Thursday, 21 April 2011

Logie walkabout ... and Scrutiny Committee

Yesterday, along with one of my councillor ward colleagues, I participated in the second "walkabout" of the week - this time round the Logie Estate, with council officers from the Housing Department, Dundee Contract Services and the Waste Management Department.      We noted a number of issues but were also pleased with progress on matters raised at the previous walkabout late last year.

I also participated in a lengthy City Council Scrutiny Committee meeting yesterday.    There were many very positive reports on recent inspections - in the West End, Harris Academy, community learning in the Harris Academy Cluster Area, the Whitetop Centre and the Oakland Centre all had excellent inspection reports.    

I asked questions on a number of reports including on the issue of mobile phones, where I welcomed actions being taken to address the issues about cost and control, but also suggested that the City Council consider an independent phone audit.     

I also asked questions about the continuing worrying situation in terms of long delays letting council houses.   The situation is not improving and it is to be hoped that a systems review and evaluation exercise recently completed will implement necessary improvements to allow for much more prompt reletting of houses in the future.   

Last night, I attended the final planning meeting for the West End Sports and Environment Hub that we will launch at a public meeting at Dundee Contemporary Arts on 15th June (more on that in the near future!)    Following our initial informal meeting last May, we now have the makings of a great community group to take forward sports and environment improvements in the West End - a great example of different groups working together for the benefit of our community.