Thursday, 30 June 2016

Perth Road - bus arrangements from 4th July

Here are details of the Perth Road (east of Sinderins) bus arrangements from 4th July for the period the road is one way only (westbound) during Scottish Water's infrastructure improvement works :
You can read further details provided by Xplore Dundee here.

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

Ombudsman Customer Service Clinic


A customer service clinic is being held at the Overgate Shopping Centre on Thursday 30th June and Friday 1st July from 9am – 5pm to assist people unhappy with service they have received from a company or service.

Advisors from Ombudsman Services, the largest multi-sector ombudsman in the UK, will be on hand to hear complaints about products or services which are felt not to have been adequately handled by the company.  

Ombudsman Services are a not-for-profit organisation who operate at no cost to the public purse or to consumers, the companies who have agreed to work with us pay for our services.  We act as a mediator between consumers and companies and work with both sides to come to an amicable agreement where a problem has arisen. The decisions we make are legally binding on the company but the consumer maintains their right to take further legal action if they are not satisfied with the outcome.

People complain about a wide variety of things but, primarily, what we see is complaints about billing, people paying for a service they do not then actually receive.  The retail sector is where people experience the most problems, with 31% of all complaints being about that sector.  Energy providers and telecommunications companies, providing broadband, mobile phones contracts etc, also attract a significant number of complaints. 

We want to raise awareness of the services we provide and are holding a number of roadshows across Scotland to promote this.  By having a stand in busy shopping centres we hope to inform people about what we do as they go about their daily lives. 

Monday, 27 June 2016

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 27 JUNE 2016

Scottish Water Clatto East mains renewal – Mid Wynd closed.  South Tay Street closed northbound.  Perth Road (Hawkhill to Nethergate) and Nethergate (Perth Road to Union Street) - closed eastbound from Monday 4 July.

West Marketgait – nearside northbound lane closure at Ward Road for one week for BT cabling work.

A90 Kingsway (at Swallow roundabout) – overnight (7.30pm – 6.30am) offside northbound lane closure on Thursday 30 June for barrier repair.

Thomson Street – closed for one week for water service connection.

You can read the weekly road report for the whole of Dundee here.

Sunday, 26 June 2016

Dundee West Church Strawberry Fayre

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the Dundee West Church Strawberry Fayre.

It was extremely well-attended, as the photo (below) indicates and a really enjoyable way to spend Saturday morning!

Saturday, 25 June 2016

Garden, Allotment and Best Kept Close Competition

From Dundee City Council :
Whether you have a garden, window box, community space or a landing, there’s a category for you to enter in the Garden, Allotment and Best Kept Close Competitions.  They are a great way to get involved in your community and to encourage others, including schools, citizens and businesses, to take pride and interest in the city.

The annual Garden and Allotment competitions helped contribute towards Dundee being invited to represent Scotland in the RHS Britain in Bloom 2015 final. We were delighted that Dundee achieved a Silver Gilt Award and was overall winner in the City category. This was a fantastic achievement and opportunity for Dundee with extremely positive feedback from the Britain in Bloom judges.

The Best Kept Close Competition is new for 2016.  Why not ‘Take Pride’ in your local neighbourhood and work together with your neighbours to make your close the best kept in Dundee.

Competitions are free to enter and open to all within the Dundee City boundary.  For more details on how to enter please see the 2016 competition entry form here or contact Stephen O’Neill on 433104.

Friday, 24 June 2016

Another chance to see 'Drink! The Musical' : from Jericho House

Another chance to see the excellent production by producer Claire Bee with the cast from the service users and staff at Jericho House :

Thursday, 23 June 2016

Foraging - food for free!

The Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden are running a "Foraging - food for free" event at 2pm this coming Sunday at the Botanic Garden.

Highlighting traditional uses for Scottish plants, the event costs only £2 for members of the Botanic Garden and others pay normal Garden charges.

Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Friends of Riverside Nature Park and Starter Packs AGM

Earlier tonight, I attended the latest meeting of the Friends of Riverside Nature Park committee that took place at the Mitchell Street Centre.   

There were useful discussions on a whole host of issues affecting the park.   There’s a useful Friends of Riverside Nature Park Facebook page you can access here.

Later this evening, I had the pleasure attending the Annual General Meeting of Starter Packs Dundee, which took place at the Salvation Army Gatehouse in Ward Road.

It was a well-attended meeting and there was an interesting talk by Lorna Tunstall. Session Clerk at Inchture & Kinnaird Parish Church, who spoke about the Church of Scotland’s World Mission Council projects tackling homelessness – particularly in relation to the Nepal earthquake aftermath and helping refugees from the Syrian conflict.

Supported by local churches, Starter Packs seeks donations of good unwanted basic household goods, bed linen and curtains that are recycled and made up into ‘starter packs’ by a team of 20 volunteers working on a rota basis.   The  packs are of huge need to many families,couples and single people who obtain a tenancy but lack basic items.

You can read more about Starter Packs here.

Another temporary traffic order - Thomson Street

Earlier this month, I advised of a temporary traffic order in respect of Thomson Street.   However, this temporary road closure from 13th June did not go ahead due to issues around the completion of the water supply to the care home extension at the south end of the street.

The temporary traffic order has now been rescheduled.    The City Council advises:

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 service connection works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Thomson Street (from Magdalen Yard Road to approx. 100metres north), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 27 June 2016 for 5 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

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

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development
Dundee City Council

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

Tayside Young Fiddlers

From Sheena Wellington, Honorary Librarian, Wighton Heritage Centre :

Cappuccino Concert Saturday 25th June, 11am, admission £5  (doors open 10.30am, coffee/tea available for small donation) - at the Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library :

Tayside Young Fiddlers

Friends of Wighton is delighted to welcome this group of very talented young musicians to the Wighton for a programme of Scottish traditional music and, maybe, a surprise or two! 
  
Tayside Young Fiddlers aims to promote and encourage the enjoyment, study, practice and development, by young people, of traditional Scottish music and the music of kindred cultures and to provide an opportunity for young people to experience the fun of playing traditional music within a group. 

The group gives occasional public performances as a means of raising funds both for itself and for other organisations, at the discretion of the committee.

Monday, 20 June 2016

Botanic Garden - garden advice clinic

The Botanic Garden is holding a garden advice clinic this coming Thursday (23rd June) - all welcome.

It takes place in the Botanic Garden's Education Centre between 2pm and 4pm.

Normal Botanic Garden entrance charges apply.

Sunday, 19 June 2016

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD :   WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 20 JUNE 2016

Scottish Water Clatto East mains renewal – Mid Wynd closed.  South Tay Street closed northbound from Monday 27 June.

Seabraes Lane (from No 11 for a distance of 30m westwards) – closed from Monday 20 June for 5 days for gas service connection works.

You can read the weekly road report for the whole of Dundee here.

Saturday, 18 June 2016

Walkway - Perth Road to Riverside

As part of the rebuilding of Harris Academy, it was agreed that the public walkway to the side of the school (a useful link between Riverside and Perth Road) would be re-opened.   

This walkway had existed years ago, but was closed in recent years.

With thanks to Donald Suttie of Rockwell Media for the photo (right), the walkway has now been open a few weeks and is proving popular! 

Friday, 17 June 2016

Temporary Traffic Order - Seabraes Lane

From Dundee 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 gas service connection works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Seabraes Lane (from no.11 for a distance of 30metres or thereby in a westerly direction), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 20 June 2016 for 5 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

No alternative route is available.

For further information contact 433168.

Executive Director of City Development
Dundee City Council

Thursday, 16 June 2016

Seafield Road - street cleaning

I have recently had complaints about the lack of sweeping of the lane in Seafield Road (that runs from numbers 38 to 48) - see right :

I contacted Neighbourhood Services at the City Council about this and have been given assurances that this will be resolved with regular sweeping henceforth.

Wednesday, 15 June 2016

Saggar Street - grass areas

I recently had complaints from residents that the grass areas in front of the flats on the south side of Saggar Street are needing reinstatement.

See photo below of me at the location :
I contacted the City Council about it and have been advised that the City Development Department has requested that its lighting contractor (who recently installed the new street lights) undertake reinstatement work.

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Sinderins junction - road markings

Following the recent road resurfacing of Perth Road (West Park Road to Sinderins), residents have pointed out that the junction markings at the Sinderins junction have been repainted wrongly - the right filter lane to allow traffic heading east into the Perth Road shopping area (from Perth Road west of the library) is now missing - see right :

I took this up on behalf of residents with the contractor (Tayside Contracts) and their Road Maintenance Partnership Manager advises :

"The road marking has been reviewed and compared with the original layout. The lining will require to be altered here to provide formal right turn and straight ahead as per existing pre works set up. At this moment in time there is no “Right Turn or Straight Ahead” arrow.   (It has been) ... identified that cars were operating the historical two lanes without the formal arrows however, we will check the lane width to ensure this is sufficient and if alterations are required these will also be made. 

The reason behind this not being marked as previously is in relation to reviewing the level of detail issued for each job by the Roads Maintenance Partnership. The level of lining information was not as we have provided in the past, this obviously has not been a success and we will review the process to ensure lining details are provided to meet individual scheme needs in future.

We will look to have the amendments carried out at an appropriate time in the near future."

Monday, 13 June 2016

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

WEST END REPORT FOR WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 13 JUNE 2016


Scottish Water Clatto East mains renewal – Session Street closed for up to one week.  Old Hawkhill temporary traffic lights for up to one week.  Millers Wynd closed from Friday 17 June.

Thomson Street (Magdalen Yard Road for approximately 100m north) – closed from Monday 13 June for 5 days for Scottish Water service connection works.

Forthcoming Closures

Seabraes Lane (from No 11 for a distance of 30m westwards) – closed from Monday 20 June for 5 days for gas service connection works.

Sunday, 12 June 2016

Art in Relief

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


ART IN RELIEF
An exhibition of woodcut and linocut prints from the University collections
Tower Foyer Gallery, University of Dundee
Now open and showing until 25th June
Monday to Friday (9.30am to 7pm) Saturday (1pm to 5pm)

Relief printing is a traditional form of printmaking in which the raised areas of the print surface are inked and printed. Its two most common forms are woodcut and linocut prints, each of which gives a very distinctive and bold graphic appearance, allowing for some truly striking imagery. 

This new exhibition features a selection of relief prints from the University’s extensive print collections. It includes works by notable masters of the form such as Alison McKenzie and Willie Rodger, as well as numerous former students of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.

The exhibition has been created to accompany next month’s Print Festival Scotland. We hope you can make it along to see it!

Saturday, 11 June 2016

Ashbank Road - east pavement - an update


Back in March, I highlighted the poor condition of the east footway of Ashbank Road (south of the Logie Avenue junction) - see right :

The Roads Maintenance Partnership has now updated me regarding the repairs required as follows :

"The vehicle damage is extensive to the footway and therefore the footway requires reconstruction.  

The works required are more significant than can be accommodated with routine maintenance budgets and therefore these works have been included for within this year's adopted footway programme and are programmed currently for late October.   

Therefore we will monitor and maintain the barriers until this time."

Friday, 10 June 2016

West End Community Council meeting - and my June 2016 Update

You can read my June 2016 Update to the Community Council here.

Sunday Band Concerts 2016

The Sunday Band Concerts on Magdalen Green start (for 2016) on Sunday coming - 12th June.  

I asked the City Council what the arrangements would be given the fact the bandstand restoration work is not quite complete yet.

I am advised :  "With this in mind we have arranged for the Sunday Band Concerts, on the 12, 19 and 26 of June, to take place within the newly purchased Starstage tent.   We feel that this is a better option than cancelling the concert."

A poster covering all band concerts across the city this summer is below :

Thursday, 9 June 2016

Future of the 204 bus service settled

A number of residents have contacted me recently about the future of the 204/204a bus service.   

The contracts for the council-subsidised bus services - that aim to ensure streets otherwise not served by bus services - are up for renewal from mid-August and passenger surveys have been undertaken about usage.

The 204/204a has not been the best-performing of similar services - the 'split' part route meaning that for much of the route the services is only every two hours has made it difficult to built up passenger loyalty.   On the current "204 version" (as opposed to the 204a) there have been challenges with parts of the route (narrow streets with parked cars).

The good news is that the 204 service will continue with a new contract from August.     The council's Sustainable Transport Team Leader advised me earlier today :

"The contracts were exchanged yesterday.  You can advise constituents that the Service 204 is to continue - but in a revised format.  To be operated by Stagecoach Strathtay from 15 August 2016."

The revised route centres on the old 204a route (the version that includes Royal Victoria Hospital) - see route pictured right :

This will ensure an hourly service throughout the route.    If any resident has a query about the 204 service, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Harris Education and Recreation Association Inaugural AGM success

Earlier tonight, at a very well-attended meeting at Harris Academy, the Harris Education and Recreation Association was re-established.   

This will take forward evening classes at the school now Harris Academy has returned to Perth Road.

Prior to the school decant to Lawton Road to enable the school rebuilding in Perth Road, there was an active Harris Education and Recreation Association (HERA) that successfully provided a programme of evening classes over many years.    At the time of the decant, the previous committee retired after many years' service to the community.

It is great that there’s now a new HERA and a committee to take forward the provision of evening classes into the future.  Please e-mail me at hera@frasermacpherson.org.uk if you wish to get involved and I will pass on your interest to the committee.
Some of the group tonight during a tour of the new school building after the meeting

Progress with multi-operator bus ticketing in Dundee

I was quoted in the Evening Telegraph and interviewed on Wave 102 yesterday welcoming the launch of multi-operator bus ticketing – now likely to take place later this summer – which will allow customers to use one bus smartcard to travel on both Xplore Dundee and Stagecoach buses.

The ability to use different operators’ buses with the same smartcard will be a great advantage to bus users across Dundee - constituents regularly complain that, having purchased a weekly or monthly bus pass from one bus operator, they can only use buses from that company.

The multi-operator bus ticketing in Dundee will greatly improve flexibility of bus use for passengers in the city.    As I understand it, the new system when introduced will allow passengers to store multi-operator tickets electronically on a smartcard rather than using paper tickets and will be able to travel on different buses using one smartcard.   This will also be better value for money, reducing the need to purchase multiple tickets.

The country’s major bus companies – Stagecoach, Xplore Dundee, Lothian Buses, McGill’s and First  – will deliver the smart ticketing on buses across the country during 2016-17.     Elsie Turbyne, Managing Director of Xplore Dundee, told me this week, “It is likely to be late summer.  I cannot commit to a final date until testing is complete.”

After introduction later in the summer for buses only, the project is expected to extend to rail, ferries and the Glasgow subway at a later stage.   Technical work on the scheme has already begun, building upon existing smart platforms already used by operators which conform to the UK-wide Government ITSO standard.     The longer-term goal is the full Scotland-wide Saltire Card scheme that will be developed and delivered by Transport Scotland, and which will enable customers to top up their smartcards with funds – similar to the way an Oyster card works in London.

The Saltire Card to hopefully mirror the functionality of the Oyster Card in London – to allow passengers to use one card that allows them to use different operators and different modes of travel – has been a long time coming to Scotland.    However, it is good to learn the first stage – a smartcard for buses that can be used on both Xplore Dundee and Stagecoach buses in the city – is a great step forward and will be a positive move for many Dundee bus users.

Community Spirit Action Group - walkabout

Yesterday afternoon, Community Spirit Action Group, the community group for the "north" part of West End Ward, covering Tullideph, Ancrum, Pentland, the Cleghorn area and surrounding streets, held a walkabout across part of its area, and I was pleased to take part, alongside Community Spirit members and the communities officer for the West End.

The idea of the walkabout is to look at local issues and then follow them up with the appropriate council department or other organisation to achieve repairs and improvements.    We highlighted a number of issues that the group will follow up with the responsible department or organisation.

Here's some examples below:
Unsightly pathway at Rosefield Place
Foliage protruding onto the pavement in Fleuchar Street
Graffiti at Milnbank Road

Wednesday, 8 June 2016

Temporary traffic order - Thomson Street

From the City Council (for information, I have been assured that this should be the last traffic order in respect of the care home extension project in Thomson Street) :

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 service connection works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Thomson Street (from Magdalen Yard Road to approx. 100metres north), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 13 June 2016 for 5 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

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

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development
Dundee City Council

Lighting on paths and steps in Pentland - an update

Further to my article in May following the site visit with the Street Lighting Partnership Manager and also with the Chair of Community Spirit Action Group, the local residents' group, to look at the new street lighting in Pentland, yesterday I had a useful meeting with the Director of Neighbourhood Services, some of her housing team, the council’s Service Manager - Community Safety and Resilience and the Street Lighting Partnership Manager.

This was primarily about the issue that, because the new lighting is that, because it is focussed on the road and pavements, it does not light paths and steps to housing as well as the old lighting.    I am concerned that in the winter, darker months, lighting could potentially be inadequate.

We agreed the following approach which makes sense :

Ensure trees that need trimmed (already identified) are attended to – to maximise the effectiveness of existing lighting.
After the clocks change in October, undertake measurements of lighting levels on these steps and paths to ensure they meet required levels.
If there are any locations where lighting needs boosted, static security lights will be progressed.
The Community Wardens service will meantime monitor any concerns about lighting in the area.

Tuesday, 7 June 2016

Harris Education and Recreation Association Inaugural AGM

This Thursday evening sees the inaugural AGM to form a new committee to take forward evening classes once Harris Academy fully returns to Perth Road.    

All residents very welcome – and a great opportunity to see round the new school building :

Monday, 6 June 2016

Taylor's Lane - directional sign

Residents have complained to me that the directional sign to the housing at the very north end of Taylor's Lane is badly worn - see right.

I asked the Roads Maintenance Partnership if this can be replaced and have been updated as follows :

"... a replacement sign has been included in the first monthly street name plate order of this financial year which is almost complete.   Timescale for the sign to be erected is likely to be six to eight weeks or sooner if possible."

Sunday, 5 June 2016

Congratulations to Dundee Independent Advocacy Support!

Dundee Independent Advocacy Support (DIAS) has been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK  for outstanding work in their community.

DIAS provides independent advocacy for citizens within the Dundee area who experience disadvantage, disability and social exclusion to champion their rights, to strengthen their voices and to influence a citizens’ health and well being outcomes.

DIAS have seen significant growth in demand for its service over the last few years, of which volunteers play a large part, contributing over 22 hours of support per week. 

The photo shows Volunteer Coordinator Veronica Harris (centre) with voluntary Board members Mandy Christie and Susan Ross at the Volunteer Dundee Awards Ceremony at the Apex on 1 June 2016.    Well done Veronica for being recognised as runner up Volunteer Manager of the Year!

Mandy was a very active committee member of the former Blackness Area Residents' Association in the past and I am delighted that she and her colleagues' excellent work has been recognised.

Fantastic WestFest Big Sunday 2016!

It has been great to see such a huge turnout of folk on Magdalen Green at WestFest's Big Sunday this afternoon - what a great success!   

The fabulous weather certainly helped as well to make it such a wonderful day.

Thanks go to the WestFest team for again organising such a superb community event.   

Here's a video and some photos from this afternoon :


The bandstand restoration is not quite finished but is looking really good!

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

WEST END REPORT FOR WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 6 JUNE 2016

Guthrie Street – off-peak traffic control for 2 days for footway works.

Scottish Water Clatto East mains renewal – Brown Street width restrictions and road closure for up to one week.  Temple Lane and Tay Square closed for one week.  Session Street closed for up to one week.  Old Hawkhill temporary traffic lights for up to one week.

Forthcoming Closures

Thomson Street (Magdalen Yard Road for approximately 100m north) – closed from Monday 13 June for 5 days for Scottish Water service connection works.

Seabraes Lane (from No 11 for a distance of 30m westwards) – closed from Monday 20 June for 5 days for gas service connection works.

You can read the weekly road report for the whole of Dundee here.

Saturday, 4 June 2016

WestFest's Big Sunday 2016

WestFest's Big Sunday 2016 takes place from 1pm to 7pm this Sunday - 5th June - on Magdalen Green.

Big Sunday is now a firm fixture on the start of summer calendar and can be enjoyed by everyone.    You can spend a day lounging on the grass listening to a free concert – or better still up on your feet and dancing! 

You can wander through the great range of stalls having a brilliant shopping experience with excellent food and drink, a range of handmade craft items on sale and information about West End community groups.   I’ll be helping on the stand promoting the soon to be re-established Harris Education and Recreation Association that will be running evening classes in the school’s fabulous new building in the future.

So - don't miss Big Sunday - more details here.

Friday, 3 June 2016

Thursday, 2 June 2016

Temporary Traffic Order - Perth Road Area No 2 Order 2016

From the City Council (please note works on Nethergate and Perth Road as part of this project referred to below do not commence until first week of July) :

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 renewal works.  The Order is expected to be in force for twenty weeks from 6 June 2016.  Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in (1) Artillery Lane for its entire length, (2) Tay Square from number 2 to number 4 and (3) Ford's Lane for its entire length.

These closures are in addition to the previously advertised Scottish Water mains renewal Order for the Perth Road Area.  Each closure will not be closed for more than 2 weeks within this 20 week window.

Alternative routes will be available via (1) no diversion route available, (2) South Tay Street and Tay Square and (3) no diversion route available.

If you have any queries please contact the Network Management Team on 433082.

Wednesday, 1 June 2016

Community Spirit Action Group meeting

Earlier this evening, I attended the June meeting of Community Spirit Action Group - the community group for the "north" part of West End Ward, covering Pentland, Tullideph, Ancrum and the Cleghorn area.   

The meeting took place at the Tullideph Sheltered Housing Lounge and the guest speaker was the City Archivist Iain Flett who gave a very interesting and informative talk "From St Clement's Church to St Ninian's Well; 600 Years of Filling in The Tay."

It was a well-attended meeting and there was also an opportunity to discuss a number of local issues.

Tuesday meetings

In addition to a number of meetings with constituents yesterday, I also attended :

+ A meeting at the Wasps Studios at Meadow Mill for local businesses in the Blackness industrial area hosted by the council's consultants who are looking at ways of improving the area in a collaborative way, as part of the council's review of the local development plan.  

Ideas include bringing forward a masterplan for the area, including improved car parking, 'greening' the landscape, better walking links and compatible new planning uses such as creative industries, workshops, some small scale retail and residential development.    

At this stage, these are only ideas and the input of local people and businesses is vital in progressing any proposals.

+ A meeting of the Bonnie Dundee group at the City Chambers.  Bonnie Dundee encourages improvements to the Dundee environment and helps local groups who keep Dundee's parks, open areas, streets and gardens in good shape.   

We discussed the various areas of Bonnie Dundee's work including the planters at Dundee Science Centre and West Port, a possible summer West End litter pick and Bonnie Dundee's input into the garden areas at the new Slessor Gardens in the Waterfront.

+ A meeting of the Ancrum Parent Partnership at Ancrum Road Primary School.   The Ancrum Parent Partnership is the group of parents who have been selected in accordance with the Parent Council constitution to represent all the parents of children at our school. 
  
There was a very positive discussion about school activities and we also discussed School Crossing Patrollers and road safety near to the school.

Art classes at Roseangle Cafe Arts