The Courier today (click on headline above to view) covered on-going roadworks issues, and at lunchtime today I met again with Scotland Gas Networks and their contractors Turriff about the Perth Road closure, due to commence next Monday (April 21st). I issued a news release following this, which I paste below:
Dundee City Council Planning & Transport Convener, Cllr Fraser Macpherson, today met with senior representatives of both Scotland Gas Networks and Turriff Contractors in relation to continuing constituent concerns about the impending road closure in Perth Road, due to commence next Monday (21st April).
Cllr Macpherson, who is also a ward councillor for the West End, said that the meeting had been constructive and that both Scotland Gas Networks and their contractors Turriff had been keen to address the issues raised by both local residents and businesses, worried about the effect of the road closure, which is taking place because of a need to replace the gas main on Perth Road from Paton’s Lane to South Tay Street.
Cllr Macpherson said that SGN and Turriff had given an assurance that the actual length of the road closure at any given time would be no more than 150 metres and that access up to this from both sides of Perth Road would be possible, and that normal parking spaces outside of the maximum 150 metres of closed road would be maintained. Additionally, provision for servicing of shops was being addressed.
Cllr Macpherson said, “I think it is important to emphasise that the actual closed part of the road at any one time is just 150 metres and that access to all streets east and west of that will occur as normal, because one concern raised was the fear that the whole road was completely shut for the entire length, which is not the case.”
Cllr Macpherson sought and received assurances from Scotland Gas Networks and Turriff about the extent of their notifications to residents and businesses locally. The councillor added, “They have made clear to me that they are also pleased to speak with any resident or local business about any concern at any time during what I think we all accept is major disruption in the area.
“They said that anyone was welcome to call them on Dundee 622204 to raise any concern or worry and they would be willing to go out to speak with any resident or local business in person if requested. They also indicated they would be happy to meet with West End Community Councillors and local City Councillors soon after the work has started, because what was clear from a similar project undertaken by the water authority a few years ago is that some remaining issues surface only after the works have started.”
Councillor Macpherson said he had already raised the issue of bus services. Although the main services are re-routed via Hawkhill, the 72 local bus service south of Perth Road will be able to cover most of its route one way or another for all of the roads disruption period. Cllr Macpherson added, “This is particularly important as many elderly people can’t manage the full uphill walk to Hawkhill. At the meeting with Scotland Gas Networks, I was also advised that access to the sheltered housing complexes for the Friendly Bus Shopping Service would also be maintained.”
The councillor said he had raised residents’ concerns about potential noise and was assured that there would be no evening working past 7.30pm and no Sunday works were planned.
Cllr Macpherson concluded, “There is no doubt that this will be a period of considerable disruption and there are real and genuine concerns raised by both businesses and residents. Meeting with the company and its contractors again today was a helpful step forward and their willingness to speak and meet with residents and businesses about concerns is welcome. Along with my councillor colleagues in the West End, I will be keeping a very close eye on this situation.”
Dundee City Council Planning & Transport Convener, Cllr Fraser Macpherson, today met with senior representatives of both Scotland Gas Networks and Turriff Contractors in relation to continuing constituent concerns about the impending road closure in Perth Road, due to commence next Monday (21st April).
Cllr Macpherson, who is also a ward councillor for the West End, said that the meeting had been constructive and that both Scotland Gas Networks and their contractors Turriff had been keen to address the issues raised by both local residents and businesses, worried about the effect of the road closure, which is taking place because of a need to replace the gas main on Perth Road from Paton’s Lane to South Tay Street.
Cllr Macpherson said that SGN and Turriff had given an assurance that the actual length of the road closure at any given time would be no more than 150 metres and that access up to this from both sides of Perth Road would be possible, and that normal parking spaces outside of the maximum 150 metres of closed road would be maintained. Additionally, provision for servicing of shops was being addressed.
Cllr Macpherson said, “I think it is important to emphasise that the actual closed part of the road at any one time is just 150 metres and that access to all streets east and west of that will occur as normal, because one concern raised was the fear that the whole road was completely shut for the entire length, which is not the case.”
Cllr Macpherson sought and received assurances from Scotland Gas Networks and Turriff about the extent of their notifications to residents and businesses locally. The councillor added, “They have made clear to me that they are also pleased to speak with any resident or local business about any concern at any time during what I think we all accept is major disruption in the area.
“They said that anyone was welcome to call them on Dundee 622204 to raise any concern or worry and they would be willing to go out to speak with any resident or local business in person if requested. They also indicated they would be happy to meet with West End Community Councillors and local City Councillors soon after the work has started, because what was clear from a similar project undertaken by the water authority a few years ago is that some remaining issues surface only after the works have started.”
Councillor Macpherson said he had already raised the issue of bus services. Although the main services are re-routed via Hawkhill, the 72 local bus service south of Perth Road will be able to cover most of its route one way or another for all of the roads disruption period. Cllr Macpherson added, “This is particularly important as many elderly people can’t manage the full uphill walk to Hawkhill. At the meeting with Scotland Gas Networks, I was also advised that access to the sheltered housing complexes for the Friendly Bus Shopping Service would also be maintained.”
The councillor said he had raised residents’ concerns about potential noise and was assured that there would be no evening working past 7.30pm and no Sunday works were planned.
Cllr Macpherson concluded, “There is no doubt that this will be a period of considerable disruption and there are real and genuine concerns raised by both businesses and residents. Meeting with the company and its contractors again today was a helpful step forward and their willingness to speak and meet with residents and businesses about concerns is welcome. Along with my councillor colleagues in the West End, I will be keeping a very close eye on this situation.”