Plant sale at the Botanic Garden #dundeewestend

The Friends of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden will be holding a plant sale this Saturday - 2nd October.

It will take place from 12 noon to 3pm and will take place in the Botanic Garden car park.

The Friends add :

"We are grateful for any donations on the day, but please can you split clumps into smallish chunks for ease of sale.   Also we'd be grateful if plants can be clearly labelled with the name.   Colour is also helpful.

As before, plants will be priced in units of £1, so come with your real money if you are buying, and bring a box or a bag to carry home your treasures."

All welcome, as always!

Temporary Traffic Order - Old Hawkhill, West Port and South Tay Street

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 road safety measures during Dundee Dance Event being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Old Hawkhill / West Port / South Tay Street (between Hunter Street and Nethergate), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Sunday 3 October 2021 for one evening (5pm to 11pm).

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Access will be maintained where possible.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Hawkhill / Perth Road / Nethergate.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

West End Blethers - all welcome! #dundeewestend

 

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2021

A90 Kingsway (at Invergowrie roundabout) – lane closures for 2 weeks for third party works.

South Tay Street – temporary traffic lights for 1 week for footway works.

Lochee Road (at Balgayview Gardens) – temporary traffic lights from Friday 24 September for one week for SGN work.

Nethergate (West Marketgait to South Tay Street) – closed on Tuesday 21 and Tuesday 28 September for Scottish Water investigation work.

Ancrum Road - temporary traffic lights from Wednesday 29 September for 4 days for City Fibre work

Forthcoming Roadworks

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Logie Street at junction with Ancrum Road – 3 way temporary traffic lights from 11 October for 4 days for City Fibre works.

Grosvenor Road (Shaftesbury Road to Perth Road) – closed from Monday 25 October for 2 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

Temporary Traffic Order - Blackness Avenue

From the City Council :

Dundee City Council proposes to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating carriageway resurfacing works.  The Order is expected to be in force for 4 weeks from 4 October 2021.  Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months. 

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in Blackness Avenue for its entire length.

The works will be completed in 2 separate phases: Phase 1 – Perth Road to Seymour Street (west side) and Phase 2 – Seymour Street (west side) to Blackness Road.  The entry to and exit from Seymour Street at its junction with Blackness Avenue will be prohibited during Phase 1 of the works.

An alternative route will be available via Hawkhill, Peddie Street, Blackness Road and in reverse. 

If you have any queries, please contact the Network Management Team, City Development Department, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS or phone 433168.

Road safety in Logie #dundeewestend

At a recent meeting of the council's City Development Committee, future 20 mph zones were discussed.    

On the proposed list of new zones to be implemented in the period to 2027, I was disappointed to note no new proposals for the West End and I highlighted during the meeting that I regularly raise with roads officers residents' requests for further 20 mph zones in residential areas.

The area I have had most requests for is the Logie area where there is a large elderly population given the northern part of the estate is sheltered housing.    Having very narrow streets, Logie meets the criteria for a 20 mph zone so, after the meeting, I wrote to officers to again press the case for Logie to be considered in the future.

I have had a positive response from the Senior Engineer – Traffic & Road Safety - at the City Council as follows :

"With regard to your concerns raised, please be assured that the council is committed to logging and assessing all requests for 20 mph limits and although this year's Committee Report did not have the Logie area listed in the five-year programme, this list is not in a priority order and sites can and will be added.

I can confirm that the Logie estate area will be added to the 20 mph five-year programme list in next year's annual Road Safety Committee Report."

This is good news and I will continue to raise other parts of the West End where residents make requests for lower speed limits in highly residential areas.

Temporary Traffic Order - Nethergate

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 investigation works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Nethergate (westbound between West Marketgait and South Tay Street), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Tuesday 28 September 2021 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via West Marketgait / Hawkhill / Perth Road / Nethergate.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Road safety at Balgay Hill - an update #dundeewestend

As residents may recall, some time ago, I discussed with officers in environment management at the City Council measures to improve safety on the roadway at Balgay Hill going up to the observatory. This included better signage of the 10 mph speed limit and better traffic management to protect pedestrians.

Progress with this has been delayed due to the COVID-19 health emergency but I recently asked for an update on the matter and have been given the following helpful feedback from the Service Manager - Environment at the City Council :

"I appreciate your understanding throughout the covid 19 emergency and would confirm that we remain outwith our normal service provision due to ongoing measures. Nevertheless, we have made some progress since we last exchanged emails. Our discussions with the City Engineers have led to a costed design for traffic calming measures in the form of speed bumps and additional signage along the road.

It is our intention to progress the above works this financial year.

In the meantime, we will be arranging for the road to be swept again, to reveal the white paint is fully visible before the observatory is opened and traffic is permitted passed the gate.

We will also ensure the rock armour placement is correct which can be moved if necessary."

West End parking charges to unfortunately return #dundeewestend

As residents know, I have consistently opposed the imposition of car parking charges at seven West End car parks - Roseangle, Pennycook Lane, Miller’s Wynd, Ryehill Lane, Mid Wynd, Union Street North and Bellfield Street North.

In advance of bringing in a residents' priority parking scheme, these are simply an unfair tax on local residents, having to pay for the 'privilege' of parking near their homes.

The charges have been suspended during the COVID-10 health emergency but, with the start of the University of Dundee’s first semester, are being reintroduced from Monday 27th September.   I view this as not acceptable, particularly as so many residents are still working from home.

However, I have been assured that the City Development Department intends completing the residents' parking consultation in parts of the West End, Coldside and Maryfield Wards by the end of 2021 and will bring a report of possible options for residents' parking to committee - hopefully in December.

I will, of course, continue to keep residents updated.

Getting things done - Arnhall Drive #dundeewestend

Residents have recently contacted me about the deteriorating state of the road surface in Arnhall Drive, including potholes - see below :

I raised this with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have received the following helpful feedback :

"We have inspected the road and found a couple of Category 3 potholes (repair within 30 working days). 

Many parts look worse than they are due to it being a concrete road that has been surface dressed.

 However, on checking the carriageway programme it was due to receive an overlay in 2023/24, this is under review so this may move. 

We should have a better idea in the next few months when the review is complete."

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2021

A90 Kingsway (at Invergowrie roundabout) – lane closures for 3 weeks for third party works.

South Tay Street – temporary traffic lights from Monday 20 September for 2 weeks for footway works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Nethergate (West Marketgait to South Tay Street) – closed on Tuesday 21 and Tuesday 28 September for Scottish Water investigation work.

Lochee Road (at Balgayview Gardens) – temporary traffic lights from Friday 24 September for one week for SGN work.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Logie Street at junction with Ancrum Road - 3 way temporary traffic lights from 11 October for 4 days for City Fibre works.

Temporary Traffic Order - Nethergate

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 investigation works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Nethergate (westbound between West Marketgait and South Tay Street), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Tuesday 21 September 2021 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via West Marketgait / Hawkhill / Perth Road / Nethergate.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Ninewells Hospital parking charges - a further update #dundeewestend

As residents will be aware, I welcomed the final abolition of parking charges at Ninewells Hospital, having campaigned against them for many years.      

The charges have acted as a tax on ill-health - as Ninewells is a hospital serving a large region and for many patients and visitors, particularly from outwith Dundee, public transport options to Ninewells are often limited or non-existent.

Additionally, however, the charges have resulted in many vehicles parked on adjacent residential streets.

Scottish Government made a promise to abolish all hospital parking charges back in 2007.   It may have come 14 years late, but the decision to not reimpose charges after their initially temporary suspension due to the COVID health emergency, is welcome.

I did raise a number of questions with the Head of Soft Facilities at NHS Tayside as follows :

1. That there will still be an enforcement presence within the hospital grounds/car parks?

2. How NHS Tayside will try to ensure no further spillage of vehicles onto adjacent streets?

3. Question 2 above really arises from staff member concerns about what they perceive to be inadequate staff spaces.     Can you give reassurance on capacity for NHS Tayside staff at Ninewells going forward?

He has since responded as follows :

"I can confirm that there is a parking control system in place which has been enhanced over the years in conjunction with staff-side colleagues and external partners to support effective management of our car parks.  Furthermore, we are now arranging a further review that will ensure that the free parking regime continues to operate efficiently and effectively for maximum benefit for all patients, visitors and staff.

 

At Ninewells we have 2383 car parking spaces on site and we are regularly at full capacity during peak periods.  The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how people travel and it is also predicted that with the permanent removal of charges, car parking at Ninewells could become more challenging.  I would like to give you reassurance we are taking all reasonable steps to manage parking within the Ninewells campus.

 

The vast majority of spaces are available for NHS staff, however we have recently reintroduced dedicated short stay car parks for patients and visitors to help ensure turnover of cars so that spaces are available throughout the day. The initial feedback has been very positive and we will continue to monitor to ensure that parking continues to be managed efficiently and effectively to benefit patients, visitors and staff.

 

NHS Tayside will continue to engage with local authority, other NHS Boards, travel planning and public transport organisations to ensure that best solutions are adopted wherever possible to support access to hospital facilities.

 

I hope the above provides you with assurance that there are plans in place to effectively manage parking on the Ninewells site."

I will, of course, continue to keep a close eye on this and resopnd to any residents' concerns around the Ninewells parking issue. 

Dundee Green Walk tomorrow! #dundeewestend

Friends of the Earth Tayside is organising the Dundee Green Walk tomorrow - Saturday 18 September - in conjunction with the University of Dundee Botanic Garden, where it will start (at 10 am) and finish.

It is being held to highlight the Climate Emergency in the run-up to the COP26 UN Climate Conference in November, and is supported by the Tayside COP26 Coalition.

It's free to take part and is 6 km (3.7 miles) with only a couple of gentle slopes.

There will be speakers to welcome you to the Ninewells Community Garden and the Riverside Nature Park, and tell you something about the importance of Dundee's green spaces for biodiversity and tackling climate change.

You can go to hear the talks without walking the whole route, if you wish, at the times indicated.

There will also be a "walk-and-talk" at 2pm at the Botanic Garden, where you can spend the rest of the day, at no cost, other than any refreshments at the cafe.

Getting things done - Union Place #dundeewestend

Residents have highlighted with me the overgrown foliage around the Union Place car park and the need for a tidy up of the car park and surrounding area.

I have raised this with the car parking and environment teams at the City Council, calling for a tidy up.

Getting things done - Roseangle #dundeewestend

Residents have complained to me that the small lane to the east of of 29 Roseangle is so overgrown it is almost impossible to go up it. 

I raised this with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership get the foliage cut back and this has now been done.

Ward surgeries return today!

As residents know, councillors were not able to hold their weekly ward surgeries at schools and libraries since the start of the COVID-19 health emergency, but I am pleased to advise of the one new weekly ward surgery I am now able to start.

From today - Tuesday 14th September - and during school term times, my new surgery time and location is :

Tuesdays at 3.30pm prompt at Blackness Library

All welcome and no need to book.    The library has appropriate safety measures in place to ensure a COVID-safe environment, including hand sanitisers and use of face coverings.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-related restrictions and venue availability, my very long-standing surgeries at Blackness Primary School’s staff room and at the Mitchell Street Centre will no longer be possible.

However, once access to school premises for councillors’ surgeries is again permitted with COVID restrictions easing, I hope that, later in the autumn,  I will be returning to a surgery at Harris Academy.   I hope to also run one at Ancrum Road Primary School. 

Both will also take place on Tuesdays – with details to follow.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD – WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2021

A90 Kingsway (at Invergowrie roundabout) – lane closures for 4 weeks for third party works.

Glamis Road (at Elliot Road) – temporary traffic lights on Monday 13 September for BT work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Lochee Road (at Tullideph Road) – temporary traffic lights from Friday 16 September for one day for advertising board installation.

South Tay Street – temporary traffic lights from Monday 20 September for 2 weeks for footway works.

Nethergate (West Marketgait to South Tay Street) – closed on Tuesday 21 and Tuesday 28 September for Scottish Water investigation work.

Lochee Road (at Balgayview Gardens) – temporary traffic lights from Friday 24 September for one week for SGN work.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Getting things done - school crossing patroller - Milnbank Road #dundeewestend

The school crossing patroller on Milnbank Road near Milnbank Gardens recently retired.

Tayside Contracts, who provide the service for the City Council, has not replaced the patroller, saying the crossing does not meet its criteria for allowing a crossing, in terms of pupils using it and vehicle movements.

I am very unhappy about this decision becuase the crossing is at a crucial location as vehicles come down the hill at City Road towards the site and I feel strongly that a crossing patroller is needed here.

I have therefore put in a formal objection to the removal of the patroller at this location.

Getting things done - Tait's Lane to Peddie Street #dundeewestend

I have recently received a number of complaints about the pathway that runs from around half way up Tait's Lane eastwards to Peddie Street - it is really needing a tidy and new planting.

I took this up with our local council environment manager who has responded helpfully as follows :

"The path is overgrown with weeds, this is manly due to our recent staffing issues and there are similar issues in other areas of the city.    We are currently putting together a list of them and are putting together a hit squad to deal with all these areas in one fell swoop.   This should be done within the next couple of weeks.

The path is relatively clear of litter but there is a considerable amount trapped at the sides in the weeds. It looks like it has been like that for some time so I have instructed the supervisor to remind the person on this area that he has to keep the whole path clear and not just the part that folk usually walk on.

The shrub beds are probably past redemption now and will likely require replanting. This would be something we would do in the Autumn, however I thought the whole area was looking tired and could do with a refresh. I have asked our projects team if they would consider doing this over the winter."

Getting things done - Benvie Road #dundeewestend

Residents have contacted me about the state of the former and now derelict garage site at the top end of Benvie Road, which is in private ownership.

The trees are needing cut back as they now overhang adjacent properties and some of the fencing has fallen and needs repaired.

I have therefore written to the owner requesting that he takes steps to address these concerns. 

Getting things done - Perth Road and Peddie Street #dundeewestend

Residents recently contacted me about TV/satellite loose cables across the pavement in Perth Road just west of Miller's Wynd that presented a trip hazard.

I took this up with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and the local roads inspector had the cabling tied up to remove the problem.

I have since had concerns of a similar problem on Perth road further east at Pennycook Lane and also in Peddie Street (see photos) and have requested similar action there.

Getting things done - Roseangle playpark #dundeewestend

Parents and carers of the children using the Roseangle/Magdalen Green playpark contacted me recently about the popular zip wire not being operational.

As one parent said, "The zip line is a big hit and I feel so bad for them that it’s gone."

I therefore contacted environment management at the City Council and have been advised :

"The zip wire seat was removed as part of a routine inspection/maintenance visit by our Play Team due to wear on the attaching U bolts.

Replacement bolts have been ordered and the seat will be replaced as soon as they are received."

Safety update - Balgay Road/Blackness Road and Avenue junction #dundeewestend

Further to the numerous concerns raised with me by residents following a number of accidents at the Balgay Road/Blackness Road and Avenue junction, I raised the matter with Traffic and Road Safety Team Leader at the City Council.

I am pleased to have now had the following helpful update :

"We have been out to this junction and have spoken to adjacent residents regarding the junction and they were quite informative. 

It is our intention to include this junction as a future road safety location and we will be looking to undertake additional measures to improve road safety for the travelling public.  

I cannot say what the measures will be but once we have had a more detailed look I will provide you with an updated situation when we have it."

I also raised the matter at the council's City Development Committee last night during a discussion about road safety.    

I am anxious to ensure that there is road safety work undertaken at this location as soon as possible.     Four accidents in as many months is a real concern and it is vital the issue is tackled.

At committee last night, I also raised residents' requests to include Windsor Street in the adjacent 20mph zone.     I suggested the council go through the traffic regulation order process to consult residents and other stakeholders on this.    My proposal was unfortunately rejected 15-12, voted down by the SNP administration.

I also highlighted the need to include other West End sites for future 20mph zones and specifically mentioned the Logie area as many residents have said to me that they would welcome a lower speed limit in Logie given the narrow streets and number of elderly residents.   Officers did commit to give this consideration and this is to be welcomed.

Blether Bus - an update #dundeewestend

As residents will recall, following the unfortunate removal some time ago of the 'old' 204 bus service that covered streets like Newhall Gardens, Invergowrie Drive and Glamis Drive, the council’s response was to establish the “Blether Bus” minibus service for older residents.   

I strongly opposed the withdrawal of the old 204 as it was a better service than the Blether Bus.  The previous version of the 204 went to both the City Centre and Ninewells Hospital, something the Blether Bus did not.   However, at least the Blether Bus gave some sort of service for older residents who would struggle to walk (often uphill) to main bus services on streets like Perth Road and Glamis Road. 

With the onset of the COVID health emergency, the Blether Bus was suspended as it uses a minibus where social distancing is a challenge.   As restrictions ease, I have been anxious to ensure that a service for older folk in the area is restored.   

Back in May, the council’s Team Leader, Parking & Sustainable Transport told me that he hoped the Blether Bus would be restored during the school summer holidays but he has since advised :

‘We are conscious of the potential for community transmission on the minibus services, particularly with the vehicles being shared between school children at Kingspark and older adults.    We will further review our options in the weeks ahead, giving regard to any public health advice available. 

My e-mail in late May 2021 suggested a return date during the school holidays but this was before the spike in Covid cases in the Dundee area which caused us to rethink our plans.  We also had to consider driver availability and the potential of having to withdraw minibus services at short notice if the drivers were ill or required to self-isolate.’

I have made clear to council officers that it is vital that a bus service is restored as soon as possible and also raised the issue at the recent West End local community planning partnership meeting.   It is not acceptable that older residents who cannot get to the main bus services on streets like Perth Road are left without their Blether Bus service.     

I will keep residents updated and can assure the Blether Bus passengers that I will be continuing to pursue this to get the service back ASAP.

Getting things done - Union Place - an update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that I recently highlighted the potholes on the road at the south end of Union Place.

I highlighted this to the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have now received the following helpful response :

"An order has been raised for pothole repairs to be carried out."

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 4 AND SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2021

Riverside Drive (opposite  Tesco) – mini contraflow on Sunday 5 September for Scottish Water manhole repair.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2021

Annfield Row (at Annfield Street) – closed until Monday 6 September for Scottish Water work.

Lochee Road (at Tullideph Road) – temporary traffic lights from Friday 3 to Thursday 9 September for Scottish Water work.

Guthrie Street – off peak temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 August for carriageway investigation work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Glamis Road (at Elliot Road) – temporary traffic lights on Monday 13 September for BT work.

Nethergate (West Marketgait to South Tay Street) – closed on Tuesday 21 and Tuesday 28 September for Scottish Water investigation work.

Blackness Avenue – closed from Monday 4 October for 4 weeks for carriageway resurfacing.

Temporary Traffic Order - Glamis Road Area

From the City Council :

Dundee City Council proposes to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating City Fibre cable installation works.  The Order is expected to be in force for 4 weeks from 8 September 2021.  Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months. 

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in (1) Glamis Drive between Glamis Road and Invergowrie Drive, (2) Hillside Terrace between Hillside Road and Hillside Drive, (3) Hillside Drive between Hillside Terrace and Hillside Road, (4) Hillside Road between Hillside Terrace and number 32 Hillside Road, (5) Dunmore Gardens between Dunmore Drive and number 22 Dunmore Gardens, (6) Glamis Terrace between Glamis Place and Hazel Drive, (7) Oxford Street between Blackness Road and Cambridge Street, (8) Oxford Street between Cambridge Street and Harrow Street, (9) Oxford Street between Harrow Street and Eton Street, (10) Cambridge Street between Oxford Street and Eton Street and (11) Eton Street and Elliot Street between Blackness Road and Cambridge Street.

More than one section may be closed at any time.

Alternative routes will be available via (1) Glamis Drive, Invergowrie Drive, Perth Road, Glamis Road and Glamis Drive, (2) Hillside Drive and Hillside Road, (3) Hillside Terrace and Hillside Road, (4) Hillside Terrace, Hillside Drive and Hillside Road, (5) Dunmore Drive, Perth Road, Glamis Road, Glamis Terrace, Hazel Drive and Dunmore Gardens, (6) Glamis Terrace, Glamis Road, Glamis Drive and Hazel Drive, (7) Blackness Road, Harrow Street and Oxford St, (8) Harrow Street, Blackness Road and Oxford Street (9) Eton Street, Cambridge Street and Oxford St, (10) Oxford Street and Eton Street and (11) Blackness Road, Oxford Street and Cambridge Street 

If you have any queries, please contact the Network Management Team, City Development Department, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS - phone 433082. 

Getting things done - Lower Pleasance/Polepark Road car park #dundeewestend

Residents recently highlighted to me that at the tenants’ car park between Lower Pleasance and Polepark Road, a buddleia is starting to take over and will no doubt start to cause damage to the boundary wall if left to its own devices.

I raised this with the City Council and have been assured it will be passed to appropriate officers for attention.

Getting things done - Minto Place #dundeewestend

I recently received complaints about the poor road condition in Minto Place near the junction with Richmond Terrace.

I raised this with the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have now had this helpful feedback :

"The Road Inspector for this area has identified the defect that requires a repair.   He has identified it as a Category 3 defect which will be repaired within 30 working days."