72 bus service and normal internet searching resumed!

With thanks to Suzy Scott of Scotbus fame (http://www.scotbus.com/) and also the City Council Planning and Transportation Department, here's news of changes to the 72 bus service running through the West End.

From Monday 6th November, in addition to the Travel Dundee changes, Stagecoach Strathtay 72 wiill be merged with Stagecoach Fife 90 (Dundee - Tayport), to form a new Service 72, which will now run through from Tayport via Tesco Riverside, Dundee City Centre, Perth Road, Roseangle, Magdalen Green, Windsor Street, Blackness Library, Speed Street, Perth Road, Newhall Gardens, Invergowrie Drive, then now additionally serving Royal Victoria Hospital & Roxburghe House, then returning via Menzieshill, then now additionally serving Gowrie Park, before terminating at Ninewells Hospital.

The service continues to operate an hourly Monday to Saturday service. There will still be one early morning Monday to Saturday journey departing from St Andrews Bus Station, and the last Saturday only journey continuing onto St Andrews Bus Station. This service will now be jointly operated by Stagecoach Fife (St Andrews depot) and Stagecoach Strathtay (Dundee depot).

As the City Council advises there has been a long standing request from Gowrie Park for an off peak bus service as well as continual pressure from Royal Victoria Hospital for bus service and this helps meet these.

If you click on the headline above you can see the new timetable (then go to the left, click on the drop-down menu, select 72, then choose the timetable valid from 6th November 2006 i.e. starting this coming Monday.)

Pleased to say Google searches back to normal :

frasermacpherson.org.uk
www.frasermacpherson.org.uk/ - 1k - Cached - Similar pages

Western Cemetery, Very useful meeting, Good feedback and Internet hackers!

Met with a number of West End Community Council folk and Leisure and Communities staff at the Western Cemetery this morning (you can read more about the cemetery by clicking on headline above).

This follows on from our initial meeting on 24th October - the aim is to progress ideas to allow the community to help preserve the Western Cemetery and hopefully set up a "Friends of Western Cemetery" group to undertake some sympathetic works within the cemetery area.

As you can see from the photo I took this morning, the cemetery is in a beautiful setting but as the second photo shows, the area to the rear of the cemetery is very overgrown. City Council staff agreed that there are definitely ways in which the community can work to help preserve the cemetery. We are meeting again towards the end of November.

The cemetery has a fascinating history - how many cemeteries in Scotland were originally owned by an American cattle company?

Later this morning, the City Council leader and I had another very useful meeting with the Hindu Cultural and Community Centre representatives. The Cultural and Community Centre in Taylor's Lane is a valuable asset for the West End and for our City as a whole and the City Council is keen to assist its development.

I'm really grateful to every constituent who has called or e-mailed me today about the Tay Rope Works planning decision last night (see previous blog entry). Thus far 100% positive reaction to the refusal decision.

And lastly, got a call from the Evening Telegraph about my website... You used to type "Fraser Macpherson" into Google and it returned "Cllr Fraser Macpherson, Liberal Democrat councillor for Tay Bridges Ward" - err, now it returns ...

shaggy macpherson fraser
www.frasermacpherson.org.uk/ - Similar pages

As tonight's Tele says, "Like all shaggy dog stories, there appears to be no solution to the mystery."

That said, clearly a case of internet hacking. Now confirmed with my ISP that its not at their end - looks like it is at the domain name host, so e-mailed them asking them to check. But let's look on the positive side - largest number of web hits to www.frasermacpherson.org.uk today than in any day in the past six months ... the power of publicity I suppose!

Tay Rope Works

At tonight's meeting of the City Council's Development Quality Committee, I successfully moved refusal of the planning application by Duncarse Limited for 11 flats and 4 houses on the Tay Rope Works site. Apart for 46 objectors (and 24 letters of support) some 121 residents signed a petition against the proposal.

My grounds for refusal were:

Reason 1

The proposed development is contrary to Policy 61 of the Dundee Local Plan review 2005 in that the proposals neither preserve or enhance the character of the surrounding area in terms of design principles and use of materials. The proposal also fails to complement existing buildings in terms of height, mass, and colour. There are no material considerations which justify the grant of planning permission contrary to the terms of this policy .

Reason 2

The proposed development will have a detrimental effect on existing traffic and pedestrian flows.

Reason 3

The proposed development is contrary to Policy 4 of the Dundee Local Plan Review 2005 in that the proposals fail to meet the terms of the policy in respect of the proportion of flats proposed as opposed to houses and that the proposal represents town cramming which is neither necessary or desirable. There are no material considerations which justify the grant of planning permission contrary to the terms of this policy.

Reason 4

It is considered that the development will lead to an unacceptable degree of overshadowing particularly in respect of the northmost block.

Reason 5

The proposed development is contrary to Policy 6 of the Dundee Local Plan Review 2005 in that the proposal fails to incorporate open space as required by this policy. There are no material considerations which justify the grant of planning permission contrary to the terms of this policy.

With the support of Bailie Neil Powrie who seconded the motion, pleased to say it was won 11-9.

The next application was for the listed building consent (LBC) in relation to this (51 Magdalen Yard Road) - I moved refusal on the following grounds :

The proposed development is contrary to Policy 60 of the Dundee Local Plan Review 2005 in that the proposal fails to have regard to the preservation or enhancement of the architectural or historic character of the area. There are no material considerations which justify the grant of planning permission contrary to the terms of this policy.

So having just won the vote 11-9, I lost the LBC vote 11-9. I am honestly at a loss as to why any councillor would change his/her vote between the two, but, hey, that's apparently democracy.

The main application was, nonetheless, refused and this will be welcomed by many local residents. We have the highly able and articulate deputations' contributions from West End Community Council and local residents to thank for that.

I have just e-mailed the Development Quality section asking for clarification of the effect of a full application being refused but the LBC being granted.

Trees issues, recycling proposal and shelters again

Had useful site visits this afternoon with residents in Ancrum and Pentland with a housing official about overgrown trees and damaged fencing.

Earlier on finished delivering a consultation letter to residents adjacent to the Roseangle car park about the proposal to install recycling facilities. Initial reactions have been positive, especially as there will be no loss of parking, but am keen to give all nearby residents the opportunity to feed back before the facility is installed.

Lastly, got feedback from Planning & Transportation to say that the smashed glass at the vandalised bus shelters (see Sunday's entry) has been cleared away. The Courier carried the story today & I spoke on Wave 102 about it.

Mindless vandalism, Lights in Seafield Lane

Was in Clepington area this morning helping my brother-in-law with his FOCUS leaflet deliveries and shocked by the mindless vandalism at bus shelters (see right) - its not the part of the City I represent but I e-mailed into Planning & Transportation to advise them.

Have no doubt however that they will have been advised by more than me ... the Courier called me this afternoon (i.e. with "Finance Convener" hat on) about the cost to the City Council of vandalism each year.

Although we deplore this sort of mindless vandalism and work with Tayside Police to tackle it, I am pleased to say that the overall cost of vandalism to Dundee City Council property has halved in recent years. Click on the headline above to read a report from the Audit & Risk Management Sub-Committee from May 2006 for more detail.

Been trying to sort out broken lighting in a pathway at Seafield Lane. The Housing Association initially advised it was a City Council responsibility but its actually their's. Anyway, looking for a result from them very soon!

Phone Boxes, Litter again and Pennycook Lane

You'll recall that last month I raised concerns with BT about the condition of the phone box in Milnbank Road (see http://frasermacpherson.blogspot.com/2006/09/fords-lane-good-news-telephone-box.html) - I have e-mailed them again about this and at the same time have raised residents' concerns about the graffiti on the phone box in Magdalen Place - see below.

The Courier contacted me earlier in the week about the litter issue in Perth Road (see http://frasermacpherson.blogspot.com/2006/10/litter-in-perth-road.html) - and note the issue is reported in today's edition.

Lastly, following residents' concerns about the lack of a handrail in Pennycook Lane (east side next to sheltered housing) I have raised this with the City Council's Planning & Transportation Department. Following my request, a similar handrail in nearby Ford's Lane has been welcomed by residents and a handrail in Pennycook Lane would make a difference in the icy weather.

Tay Square

I received a complaint yesterday that in Tay Square at the doctor's surgery - the pend on the right-hand side - where the recycling bins are - some of the setted surface is loose and one cassie is lying on its side.

Very efficient feedback this afternoon from the City Council :

"One of the inspectors from our team on his site visit has identified loose Cassie stones/covers. The area is adopted. A works order will be issued to Tayside Contracts to undertake the work."

Week thus far and Wighton Update

No posts last couple of days as I have been away a fair bit with the day job; however, useful meetings Tuesday about a number of local issues - eg flooding near Magdalen Green and about the Western Cemetery.

Also, here's an update via Sheena Wellington about fine fiddling at the Wighton!

"Well-known Fife fiddle player Karen Hannah is the featured artist in the Friends of Wighton lunchtime recital on Wednesday 1st November.

"Held in the lovely setting of the Wighton Heritage Centre in Dundee's Central Library, the recital is from 1.15 - 1.45pm and admission is free.

"A winner of the prestigious Danny Award at Celtic Connections some years ago, Karen is much in demand as player, tutor and workshop leader. Originally a student of the renowned Bob Edwards, founder of the Tayside Youth Strathspey & Reel Orchestra, she has also studied and performed with Alasdair Fraser and Aly Bain. Her fine blend of lyrical slow airs, fiery jigs and strict tempo reels have been heard at clubs, festivals, concerts and civic events throughout Scotland, across Europe and as far afield as New Zealand.

"Guest artist Sheena Wellington will join Karen for a couple of songs."

Parking update & recycling step-forward ...

The first meeting of the Central Dundee Parking Strategy Focus Group took place this afternoon, including local councillors, Community Council representatives and Planning & Transportation officials. Looking firstly at the City Centre parking scheme, the intention is to thereafter consider appropriate parking schemes for the areas peripheral to the City Centre itself, such as the West End, Hilltown, Law area, etc.

It was a highly productive afternoon & the group meets again soon. It should be stressed that any parking scheme proposals will require extensive public consultation.

And ... it looks like we'll have a small recycling centre at the Roseangle Car Park soon. But, once the full proposal is sorted out, I want to consult adjacent residents before anything happens.

Litter in Perth Road

Since the schools went back for the autumn term, I've had a lot of complaints again about the amount of litter being dropped at lunchtimes in the Perth Road shopping area and the area westwards back towards the Harris. Having been in touch with both the Head Teacher at Harris Academy and the Waste Management Department, I've had good feedback from both. The feedback from Harris :-

"... start of new term. I have assemblies next week and will raise this again with all pupils. We will also have a senior managers in Perth Road at lunchtime."

and from Waste Management :

"Am aware this is an ongoing problem that we have addressed on a number of occasions. Despite putting in extra litter bins, it would appear they still prefer to throw litter on the ground. We will continue to be as vigilant as we can through the local beat man and I will also get our Enforcement Officers to monitor the area along with local Police Officer."

Good to see both the school & City Council taking steps to address this issue.

Diwali

My council colleague (and sister in law) Helen, plus Janet & I had a great evening yesterday joining the Dundee Hindu community at their Diwali Festival in the Hindu Cultural & Community Centre in Taylor's Lane in my ward. Click on the headline to read more - also see photos below!

The High Street Clock ...

Following the recent complaint about the new High Street clock running slow, its now, err ..., missing one if its hands.

The City Centre Manager advised me this afternoon that the repair required had been reported but that also the manufacturers have been written to, requesting that they come up to Dundee to sort out the various issues that have affected the clock since its installation.

Step Row & Roseangle

Just a short update : there was a hole in roadway on south side near Seabraes Court; the concern was someone could stick their foot down it & trip. There were also two missing drain covers towards the top end of Step Row, again a trip hazard.

Responses received from the City Council :

Step Row - The developers are responsible for this and have been contacted and requested to make safe.
Roseangle - Missing gully lid made safe and order raised for new gully lid. Track has been referred to statutory undertakers and made safe.

Belfast, City Centre, Riverside Approach, Seabraes

Was in Belfast Tuesday/Wednesday with the "day job" - we ran a professional meeting on local government reform at Belfast City Hall - keynote speaker Sir Michael Lyons of the Lyons Inquiry - excellent day. As the photo shows, Belfast City Hall is a superb civic centre.

If you click on the headline above, you can read the article about my latest City Centre & Harbour Community Council update (and indeed download it) - attended half the meeting tonight (slightly exhausted after last couple of days!) but useful discussion on festive and other matters.


Good news! Photo below shows Network Rail busy replacing the blue boards today on Riverside Approach - but less good is the other photo from a local resident showing the glass at Seabraes. The City Council met with SET earlier this week to explore the detail of a proper maintenance arrangement; meantime I have requested that the glass gets cleaned up.

More photos ...

Some photos from Conference:

First : Brighton beach - it was dreadfully lovely weather.

Second : Gala Performance Awards Dinner.

Third : Sir Trevor MacDonald was host.

All in all a great Conference; Belfast event later this week is next ...

Ok, more tomorrow was more Monday than Sunday ..

We had a dreadfully busy Sunday between constituent replies (serves me right for going to Brighton! - backlog now cleared) and finishing FOCUS newsletter delivery (accomplished!) so blog is a day late. I suppose it sums up the power of a blog that the fact you are a day late with the next entry is mentioned by a lady at your surgery tonight!

OK then, chronological order:-

* BRIGHTON - Very enjoyable Institute Conference. Its the day job and it was great to see old friends. Here's me (second left) with good friends Colin, Bill & Julie - and Julie's just been elected Institute National Junior Vice President!

* CORONATION STREET - So Rosie and Craig didn't quite run off into the sunset together (you can tell the Council meetings were not too late tonight!) But the absolutely fantastic news is my inclusion as Corrieblog's Celebrity Fan (click on headline above!) - many thanks Flaming Nora, editor of Corrieblog!

* BACK TO BUSINESS - Recent issues as follows:

1 No Ball Games Sign missing on Magdalen Green - have reported.

2 Spoken with University of Dundee about shrubbery protruding onto footway on Nethergate just west of Park Place.

3 Missing drain covers in Step Row - reported to Planning & Transportation; also drainage grill on Perth Road near Ryehill Lane getting replaced following my complaint (it keeps falling off!)

4 No electronic information/bus timetables at the Waterstone's bus shelter/stop in Commercial Street - reported to City Council.

5 More HMO disturbances complaints over weekend; have reported - but forthcoming report to Planning & Transportation Committee will limit or "cap" HMOs - a sensible proposal.

* AND LASTLY - Finance Committee of Dundee City Council (which I chair) tonight agreed a very sensible proposal to extend discretionary rates relief to some charities. Good move.

Sign to be sorted

Further to the mis-spelt sign at Pinegrove (to see earlier story click on headline above), good news from the Planning & Transportation Department (as I plough through my e-mail backlog tonight!) :

"Tayside Contracts did inform us that the Shepherd's Loan sign had been mis-spelt. A replacement sign has already been ordered and will be put up as soon as they receive it from their signshop."

More tomorrow!

Back from Brighton!

Been away at my Institute's Conference in Brighton (more on that later!) and just back so a short post to say we've been out delivering my latest West End FOCUS today to constituents - click on the headline above to view the news story about it and to download the on-line edition!

Ok, Corrie over, here's the rest ...

And taking of Corrie, got a really nice e-mail from Glenda (aka Flaming Nora) editor of Corrieblog following my earlier blog about Coronation Street and www.corrieblog.tv - and she tells me LibDems have already been mentioned on the Corrie Blog (click on headline above to view!)

Ok, back to business! Homebase site - lots of residents asking what's happening with the site following planning approval. You'll recall I was strongly against the planning application but it was unfortunately approved last December. Here's the latest feedback from the City Council planning officer :-

"I have recently contacted the applicants agent (11.10.2006) who has advised that, at this time, it is intended to commence demolition of the Homebase building early 2007 (Jan / Feb). This is anticipated to take approx. 8 weeks as material to be recycled on site and re-used in development works. Construction works anticipated to commence mid 2007."

A fair bit of white coloured graffiti has appeared at Sinderins (and mentioned at Community Council last night) - I have reported this to Waste Management asking that the Rapid Response Team remove it.

And taking of graffiti, complaints about more graffiti at Seabraes - this time on the viewing platforms - SET tell me they have passed on my complaint to their sub-contractor.

Lots to report back on...

Ok, the last couple of days have been seriously busy, so I'll start with the chronology ..

Tuesday:

4 pm : West End Christmas Week meeting - very good progress - on launch day (2nd December - art mural and street football for primary children from St Joseph's, Park Place & Blackness Primaries); on 6th December, Children's Concert in Dundee West Church followed by torchlit procession to Seabraes, Christmas Lights Switch-On and a rather larger fireworks display than last year - and many thanks to Robin Carstairs and West End business community for making this possible; and on 7th December a Bands Night at Dundee University Students Association for Harris Academy pupils. Add in a Snowflake Spotting Competition for children, a Shoppers' Prize Draw, Christmas Card Competition, Blackness Library events and lots more - a superb to Christmas in the superb West End!

5.30pm : Along with a member of West End Community Council, I had a pre-meeting with the Chief Executive and two other staff of Margaret Blackwood Housing Association, followed by a meeting with residents at Blackwood Court, Glamis Road, about concerns about changes to services planned for April of next year. This could result in the loss of the 9am-5pm warden service, a matter of real and genuine concern to the residents. I attended in the absence on leave of Bailie Neil Powrie (who represents the people of Blackwood Court) and I'll be updating Neil about the meeting on his return. Meantime, I have contacted the Director of Social Work about a number of aspects.

7pm : West End Community Council. An excellent, lively meeting. I gave an update on the Magdalen Green meeting and there was an update on the Dundee Civic Forum members' visit to Sweden, an update of our (very recent!) Christmas Week meeting, planning matters and a number of other local issues.

Wednesday:

Seemed like hundreds (exaggeration!) of constituent phone calls and e-mails today but was most enjoyable bit was attending presentation of £50 Overgate Voucher to Alan Pitcairn, the City Centre resident who won the Recycling Draw held recently. So here's the pic! From left : Jill Darling (City Centre & Harbour Community Council), me, Representative of Overgate Centre who kindly sponsored the draw, Alan the winner!, and Cllr Julie Sturrock, Convener of Environmental Services and Sustainability.

Off to watch Corrie, more later tonight!

FOCUS for Tait's Lane - and sad demise of Fred Elliot ...

Delivered a special edition of FOCUS today to the residents in Tait's Lane about the road resurfacing - click on the headline above to view.

Been doing my filing - various parts of the West End spread across the lounge, dining room, hall ... you get the picture! Janet awfully impressed, not. Anyway, all filed but do not believe the paperless society is with us just yet!

And lastly, superb Coronation Street tonight (favourite TV programme in the world - normally watch Monday's on Tuesday but its the Council recess!) - Fred Elliot is no more - tears all round, I say, tears all round. Anyway, for more, see http://www.corrieblog.tv/ - great stuff!

Latest West End Community Council update

I've released my latest update for Tuesday's West End Community Council meeting - to read the story on my website, go to :

http://www.dundee.prai.co.uk/news/304.html

You can download the update itself by either going to the Community Council website (www.wecc.org.uk) or by clicking the headline above.

Tay Square Mosaic ... not finished but getting there ...

The repair to the mosaic in Tay Square is not yet finished as the photo (right) testifies to but I am assured by the City Council that its all in hand & will be finished soon. It'll be good to see the mosaic (in front of the Rep) properly restored.

A busy Saturday helping my sister in law (Cllr Helen Dick) & her team deliver part of Strathmartine Ward - and - what a team! - delivered in no-time. Offered to help Sunday - not needed, all done!

But I've a West End leaflet to write, so time not exactly wasted!

Lunch with the Bridge Project ... and its great to be able to spell!

Its probably a sign of age, but, given that I feel I have some grasp of grammar and spelling, I get a bit irritated at spelling and grammatical errors. Now, it was really nice of the City Council to react so very quickly to my request for signs at Pinegrove, but the one at ShepHerd's Loan looks a little sad ... see above right. Anyway, I've reported it and I dare say we'll get a replacement soon.

I have promised Rev Andrew Greaves of Dundee West Church for ages that I'll have lunch at the Bridge Project one Friday and Janet & I made it today. Super lunch and really friendly welcome!

That's me (below) finishing off my soup. You can read more about the project by clicking the headline above but in short, the project in has been running a Food Co-operative since September 2004, with support from the Scottish Countryside Alliance Educational Trust.

Its a brilliant project, attracting lots of local people of all ages to Dundee West Church every Friday - to enjoy a great value, nutritious lunch. Was good to chat with many West End residents too!

Oh, and really positive news on the West End Christmas Week - with great support from the shops and other businesses relative to the fireworks display - a great Christmas Week for the West End lies ahead!

Good News ** Scottish Gas Networks disruption coming to an end

Many residents and local businesses have been asking when the road disruption in Sinderins area is likely to end (ie when Scottish Gas Networks complete the gas main works) - got a response from the City Council this afternoon, which is good news in that things should be back to normal early next week - to quote:-


"SGN are coming to the end of this project. The excavations remaining open will be backfilled and reinstated over the next few days and by Monday night the site should be clear.

"The work has gone on longer than expected because the initial plan was to insert the main, with only isolated excavations needed. Unfortunately on starting the job this option proved impossible and was replaced with an open-cut method. This method is more time-consuming. Another factor was Scottish Water plant at Pinegrove caused a deviation in route and more careful digging.

"The closure of the slip road seems to be causing controversy but is closed on safety grounds. Stages of the job required single phase movement between Blackness Avenue and Perth Road meaning no traffic could emerge from that slip road and possibly meet west bound traffic head on.

"The closures on Shepherds Loan and Strawberrybank went back on this week to facilitate service transfers and mains tie-ins."

Trolleys, seagulls & the bin collection ...

Firstly, thanks goes to Tesco Riverside who have taken action regarding a shopping trolley left by some joker 12ft up in the air on a "No Waiting" sign in Seafield Road! Residents pointed it out to me when I was round there last night and following my e-mailing the Tesco Manager, its been removed. Frankly it has the potential to drop off the pole onto a parked vehicle, but as the Tesco Manager says - "the trolley is now back in the flock!!"

Secondly, for those West End residents wanting to be added to a wheelie bin route, good news!

Was advised today from Waste Management that money has been made available for the introduction of a new wheelie bin route and the parts of the West End not presently included will be under consideration. It is anticipated new routes will be introduced in April 2007.

And lastly, seagulls! Lots of concerns from residents about this in recent months. I have been speaking to Environmental Services & Trading Standards (EHTS) about this & the problem of burst open blag bags in some streets. Got further feedback from the department today -

"Waste Management's Trade Waste Officer is to be addressing this. EHTS will thereafter investigate any complaints of domestic waste being irresponsibly presented.

"As far as the gulls are concerned, we intend adopting a pro-active approach next year and will be active early in the year, prior to the nesting season, alerting property owners of the availability of our pest control service to nip nest building in the bud."

Graffiti Update/Friends of Wighton Autumn Season

Firstly, re the graffiti I mentioned on Sunday in Riverside Drive - click on headline to view article - Scottish & Southern Electricity tell me its not their building. I suspect therefore its Scottish Water's so I have contacted them.

Secondly, Sheena Wellington has kindly given details of the Friends of Wighton new series of free monthly lunchtime recitals :

"On Wednesday 4th October, 1.15pm - 1.45pm in the Wighton Heritage Centre, Dundee Central Library, Wellgate Centre, the Friends of Wighton will hold the first in their series of free monthly lunchtime recitals.

"Featuring Simon Chadwick (early clàrsach), this recital is a rare chance to hear old Irish and Scottish Gaelic harp music performed on a replica of the medieval "Queen Mary" harp with brass, silver and gold strings.

"Following the success of the Friends of Wighton song workshops held in partnership with Fest'n'Furious during September, these will restart on Saturday 7th October. Start time is 11am and fees are £2/£1 concessions.

"Main tutors are Sheena Wellington and Maureen Jelks, and other distinguished singers will hold special workshops and masterclasses during the series.

"On Saturday 21st October, Angus Folk will host a day long workshop in the Wighton Heritage Centre with the renowned traditional singer Gordeanna McCulloch."

Perth Road Lanes

Over the years, many constituents have contacted me about traffic management in the Perth Road lanes.

Quite a few people have asked if changing some roads (eg Thomson Street or Step Row) from two-way traffic to one-way would help improve traffic flow - that said, other residents have opposed this as one-way traffic would inevitably speed cars up.

In response to a number of recent comments on this subject from residents, I have again taken up the issue of traffic management with the Planning & Transportation Department - here's the latest feedback received:-

FROM PLANNING & TRANPORTATION, DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL :-

"The main problem appears to be related to moving into the traffic stream when parked and not knowing the direction of on-coming traffic, as well as opposing traffic on the resulting narrow carriageway.

"Traffic management of streets south of Perth Road has been looked at several times over the years. Other than Shepherds Loan which is signalised, any other road which is one-way is in the south bound direction -mainly due to the steep gradients and reduced visibility at the Perth Road junctions. Discounting unsuitable narrow roads where through traffic is undesirable, it is effectively Thomson Street and Step Row that are two-way through routes. Should Thomson Street become one-way southbound, that would result in increased displaced traffic northbound in Step Row, and it is also likely that Thomson Street could be more attractive for southbound traffic with higher s/b flow at higher speeds where the risk of meeting opposing traffic would be removed. There would also be increased right turning traffic at Step Row / Perth Road junction which is undesirable. The alternative routes for n/b traffic would be Roseangle or Magdalen Yard Road / Windsor Street, but the increased journey time involved is likely to result in higher speeds in these streets where similar 'give and take' traffic movements occur due to parked vehicles. It is interesting to note that an inspection of recorded injury accidents for the period 2003-2005 show none in the streets south of Perth Road or Roseangle, Magdalen Yard Road or Windsor Street.

"Although at times there can be opposing traffic in Thomson Street, there are 2 junctions (one at Seafield Lane and the other near no. 46) which allow passing and visibility is clear between them on this 150metre stretch. Looking at the direction of parked cars, about 2/3 are facing s/b anyway, which makes it easier to pull out from parking spaces. If the road was one-way, I would consider it more of an inconvenience to those residents accessing from the south than the difficulty experienced from moving out of the parking space."

As always, I'd be grateful for residents' feedback on this issue - you can e-mail me at trafficissues@frasermacpherson.org.uk.

Riverside Drive and Tay Talk-In ...

A couple of issues in the Riverside Drive area:

* A member of West End Community Council has contacted me about a small piece of land where Scottish Water planted roses some time ago. From Magdalen Green, its across the rail bridge between it and the changing rooms where the former Water Board built a Pump-House for the pipe system under the railway. Anyway, the roses are now completely choked with weeds and the area to the west is also covered in broken glass and old fork-lift wooden carrying trays.

Anyway, I've reported this to Scottish Water's Business and Community Relations Regional Manager who advises me that she is getting the issue progressed.

* See picture (below). This graffiti is on the electricity sub-station nearby the above. I've reported this to the Maintenance Team Manager of the Tayside & Central Depot of Scottish & Southern Electricity.

Earlier today, spoke to Ally on the Tay Talk-In about the Police non-emergency (Dundee 223200) number following visit to Tayside Police on Tuesday (click on headline above to view).

Also spent a bit of the weeken helping LibDem colleagues in Broughty Ferry with leaflet deliveries - a whole lot wet this morning but lovely afternoon!

Tait's Lane

Earlier this year, I was pleased to report that Tait's Lane's road surface was finally getting resurfaced and as you can see from the picture (right) its really needed.

Since being elected to the City Council, I have been working with a number of the residents to get priority for the resurfacing here; it was a commitment during the Tayside Regional Council days so let's just say the residents have been patient.

But patience pays off and here's the draft temporary traffic order sent to me for comment yesterday :

Dundee City Council propose to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating carriageway reconstruction works. The Order is expected to be in force for three weeks from 23 October 2006. Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in Taits Lane between its junction with Corso Street and number 11 Taits Lane (a distance of 200 metres or thereby).
Pedestrian thoroughfare and vehicular access to premises will be maintained.

An alternative route will be available via Hawkhill, Peddie Street and Corso Street.

Markinch morning, recycling prize draw and "No HGVs sign"

Early start today in order to help my North-East & Central Fife LibDem colleagues on polling day at a council by-election in Markinch. Lovely morning!

Back mid-morning to Dundee in time to draw the winning entry from the recent City Centre Recycling competition - see photo of Graeme Dailly from Waste Management and myself doing the draw at the City Chambers!

I'll not name the lucky winner of the £50 Overgate shopping voucher as the winner may choose to tick the "no publicity box" if you catch my drift, but assuming the winner is agreeable, we're aiming to do a photocall next week to present the prize and winner will be revealed then.

Good news is that the prize draw's aim of promoting the Gellatly Street recycling centre has worked as staff report increased use of it.

On walking up Perth Road later on, pleased to note that the "Unsuitable for HGVs" signs I'd been promised for Westfield Place (following residents' requests) are now in place at the north end.

Graeme from Waste Management and me at the City Chambers drawing the winning ticket! 

Week thus far; Magdalen Green, Audit, Police Switchboard, Christmas and High Street clocks!

Monday was extremely busy - morning chairing the City Council's Audit & Risk Management Sub-Committee - very positive audit reports, both from the External Auditor (Audit Scotland) and from the Internal Audit Service.

In the afternoon, the next planning meeting for the West End Christmas Week took place at the Tartan Coffee House, following on from the site visit last Friday (see below) about the proposed fireworks display. Really good progress on this year's week. You can read minutes of the previous meeting on 11th September by clicking on the headline above (its a link to the appropriate page on the WECC site).

The Chief Constable was very prompt indeed at responding to the concerns raised on the Tay Talk-In about the responsiveness of the 223200 (Tayside Police Dundee non-emergency) telephone number. Following an e-mail from him first thing Monday morning, Chief Inspector Myles called me later on to invite me to visit him at Police HQ to see the call-handling at first hand and hear about the Police's project to enhance the service. So spent first half of Tuesday morning doing this & most worthwhile. Spookily enough I bumped into the other lady who called the Tay Talk-In (and her husband) in the street on Monday night coming from my surgery - so was able to update her on actions local police and HMO licensing unit has taken about the specific anti-social behaviour issue raised but also called her after the visit to Police Headquarters to advise her about the planned improvements to the 223200 service.

Latter half of the morning Tuesday was spent chairing a very productive meeting of around 20 local residents to discuss the future of Magdalen Green - some immediate issues together with plans for the long-term protection and enhancement of the Green. Thanks to the council officers who also attended - we are all meeting again in November to consider a number of proposals. Meantime, we'll be producing a news-sheet to update nearby residents on some of the issues.

And ... contacted the City Centre Manager following concerns that the new clock in the High Street was running 15 minutes fast - its now repaired!

Fest 'n' Furious!

Sheena Wellington, Treasurer of the City Centre & Harbour Community Council, and so much more ..., has sent out the latest update on Fest 'n' Furious - with Sheena's permission, I'll simply quote her words but click on the headline above to link to the Fest 'n' Furious website:

"Fest'n'Furious - www.festnfurious.co.uk - is on this weekend! Please feel free to pass this on to your friends!! Highlights include a ceilidh dance with music from Ceilidh Minogue and the Tayside Young Fiddlers at the Bonar Hall on Friday night, Cappuccino Concert - Helen Brown Sings Robert Burns, Hannah Maclure Centre, Abertay University the National Youth Pipe Band at the Music Centre on Saturday afternoon Sheila Stewart's book launch at the Hannah Maclure Centre on Sunday afternoon. harpsichord recital, (7pm Friday Wighton Centre), Street Party, free concerts, talks, workshops - and much much more! AND the marvellous BOYS OF THE LOUGH are at the Bonar Hall on Sunday evening. This is the Boys first visit to Dundee for years and should be utterly superb!"

And utterly superb is what it will be, so please give Fest 'n' Furious your support!

Wet but successful Memory Walk, HMOs ...

Janet & I took part in the Alzheimer Scotland Memory Walk in Balgay Park this afternoon (see photos below!) It was a really wet horrid afternoon but a great turnout of people to help raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland. Janet & I raised £180 between us and very many thanks to everyone who sponsored us. You can link to the Alzheimer Scotland website by following the link above.

Was on the Tay Talk-In earlier on about the issue of Houses in Multiple Occupation in the West End. I am pleased that proposals will be coming forward (at next month's Planning & Transportation Committee) to set limits on the number of HMOs in local areas in the city - this will be welcomed by residents in the West End & City Centre.

One of the two West End residents who also called the Talk-In called me afterwards about specific concerns about disturbances in her street - I have taken these up with the HMO licensing team in the City Council and with our local community policeman. I've also contacted the Police regarding continuing complaints about getting through to the police switchboard and about another anti-social behaviour complaint 3 residents of the same street have been in touch with me about over the past couple of days.

Me during the walk - been drier! 

Part of the group in Balgay Park during the Memory Walk 

Leaflets and Mosaic in Tay Square!

Spent the morning helping the LibDem Team in Kirkton - they were delivering a newsletter from Cllr Helen Dick (colleague & sister in law!) - absolutely beautiful morning.

Good news on getting the damaged mosaic in Tay Square repaired. The Planning Officer (Public Art) tells me that the artist should be on site next week. The final completion date is the end of September. He also says - "The artist still believes he will be finished for the end of September. I will keep a watch on progress."

It will be good to see the mosaic in the square back in its original condition.

West End Fireworks, Overgrown Trees and Blogging Top 100s ...

Friday morning was spent on day job activities - I am organising (along with the Northern Ireland Chief Executives' Forum) a conference on local government reorganisation - taking place in Belfast next month - and whilst its going very well, its time consuming too!

This afternoon, apart from visiting residents in the Ancrum area about their concerns regarding overgrown trees and helping a constituent with a passport application problem, met with council officers, Tayside Police and the West End Christmas Group volunteer pyrotechnician to look at the health & safety aspects of our West End Christmas Week fireworks display this December. All went well and I am sure we'll have a super fireworks display in the West End this Christmas!

Further to my wee departure from normal content - i.e. the Top 100s blogs - I see "Civic Scene" in the Tele (http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk) tonight mentions both this blog and that of Marlyn Glen MSP (Labour, North East Scotland). So, having expressed my sadness at the impending departure of my council Conservative colleague Bailie Neil Powrie from the City Council in an earlier entry, in the interests of political balance (!!), if you click the headline above, you can read Marlyn's Blog!

Useful day!

A busy useful day today! This morning I chaired a meeting where City Council finance staff spoke with retired members of the Tayside Superannuation Fund. It was very worthwhile and a robust and enjoyable question and answer session took place. The group of retired members gave their strong support to ethical investment decisions and I will be reporting back their views to the next meeting of our Superannuation Investment Sub-Committee.

This afternoon received good news that, following my request, Dundee Contract Services has agreed to paint the benches at the Sinderins junction during the winter. The other issue is the improvement or replacement of the litter bins there and I've been advised that this matter will be raised through the Neighbourhood Partnership Network.

Tonight, after a short meeting of the City Centre & Harbour Community Council, there was an excellent presentation by the Dundee Civic Forum about the Forum's visit to Orebro in Sweden during which they studied community planning & local democracy in Orebro, a city of similar size to Dundee. Not only was this informative, it was presented in an entertaining way.

Bus Issues in West End

Had a question raised by a West End resident about the height of the bus timetables on stops, so here's the response from the City Council :-
* * *
"The bus shelters and bus stop poles have been designed to meet the 'Inclusive Mobilility' guidelines, which are aimed at assisting elderly and disabled persons. The alternative would be placing displays so low that the majority of persons would not be able to read as the information would be below waist height."

* * *

You can read the guidelines by clicking the headline above.

* * *

Also had a complaint that service 42 & 96 timetables not on all Perth Road stops - see response below:
* * *
"With regard to 42 / 96 I was obviously unaware of this, thank you for bringing this to our attention we will look at amending this over the next couple of weeks, initial investigations are underway. It is a strange one as the base database and on line journey plan information has all stops on Perth Road, looks like a transfer to roadside display has let us down?"

Graffiti, Signage and Alzheimer Scotland

Good news received this morning from City Council re complaints I had forwarded in Bankmill Road and Blackness Road (near fire station) areas - to quote:

"Graffiti on pathway between Bankmill Road and Blackness Road removed however the top part is causing a problem with access due to parked cars the crew will check the area for access later. Utility box requires painting. Graffiti in Lane just east of Fire Station removed."

There's been good progress on getting co-operation of a major owner of utility boxes to get graffiti removed so hopefully it'll be tackled soon.

At last week's West End Community Council, it was pointed out to me that the lack of directional signage at the entrances to the new Pinegrove development (ie off Shepherd's Loan and Perth Road at Sinderins) was causing confusion - deliveries going to Pinegrove Gardens development in Osborne Place in error. Took this up with Planning & Transportation who tell me that they'll provide directional signage "for completion within the next two to three weeks."

Lastly, along with some members of West End Community Council, Janet and I are doing a sponsored walk round Balgay Park on Sunday in aid of Alzheimer Scotland - details of the memory walks across Scotland can be read by clicking on the headline above. Many thanks to everyone sponsoring us - if you can do so please e-mai me at memorywalk@frasermacpherson.org.uk.

Marching against Trident (by accident)

Firstly, BT has acknowledged my complaint about the phone box in Milnbank Road and promises action to improve it.

My latest City Centre & Harbour Community Council update for September's meeting (Thursday 6pm at the City Chambers - earlier & a different venue as the Dundee Civic Forum is meeting at 7pm) was published today - click on the headline above to read it!

Issues raised include:

* Tay Hotel Site Development Brief
* Gallacher Retail Park - bus service
* Green Circular and Greenways maps
* Litter at City Churches
* Christmas 2006 in City Square
* Recycling in the City Centre

...

Was in Edinburgh today with day job (Revenues Software Suppliers Group with Scottish Executive) and Janet came along. Theory was she was shopping but she came across the Long March for Peace just as it was finishing its walk towards the Scottish Parliament so she joined it for the last few miles (and was delighted to chat with Donald Gorrie MSP on the way).

The Long Walk for Peace began on Thursday with anti-nuclear protesters setting off from the Faslane naval base on the Clyde. The group, including church and union leaders, walked the 85 miles to Edinburgh where ministers were asked to oppose plans to replace Britain's Trident missile programme.

Ford's Lane good news & telephone box concern Milnbank Road

Had a gentleman at my surgery last Monday complain about dumped garden cuttings in Ford's Lane. Pleased to say they have now been removed by the Waste Management Department following my passing on the complaint to them.

A resident in Bankmill Road has complained to me about the really poor state of the phone box in Milnbank Road; apart from having a missing door, there's glass on the ground in it and the receiver itself is vandalised. See right. I've taken this up with BT.

Blog in top 100th! Well, 69th actually!

You will have gathered by now that the purpose of my blog is not to make political comment (I make enough of that at City Council meetings!) but to update residents in the West End and City Centre of Dundee on local issues, so its really rare that I make any sort of political comment on the blog but - well - a couple of exceptions and it is all about the Tories.

Firstly, I am personally really sad that the Conservative Councillor for the neighbouring ward to mine (Riverside) Neil Powrie has decided to stand down at next year's elections. Neil's done loads for the West End over the 27 years he's been on the Council (well, actually councils - Dundee District Council, Tayside Regional Council and the current Dundee City Council) and he's a good friend. So forgetting the politics, I'll miss Neil being on Dundee City Council.

Secondly, had a good laugh to see that Tory commentator Iain Dale (Iain Dale's diary - http://iaindale.blogspot.com/) has done a resume of the best UK political blogs and I'm 69th on the LibDem Top 100, which is pretty amazing considering my blog is aimed only at the people who live in the West End and City Centre of Dundee. Anyway, you can read his full LibDem 100 by clicking the headline above!

The next blog entry will revert to type.

Blackness & Logie Deliveries!

We had a team out delivering this morning across Blackness and Logie (special FOCUS newsletter for these areas and Pentland and Ancrum - you can download page 1 by clicking the headline on the headline below and page 2 by clicking the headline above!)

Whilst in Blackness Avenue, received a complaint from a lady who pointed out that the "Blackness Avenue" street sign at the south junction with Hyndford Street is broken - see below - have reported this to the Planning & Transportation Department of the City Council.

The sign & click on headline for FOCUS Special Page 1!

Broken Blackness Avenue Sign

Underpass cleaned

Good news - the City Council's Rapid Response Team has - at my request - cleaned up much of the graffiti at the underpass next to Clovis Duveau Drive - see both cleaned up photo below and original story from earlier in the month (by clicking the headline above).

Its not perfect given the state of the tiles, but a whole lot better - so many thanks to our Waste Management Team!

Over 1500 blog readers in the past month, thanks to you all - you can send feedback to westendblog@frasermacpherson.org.uk - cheers!

Underpass cleaned up a bit.

Pitfall of your colleague's holiday!

Helen, my sister in law but also council colleague (Dundee City Councillor for Strathmartine Ward) is on holiday so I am covering her constituent concerns as well as my own at the moment .. so I have spent a fair bit of the day on complaints about leaking roofs in Kirkton, road repairs in Downfield, you get the idea ...

That said, lots of West End issues on the go - parking, pavements (eg flooding at entrance to Pinegrove), overgrown trees in Saggar Street, and a controlled entry issue in Peddie Street - to name a few.

Currently delivering a new newsletter to Logie, Pentland, Blackness and Ancrum areas - lots delivered last night but rather rained out tonight! Will upload soon. Lots of responses from residents already.

Lastly, really useful meeting of West End Christmas Week Group committee earlier this week (which I chair) - you can read the agenda on West End Community Council website by clicking headline above - Christmas Week 2006 looking really good!

Tayfield Place update - my, that was efficient!

An e-mail response from Planning & Transportation about the street sign referred to below :

"I shall instruct our contractor to replace the nameplate and inform you once this has been carried out. This should be within the next 2 - 3 weeks."

Very efficient!

Tayfield Place

Following complaints from residents about missing street sign at the mouth of Tayfield Place (see below) I've reported this to the Planning & Transportation Department for attention:

In the Highlands ... and Community Council

A very nice day as the day job meeting I was at during the day was hosted by the Highland Council in Kingussie. Leaving aside the Council's excellent hospitality, as you can see below the drive passes beautiful scenery - and also the Clan Macpherson museum in Newtonmore! Click on headline above for more information about the museum.

West End Community Council had a very interesting meeting earlier tonight with Professor El-Awaisi, Principal of the Al-Maktoum Institute giving a presentation on the detail of the Al-Maktoum Multicultural Centre.

On the way to the Community Council meeting, met with residents about a particular West End parking issue.

Clan Macpherson Museum in Newtonmore 

Rather more spectacular scenery than I see going to meetings most days 

New West End Community Council Update

Just produced my September 2006 update to the West End Community Council - click on the headline above to read it!

The Community Council meets on Tuesday (12th September) at 7pm at Logie St John's Cross Church Hall, off Blackness Avenue.

Junction Lines in Logie Avenue

Received a complaint from residents in the Logie area about worn junction lines - see below! This example is at the east end of Logie Avenue (at its junction with Glenagnes Road) and I've reported it to the Planning & Transportation Department for attention.

Back from Conference; good news in City Centre!

Just back from a few days away running my Institute's Conference (day job) and a backlog of over 100 Council e-mails! A couple of Conference snaps below - me in the Conference Exhibition and the main Conference Hall. I can assure you administering conferences is not for the faint-hearted but the event went really well.

Good news on return about the dug up pavement in Exchange Street/Commercial Street - outside the Children's Panel Offices. I have raised the condition of the pavement on numerous occasions - my colleague Claire is pictured (above right) at the works but see really good news e-mailed to me on Thursday from a member of the City Centre & Harbour Community Council :

"I walked past the Reporter's office this afternoon to see that the last of the building site has gone and the grilles have been filled in with small gravel. It all looks so nice - even knowing the trees are on order!!"

Graffiti removed .. and Fyffe Street roadway

Further to the story last month about outstanding issues at Seabraes (click on headline above to read), pleased to say resident advises this morning that the graffiti on the pillars (right) has now been removed.

On a less positive note, a resident has contacted me about the really poor road surface in parts of Fyffe Street (see below) - I've taken this up with the Planning & Transportation Department - condition of roadway round the corner in Benvie Road similarly poor.

Seabraes Lane - damaged coping stones and pillars

Had concerns from residents about the above - situated at the top end of Seabraes Lane on the boundary between the lane itself (leading to the SET Digital Media Park) and the adjacent property to the east, which I understand is owned by the University of Dundee.

Have taken up with both the University and with Scottish Enterprise Tayside.

The roadworks in Perth Road around Sinderins appears over & Turriff (the contractor) is heading further west along the street. Now bus stop is back in action, have asked the Council to get rid of the "bus stop out of action" signs ASAP.

Underpass - west end Perth Road

Residents have brought to my attention the state of the underpass at the very far end of Perth Road (the one that runs across Perth Road just east of the Invergowrie boundary to the west of Clovis Duveau Drive).

See photos below! I have reported this to the City Council's Planning & Transportation Department asking for action to remove the graffiti.