Monday 30 September 2019

Community Council elections

The West End has been lucky to have a very active Community Council over many years.    Community Council elections are upon us and details are below :
Invitation to Nominate Community Councillors and Petition for Community Councils

Community Councillors are elected (through the process of nomination and election if required) every 4 years.  Dundee City Council manages this process and would like to inform you that nominations for new Community Councillors are welcomed.  

A public notice was placed in the Evening Telegraph, Friday 27th September, inviting nominations for Community Councillors in areas where Community Councils exist and petitions to form new Community Councils in areas where no Community Council exists. 

Nomination Forms, petition forms and additional information, including boundaries of Community Councils, the scheme of operation for Community Councils and the code of Conduct for Community Councillors will be located in libraries and community centres across the city from today - 30th September.  

Completed Nomination Forms should be sent to the Community Council Liaison Officer by Friday 25th October 2019 (postal address on nomination form). 

All information can also be accessed here (from today).

For further information, please contact the Community Council Liaison Officer, Natalie Mackland - 436796 or natalie.mackland@dundeecity.gov.uk 

Sunday 29 September 2019

Friends of Wighton update ...

From Sheena Wellington:


The Wighton Lunchtime Recital - Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library
Wednesday 2nd October - 1.15pm -1.45pm
The Okapi Duo - Katie Kim, flute,  Brian King, guitar

The Okapi Duo - Katie Kim, flute, and Brian King, guitar - is committed to making excellent chamber music accessible to all audiences while expanding the boundaries of the traditional ensemble.  

Their synchronous and dynamic style has lead them to receive a number of awards including 2nd prize in the 2018 Southern Guitar Festival Ensemble Competition and 1st prize in the 2016 Great Composers Competition Series.  They have performed throughout the United States in California, New Orleans, Ohio, and New York.  

Their compelling performances have led to an invitation to perform at the Carmel Guitar Society in Carmel, California and to pursue a Masters of Chamber Music at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.  This opportunity led to some of their first international performances in Glasgow and throughout Scotland.

The Okapi Duo is passionate about community engagement in the arts and reaching audiences that do not easily have access to live music.  They enjoy taking their music outside of the concert hall to venues such as public libraries, schools, community centers, and senior centers.  

In 2019 they were accepted onto the Live Music Now Scotland scheme, an organization that brings music to groups of people who rarely get to experience live music.  In the autumn of 2017, Kim and King collaborated with Family Promise - an organization dedicated to helping homeless families in Lorain County, Ohio - to provide an artistic outlet for these disadvantaged families.

The duo is excited about pushing the boundaries of classical music and are constantly seeking innovative ways to contribute new music to the flute/guitar genre.  

Their concerts often place traditional works such as a Bach Flute Sonata next to unconventional pieces such as arrangements of jazz composer Chick Corea’s music.  Along with writing their own arrangements, they also commission composers to write music for the duo.

Saturday 28 September 2019

Free adult cycle training


Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 28 AND SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2019

Perth Road (at Westfield Lane) – temporary traffic control on Saturday 28 September for Scottish Water ironwork repair.


REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2019


Riverside Drive (Tesco roundabout to Bridgeview Café) – closed overnight (10.00pm - 6.00am) on Wednesday 2 October for bridge inspection works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

SSEN Pit four Area Cable Renewal – Phase 1:  Pitfour Street (City Road to Roseberry Street) closed eastbound; Phase 2:  City Road (Pentland Avenue to Scott Street) closed southbound.  Phase 1 starts Monday 7 October for 2 weeks followed by Phase 2 for 3 weeks.

Magdalen Yard Road – temporary traffic lights from Monday 7 October for one week for BT work.

Westfield Lane – closed from Tuesday 22 October for 5 weeks for building repair works.

Friday 27 September 2019

Temporary Traffic Order - Riverside 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 rail bridge survey works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Riverside Drive (between Tesco roundabout and Bridgeview Café), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Wednesday 2 October for 1 night (10pm to 6am).

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes are available via Perth Road / Hawkhill / West Marketgait / South Marketgait.

For further information contact 433082.

Head of Roads and Transportation
Dundee City Council

Thursday 26 September 2019

Getting things done - Milnbank Road #dundeewestend

I have received complaints from residents about the state of the phone box in Milnbank Road which needs a clean, graffiti removal and a re-paint - see below :




I have requested action from the BT Payphones Team.

Wednesday 25 September 2019

Tuesday 24 September 2019

Temporary Traffic Order - Saturday 28th September 2019

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 the Dundee Pensioners Forum Parade HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in:

1 Johnston’s Lane
2 West Port (Johnston’s Lane to South Tay Street)
3 South Tay Street
4 Nethergate (at DCA)

This notice comes into effect on Saturday 28 September 2019 from 12:00hrs to 12:30hrs.

Closures will be enforced by Police Scotland officers.

No diversion routes will be available.

For further information contact 433275.

Head of Roads & Transportation
Dundee City Council

Monday 23 September 2019

Getting things done - Greater Balgay #dundeewestend

I have had numerous concerns recently about the frequency of grass cutting and maintenance in Balgay Park, Victoria Park and Lochee Park and also the need to attend to overgrown bushes at the Victoria Park boundary with Jedburgh Road.

I took this up with the council's Service Manager - Environment and he has now responded as follows :

"I can confirm that the grass at Victoria Park has now been cut. 

In terms of Lochee Park, to ensure the pitches are kept in a suitable standard for football we always endeavour to cut these weekly, the remainder of the park is cut on a fortnightly basis hence the grass is a bit longer in the non football areas cut rather than being of excessive length.

The hedge in Jedburgh Road is cut annually and is scheduled to commence at the start of next month."

Sunday 22 September 2019

Saturday 21 September 2019

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2019

West Marketgait (at Hawkhill) – northbound nearside off-peak (9.30am - 3.30pm) lane closure from Monday 23 September for 5 days for Virgin Media work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Riverside Drive (Tesco roundabout to Bridgeview Café) – closed overnight (10.00pm - 6.00am) on Wednesday 2 October for bridge inspection works.

SSEN Pitfour Area Cable Renewal – Phase 1:  Pitfour Street (City Road to Roseberry Street) closed eastbound; Phase 2:  City Road (Pentland Avenue to Scott Street) closed southbound.  Phase 1 starts Monday 7 October for 2 weeks followed by Phase 2 for 3 weeks.

Friday 20 September 2019

Thursday 19 September 2019

Ninewells Community Garden event next week #dundeewestend

Next Wednesday – 25th September - from 10am to 1pm, the community garden’s Mosaic Group is meeting.

It is a monthly group learning about and making mosaics.

It is making a mosaic trail for the grounds of Ninewells Hospital, and attendees also work on their own projects.

No experience necessary and all materials, tuition and refreshments provided, though donations are welcome.  

Booking is essential by emailing facilitator@ninewellsgarden.org.uk or call 0754 074 6075.

Wednesday 18 September 2019

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee


Our September Blether will be on Tuesday 24th September - at 7pm at Madigan's Tearoom and Bookshop at 25 Castle Street.

The theme this month is “maidens and castles”.

Join us for a relaxed evening of stories and tales. bring a story or just come to listen. 
  
Hope to see some of you there – all welcome!

Tuesday 17 September 2019

Friends of Wighton event this Saturday!

From Sheena Wellington :

Cappuccino Concert with Karen Marshalsay, Harp
Saturday 21st September, 2019 - 11am – noon

We are delighted that the wonderful Karen Marshalsay is including the Wighton in her album launch tour.

Karen is a master of all three Scottish harps – the warm sounding modern gut-strung lever harp, the clear ringing wire-strung clarsach of the Highlands and Gaelic culture,  and the Baroque bray harp with its buzzing sitar-like.   The new CD  *The Road To Kennacraig* shows off her skill and musicality beautifully.

With a particular interest in playing pipe music on the harp, Karen has worked with Allan MacDonald, of the famous Glenuig piping brothers, featuring in his acclaimed pibroch concerts, including the Edinburgh International Festival’s Herald Angel Award-winning /From Battle Lines to Bar Lines/ series in 2004. She also featured in the National Piping Centre’s /Ceòl na Piòba/ concert in 2013 and has worked with African, Paraguayan and Indian musicians on multi-cultural projects including /Yatra/, which premiered at the Edinburgh Mela in 2008. More recently she guested with the Russian String Orchestra, playing her own compositions, during the Edinburgh Festival in 2018.

As well as appearing in solo concerts, Karen is currently a member of Irish folk music legend, flute and whistle master and singer, Cathal McConnell’s trio. She has also produced new works for Celtic Connections’ New Voices series, Hands up for Trad’s Distil showcase concerts, and Drake Music Scotland, and she was Composer in Residence with Harps North West in 2016.

Admission is £5,  with tea/coffee available for small donation.

Monday 16 September 2019

Weekly Road Report - West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2019

A90 Swallow roundabout – overnight (7.30pm - 6.30am) lane closure on roundabout from Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 September for carriageway resurfacing and lining work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

West Marketgait (at Hawkhill) – northbound nearside off-peak (9.30am - 3.30pm) lane closure from Monday 23 September for 5 days for Virgin Media work.

Riverside Drive (Tesco roundabout to Bridgeview Café) – closed overnight (10.00pm - 6.00am) on Wednesday 2 October for bridge inspection works.

SSEN Pitfour Area Cable Renewal – Phase 1:  Pitfour Street (City Road to Roseberry Street) closed eastbound; Phase 2:  City Road (Pentland Avenue to Scott Street) closed eastbound.  Phase 1 starts Monday 7 October for 2 weeks followed by Phase 2 for 3 weeks.

Sunday 15 September 2019

Saturday 14 September 2019

“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.

Friday 13 September 2019

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

Thursday 12 September 2019

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

Wednesday 11 September 2019

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.

Tuesday 10 September 2019

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.

Monday 9 September 2019

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.

Sunday 8 September 2019

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.

Saturday 7 September 2019

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.

Friday 6 September 2019

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 :



Thursday 5 September 2019

Wednesday 4 September 2019

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."


Tuesday 3 September 2019

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.

Monday 2 September 2019

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.

Sunday 1 September 2019