Wednesday 30 June 2021

Update on grass maintenance #dundeewestend


I have in recent weeks had many grass maintenance related issues from residents about council-maintained areas - for example drying areas in council housing estates like Logie, Pentland and Tullideph - where grass is long and in dire need of cutting.      

This issue is not in relation to biodiversity areas but areas that the council maintains in the traditional maintenance way.

I am aware this is a city-wide not just a West End issue but I took it up with the Head of Environment who has given me the following assurance :

"As we are now reaching the peak of the growing season, and due to the prolonged dry hot spell being experienced, the council is receiving a high number of requests to resume grass cutting in all locations. The service is also being impacted by higher than usual sickness related absence due to covid related issues.

However, I can update that the area teams are concentrating at the present time on having all areas that are currently behind caught up within the next 7-14 days.

I would be very grateful for your continued patience at this moment as our frontline teams are working hard to get round all sites at the earliest opportunity."

Tuesday 29 June 2021

Getting things done - Roseangle playpark #dundeewestend


A resident recently advised as follows :

"We frequent the playpark near Magdalen Green regularly and have noticed a lot of nettles around the equipment. We appreciate that council has made the choice to let some grass grow longer and are complete on board with that but it makes it hard to enjoy the park when there are large nettle bushes around these attractions."

This is a very valid concern and I raised this with environment management to have nettles/weeds near play equipment removed.

Additionally, a resident also recently pointed out :

"I am just emailing about the gate at Roseangle playpark which faces onto the road at Roseangle. That gate does not have the usual bolt/closing mechanism (I am not sure if it has become broken at some point?) to stop it simply being pulled open by small children which, given the location next to a road, seems an obvious safety issue."

I immediately raised this with the City Council and the Service Manager (Environment) responded very promptly as follows :

"I can confirm that the gate was secured yesterday as a temporary measure, until a repair is undertaken to the slide bolt over the next few days."

Monday 28 June 2021

Temporary Traffic Order - Ancrum Drive


The following temporary traffic order comes from the City Council.     

There's a bit of background to this one!   The work is to be undertaken by Scottish Water to repair a collapsed manhole in the middle of the street in Ancrum Drive.

I am grateful to the City Council who, at my request following concerns from residents when the temporary cover moved away from the hole, attended to move it back over the substantial hole in the road.

The original date for the work was not until 26th July and I viewed that as totally unacceptable - a month away - given the location of the problem, challenge for vehicles getting past given the cones around the temporary cover, the cones themselves moving and the extent of the hole.

I asked the City Council to request that Scottish Water get the permanent repair done ASAP and am pleased to say the work will now be undertaken and completed this Wednesday.

Temporary Traffic Order :

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 Ancrum Drive (outside number 47), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Wednesday 30 June for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Tullideph Road / Ancrum Road.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Sunday 27 June 2021

Temporary Traffic Order - Riverside Approach


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 Tay Rail Bridge repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Riverside Approach (between Magdalen Yard Road and A85 Riverside Drive), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 28 June for 5 nights (7pm to 6am).

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available A85 Riverside Drive / Perth Road / Magdalen Yard Road.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development
Dundee City Council

Saturday 26 June 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 26 AND SUNDAY 27 JUNE 2021

Blackness Road (at West Park Road) – temporary traffic lights from Thursday 24 June for 10 days for Scottish Water work.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 28 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 one week for City Fibre H3G project.

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 5 July 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.

Glamis Road (at Dickson Avenue) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 28 June for 3 days for BT work.

Surface Dressing – mobile roadworks for 10 Days from Monday 28 June – Newhall Gardens.

Forthcoming Roadworks

West Marketgait (Greenmarket to Nethergate) – closed northbound on Sunday 4 July for Scottish Water work.

Riverside Drive (at Discovery Point) – off‑peak westbound lane closure from Monday 5 July for one week for Scottish Water work.

Blackness Road (at Glenagnes Road) – temporary traffic lights from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 July for BT work.

Nethergate – closure of the junction with South Tay Street on Monday 26 July for one week for carriageway resurfacing.

Friday 25 June 2021

Temporary Traffic Order - Greenmarket


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 Spaces for people works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Greenmarket (from its junction at 1-12 Seabraes to approximately 300 metres west), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Saturday 26 June for one night (5pm to 5am).

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

Thursday 24 June 2021

Getting things done - Polepark Road/Lower Pleasance #dundeewestend

Many thanks to the residents who contacted me earlier this month about damage to the wall at the residents' car park between Polepark Road and Lower Pleasance.

I reported this to Neighbourhood Services at the City Council and the Housing Support Officer has since responded as follows :

"(In response) to your enquiry sent 06/06/21 regarding the issue with the damaged wall at the car park adjacent to 45-65 Polepark Road ... a repair was logged on 08/06/21 to carrying out reinstatement work here.   This is shown as completed on our system 11/06/21 so the issue should now be resolved."

Photos before and after the repair are below :



Wednesday 23 June 2021

Getting things done - Blackness Road #dundeewestend


During the recent demolition works at 219-245 Blackness Road, the bus stop at the Ashbank Road junction for services towards the City Centre has been out of action for safety reasons.

Now the demolition works are nearly complete - and it will be some time before the new build will commence - many residents have asked when the bus stop will be back in action. It is used by many people from the Blackness and Logie areas and a fair walk to the next nearest stop.

I took this matter up with the City Council and the Senior Transport Officer in Parking & Sustainable Transport updated me yesterday as follows :

"We've had a further update from the contractor regarding the above works, they've confirmed that the site hoarding is being finalised today/ tomorrow and that they'll clean up, remove fencing, and off hire the pedestrian crossings on Thursday/ Friday.

I'll visit the site on Friday and once clear, will request that the bus stop at Seymour Street is served again."

The removal of the temporary traffic/pedestrian lights is also welcome and I am also grateful for the council's very prompt action on Monday when a safety concern about their operation was raised by me on behalf of residents.

Tuesday 22 June 2021

Getting things done - Lochee Road #dundeewestend


Many thanks to the residents who contacted me about a pole with parking sign on Lochee Road that had fallen over - not vandalism - rust at its base!

I contacted the City Council about it to get the old pole removed and a new one installed and have received the following helpful feedback :

"The sign and pole will have to be replaced and reinstated as the sign is there to inform drivers of the parking regulations that are currently in place.  

The Roads Maintenance Partnership will have to reinstate a new pole to replace the rusty one."

Monday 21 June 2021

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 21 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 one week for City Fibre H3G project.

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.

Riverside Avenue (near Wright Avenue) – overnight (7.30pm to 6.30am) temporary traffic lights on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 for Vodafone work.

Blackness Road (at Seymour Street) – temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 June for BT work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Glamis Road (at Dickson Avenue) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 28 June for 3 days for BT work.

West Marketgait (Greenmarket to Nethergate) – closed northbound on Sunday 4 July for Scottish Water work.

Blackness Road (at Glenagnes Road) – temporary traffic lights from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 July for BT work.

Sunday 20 June 2021

Balgay Bench #dundeewestend


A resident recently wrote to me :

"We were a bit bemused this morning as we walked through the old part of the Balgay cemetery. I know the council is big on keeping things au natural in way of cutting the grass etc but would just about need a machete to sit at this bench"

Good point!

I raised this with environment management and have received the following and helpful response :

"... will get the grass around this bench stimmed as soon as practical."

Saturday 19 June 2021

Many thanks Helena! #dundeewestend




A big shout out goes today to Helena, a Blackness Primary School Parent!

Helena is a self employed gardener and garden designer running her business called Gorgeous Gardens by Helena.

At the latest Friends of Blackness Zoom meeting, Helena kindly offered to improve the area in Pennycook Lane directly opposite the school entrance.

On her behalf, I checked that the area is in City Council ownership to ensure owner consent and what a lovely job Helena is making of the area - looking superb.    Many thanks Helena!

Friday 18 June 2021

West End community litter pick at Balgay Park #dundeewestend


In co-operation with the Friends of Balgay, the Bonnie Dundee group has organised a litter pick at Balgay Park as part of city-wide environment events this Saturday - 19th June.

All welcome - simply turn up at the Balgay Park Scott Street entrance at 10am on Saturday.

Litter bags, sticks etc will be provided.

Thursday 17 June 2021

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.’

Wednesday 16 June 2021

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

Tuesday 15 June 2021

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.

Monday 14 June 2021

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.

Sunday 13 June 2021

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

Saturday 12 June 2021

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.

Friday 11 June 2021

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.

Thursday 10 June 2021

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.

Wednesday 9 June 2021

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.

Tuesday 8 June 2021

Monday 7 June 2021

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.

Sunday 6 June 2021

Update from Bonnie Dundee!

 


Saturday 5 June 2021

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.

Friday 4 June 2021

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

Thursday 3 June 2021

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. 

Wednesday 2 June 2021

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

Tuesday 1 June 2021

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.