start again on Thursday! #dundeewestend

With the school summer holidays for pupils not ending until tomorrow, I don't have my usual surgeries at Harris Academy and Mitchell Street Centre today, but surgeries start again with my Thursday one at Blackness Primary School (staff room) on Thursday at 6.15pm.

Details of my three weekly surgeries are below :

Mitchell Street Centre (The Base) - Mitchell Street. Mondays - 4.20 pm prompt (except school holidays)

Harris Academy (Reception) - Perth Road. Mondays - 4.50 pm prompt (except school holidays) 

Blackness Primary School (Staff Room on ground floor) - Pennycook Lane. Thursdays - 6.15 pm prompt (except school holidays)

Boccia Festival - a great event for the over 50s!

From Dundee Voluntary Action :

The Boccia Festival is taking place tomorrow - Monday - between 10.30am and 1.30pm at DISC.  

If you have never played Boccia before, come along and have a go!  Suitable for beginners.  Boccia can be played standing up or sitting down and ramps can be provided if you have a limited strength or range of movement. 

Remember, we have OPEN Funded Boccia equipment available for loan to over 55s, so this would be a good opportunity to learn how to use it.  We are also keen to start a new Boccia League for interested people.

Individuals and teams of 3 welcome.  You can register in advance or just come along on the day, but come along a little earlier so we can get you registered.   We need to know your name and age and if you consent to photos.

If you require transport, please get in touch on 305745 first thing tomorrow.  Refreshments and lunch provided.

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 10 AND SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019

West Marketgait (at Ward Road) – southbound offside lane closure on Saturday 10 August (9.30am - 3.30pm) for Scottish Water work.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 12 AUGUST 2019

Kirsty Semple Way – closed on Saturday 17 August for crane lifting operations.

Riverside Drive (Tesco main roundabout to Tesco service roundabout) – off-peak (9.30am - 3.30pm) lane closure in both directions from Tuesday 13 August for 4 days for street lighting works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Abbotsford Street (junction with Blackness Road) – closed for one week from Monday 5 August for footway works on Blackness Road.

Riverside Nature Park event - Sunday #dundeewestend

Earlier this week, I highlighted a Riverside Nature Park event this Saturday.    

There is also an event on Sunday and all residents are welcome at both :

New service available in Dundee: Family Sustainment Service

The Family Sustainment Service aims to support families in private rented accommodation who are having financial difficulties and have or are at risk of accruing rent arrears. 

The service advises :

"Living with poverty can make family life very hard. Parenting can be stressful and, without financial resources, it can feel like an uphill struggle for our families. When poverty is combined with poor mental health, domestic abuse, drug and alcohol problems, trauma from your own childhood and/or learning disabilities then the ability to hold a family together can feel almost impossible.

Working in partnership with the DWP, Dundee City Council, Shelter and Safe Deposit Scotland, the purpose of this service is to support these families, ensure landlords receive all monies due to them and to ultimately prevent homelessness and the trauma that goes with this."

Further details below :

Riverside Nature Park event - Saturday #dundeewestend

Pentland steps replacement - update from Dundee City Council

I have been advised of the following by the City Council :

"...we recently carried out work to replace steps at Pentland Avenue/Pentland Crescent. 

Work carried out on some of the steps has not been completed to the high standards that were expected and so the contractor, TN Gilmartin, are going back from Monday to carry out remedial works.

We are expecting works to last approximately 3 weeks. 

Local residents are being notified of the additional work."

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 5 AUGUST 2019

West Marketgait (at Ward Road) – southbound offside lane closure on Saturday 10 August (9.30am - 3.30am) for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Kirsty Semple Way – closed on Saturday 17 August for crane lifting operations.

Abbotsford Street (junction with Blackness Road) – closed for one week from Monday 5 August for footway works on Blackness Road.

Voting - annual census canvass form

The City Council has reminded residents not to lose their democratic voice by making sure they complete and return the annual canvass form to their local Electoral Registration Office.

Forms, which ensure that anyone not on the Electoral Register can register to allow them to take part in future elections, were issued just over a week ago.

A spokesperson for the electoral registration office said :

“It is important that residents respond as soon as possible, so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Dundee.

“Check the form when it arrives and respond as soon as you can, and that way you will be certain you’ll be able to have your say at elections.

“If you’re not registered at the moment, your name will not appear on the form. If you want to register, the easiest way is at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote, or we’ll send you information in the post explaining how to do it.    In any case, you will still need to complete the form and send it back to us.”

People who have changed address recently are particularly encouraged to keep an eye out for the form and check the details when it arrives.

Any residents who have any questions can contact the electoral registration team at on 434444.

Temporary Traffic Order - Abbotsford Street

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 footway works being carried out (on Blackness Road) HEREBY PROHIBIT the ENTRY TO AND EXIT FROM Abbotsford Street (at its junction with Blackness Road),  Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on  Monday 5th August 2019 for one week.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via  Blackness Road / Seymour Street and reverse.

For further information contact 433168.  

Head of Roads and Transportation,

City Development Department,

Dundee City Council

Getting things done - Scott Street and Pentland #dundeewestend

Over a prolonged period, I have received complaints about the lack of maintenance of the slopes at the west end of Scott Street and on Pentland Avenue - see below :

Scott Street - west end

Pentland Avenue

I have raised this on numerous occasions with the City Council and the latest update I have received is from the new area environment manager and I am grateful for his helpful response and trust we will now see improvements to the situation here and also to the general grass maintenance of the Pentland area into the future :

"First of all regarding the ground at the top of Scott Street. Due to the steepness of the slope we do not cut the grass as we do not have anything capable that would manage and be legal under Health & Safety regulations. Part of it gets cut with a tractor mounted flail which we hire in, but it can only go so far in from the street, the rest was left to naturalise, but one person's naturalisation can be another person's mess. 

This could be something that can be looked at over the winter period to see if we can improve the appearance of the area and I will run a few ideas past our projects team.

The bankings at Pentland Avenue have a similar problem but approached in a different way. We have one machine that can manage to cut the grass on these bankings but it works City Wide. When I made enquiries I discovered that it was in the workshop and will be unlikely to be back in service this week. Depending where they are on their cycle, once it is repaired they should get to Pentland Avenue in no more than a couple of weeks.

I have discovered since taking on the West End that the whole Pentland/Saggar Street area is "challenging" due to the terrain. Our service revisions carried out at this time do not seem to have done us any favours in respect of this area. There is not a great deal we can do now that we are well into the grass cutting season and it would be difficult to change things, but I have already asked our quality and development section look at the grass cutting regimes in this area as I do not want to see the same level of complaints next year as I have had this year."