Updates for Wednesday:* I managed to attend most of today's workshop on Improving Children's Services in Dundee. I asked a question of the City Council's Assistant Chief Executive about aligned/shared budgets. You can read more on Dundee children's services at http://www.everybodysjob.co.uk/.
* Later, I attended a briefing on Fairtrade in Dundee. I am raising Fairtrade issues with the City Council's Chief Executive.
* I attended a site visit with residents, Scottish Water representatives and the City Council's engineers, about damaged and noisy manhole covers on Perth Road. This was a very productive meeting and repairs are promised.
* I met with the City Council's Public Safety Officer about three derelict buildings in Roseangle - I raised residents' concerns about their condition.
* The Chief Executive of Dundee City Council e-mailed me late today as follows :
"I am writing to advise you, as a matter of courtesy, that after careful consideration of a wide variety of factors , I have decided as Returning Officer that the count for the 2010 General Election shall occur immediately after the poll closes, with the declaration as soon as practicable thereafter."
I am one of a (probable minority) group of people who think a Friday count makes far more sense ... Less tired council staff and party representatives = a more efficient and fair count.