Another lunchtime concert from Friends of Wighton

From Sheena Wellington :

Feis Rois Ceilidh Trail

Wednesday 2^nd August at the Wighton Centre in the Central Library

1pm – 2pm

Our annual chance to see and hear the best of the emerging crop of traditional musicians.  

These talented and lively young folk are always a delight to meet.

Admission free, donations welcome.

Update on Logie home insulation #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that we have long-campaigned for better insulation of the houses in the Logie estate.

Given their historical nature - the oldest council housing scheme in Scotland - and Conservation Area status, they are not suitable for external wall insulation. However, an internal solution (IWI) is the answer.

Back in March, we held a well-attended meeting of over 40 tenants at the Lime Street sheltered lounge at which two senior housing officers updated the audience that the council intended to undertake a trial at one void property with latest internal insulation techniques and, assuming success, move forward with a programme of internal insulation for Logie council tenants to be programmed within the housing Capital Programme.

As reported recently in the Courier and Evening Telegraph, we recently asked for an update from the council and the Head of Housing and Construction Services has advised :

"Similar to the pilot property at Tullideph, we intend to use the next available void in Logie to trial the IWI solution. We are just waiting on a Void becoming available and then this pilot will progress alongside Tullideph*."

It is looking likely that a start on site for the full programme at Logie will be within the 2026/27 financial year - similar to that for insulation improvements Abbotsford/Corso.   We think the tenants at Logie, Corso and Abbotsford have all waited too long for these improvements and we will continue to press the council to programme this is as soon as possible.

* Tullideph - although most of the estate already has external wall insulation, this relates to council properties that could not be undertaken due to owner objections in a block and therefore an internal insulation solution is required for these tenants.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 29 AND SUNDAY 30 JULY 2023

Nethergate (West Marketgait to South Tay Street) - closed westbound from 9:00am on Sunday 30 July until 6:00am on Monday 31 July for Scottish Water remedial works.

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 31 JULY 2023

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed for 13 months until May 2024 for construction works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Greenmarket – closed for electricity works at its junction with West Marketgait (northbound exit lane only) commencing Monday 14 August for 2 weeks.

Sunday Band Concert on Magdalen Green! #dundeewestend

This Sunday - 30th July - the Dundee Instrumental Band will be performing at Magdalen Green.

Sunday band concerts are from 2pm to 3pm and are free of charge.

View the full programme at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/neighbourhood-services/environment/sunday-band-concerts

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 remedial 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 Sunday 30 July 2023 at 9am until Monday 31 July 2023 at 6am.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Access to Tay Street Lane will not be available for the duration of the works.

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

Friends of Magdalen Green AGM #dundeewestend

The Little Green Larder Community Soup Kitchen Day

Our friends at The Little Green Larder are hosting the first of our monthly Little Green Larder community Soup Kitchen days on Sunday 30th July between 12 noon and 2pm at the shop at 272 Perth Road.

The team will be transforming surplus food from local businesses into soup and sandwiches, which anyone in our community is welcome to drop in and collect for free.

Find out more at www.facebook.com/events/582338770721084

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 24 JULY 2023

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed for 13 months until May 2024 for construction works.

Paton’s Lane - give and take traffic control from Thursday 27 July to Monday 31 July for BT works.

Nethergate (West Marketgait to South Tay Street) - closed westbound from 9:00am on Sunday 30 July until 6:00am on Monday 31 July for Scottish Water remedial works.

Scott Street – footway works from Sunday 30 July to Thursday 3 August for Scottish Water works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Greenmarket – closed for electricity works at its junction with West Marketgait (northbound exit lane only) commencing Monday 14 August for 2 weeks.

Footbridge south of Harris Academy - further update #dundeewestend

Further to the vandalism of the footbridge over the rail line south of Harris Academy some time ago, we advised residents recently that the council's City Development Committee had approved the tender to allow works to proceed to repair and re-open it.

We recently asked for an update in the hope it can re-open by the end of the school summer holidays and we also asked about the possibility of a cycle ramp to be added during the repairs, as requested by residents.

The City Engineer (Design & Property Services) at Dundee City Council has now responded as follows :

“The contract for the repairs has been let but are within the booking system for Network Rail overnight possessions. First availability of these is 8-9 weeks off so the bridge will not be open for the start of the new term. We are totally at the discretion of Network Rail so there is not much we can do to improve this unfortunately.

Regarding the second point about a cycle ramp, no this is not feasible on this structure as the stairs are timber and insufficiently robust for a steel channel to be affixed.”

We do hope that the necessary rail possession is agreed to ASAP so that the repairs can take place.

Lunchtime concert from Friends of Wighton in the central library

From Sheena Wellington :

Wednesday 26^th July - 1.15pm – 1.45pm - lunchtime concert

Mark Spalding with El Search:  Harpsichord 40^th Birthday Celebration

Wighton’s own harpsichord specialist, Mark Spalding will be playing with Dundee’s long established free improvisation group El Search in a programme specially devised as part of the 40^th anniversary celebrations.

Admission free, donations welcome.

Tree update - West Marketgait #dundeewestend

Some time ago, as a result of Storm Arwen, a large tree in West Marketgait unfortunately fell.

The tree was removed but there has not yet been replanting.

We recently, at the request of Palais Court residents, contacted the council's Senior Forestry/Arboriculture Officer, asking for an assurance about replanting and have received this helpful response :

"We are still going to replace the tree discussed and at present we are collating a number of replanting projects required from the City Centre to the street trees and various areas around the town.

This will be spread over a number of planting seasons starting this autumn winter planting season.

Note the back fill is for safety purposes only and will be lifted prior to re planting."

Getting things done - Hillcrest Road #dundeewestend

We recently received concerns about the deteriorating state of the roadway in Hillcrest Road as the photo highlights.

On behalf of residents we raised this with the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and have received the following helpful response :

"The local inspector has raised a repair for this pothole, approximate timescale thirty days."

Victoria Gardens - new opening hours #dundeewestend

 

Getting things done - Seafield Road #dundeewestend

Residents have pointed out to us that, when Seafield Road was resurfaced some time ago, the 20mph reminder 'roundels' were not repainted.

We took this up with the City Council and the Senior Engineer in the Roads Maintenance Partnership has responded positively as follows :

"I will get an Order done to get these reinstated."

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 17 JULY 2023

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed for 13 months until May 2024 for construction works.

Forest Park Place - give and take for one week from Monday 17 July for street lighting works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Nethergate (West Marketgait to South Tay Street) - closed westbound from 9:00am on Sunday 30 July until 6:00am on Monday 31 July for Scottish Water remedial works.

Greenmarket – closed for electricity works at its junction with West Marketgait (north bound exit lane only) commencing Monday 14 August for 2 weeks.

Highland Cattle at Riverside Nature Park #dundeewestend

Residents will be aware that the last two Highland Cattle at Riverside Nature Park sadly passed away last year.

As reported in the Evening Telegraph and the Courier last week, we recently asked both the council and Leisure & Culture Dundee for an update on their position about having new Highland Cattle at Riverside. 

The responses are below :

1 – From the Head of Environment, Dundee City Council :

‘I can advise that Neighbourhood Services does not have an available budget to source or manage Highland Cattle on an ongoing basis at Riverside.

I have asked a colleague to discuss with colleagues within Leisure & Culture Dundee to establish if they have scope to commit resources towards Highland Cattle at this location.’

2- From the Interim Head of Operations, Leisure and Culture Dundee :

‘Unfortunately, you will be aware of the budget challenges facing LACD, with DCC currently underwriting the budget shortfall during Olympia's closure. We are therefore unable to commit the on-going resource that would be required to support the return of Highland cattle to Riverside.

To give some context to the resources required beyond the initial outlay of purchase, the cattle would require supplementary food in the winter months, regular hoof trimming, and, under DEFRA guidance, are required to be checked at least once a day. There are also likely to be additional veterinary costs over the duration of the cattles’ lives for which there is no budget.

I am sorry that my response can't be more positive.’

We are very disappointed by the responses from both Leisure and Culture Dundee and the City Council as we are sure residents will be and we will continue to pursue this.

Climate emergency - Dundee workshop

The Scottish Government is holding a workshop in Dundee on Wednesday 19th July to allow residents share views responding to the climate emergency. It will cover things like how we travel to how we make our homes more energy efficient.

If you are interested in taking part, please scan the QR code on the poster or go to www.tickettailor.com/events/scottishgovernment

All participants will receive a £50 voucher as a gift of thanks for attending and participating in the session.

Sunday Band Concert on Magdalen Green! #dundeewestend

This Sunday - 16th July - the Louisiana Fairytale Riverboat Jazz Band will be performing at Magdalen Green.

Sunday band concerts are from 2pm to 3pm and are free of charge.

View the full programme at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/neighbourhood-services/environment/sunday-band-concerts

Dundee Summer of Play 2023!

Activity provision and events for the remainder of the summer!  ☀️ 

See more at tinyurl.com/DundeeSummer23

Getting things done – Balgay Park #dundeewestend

We recently received concerns that part of the fence in Balgay Park near to Royal Victoria Hospital was damaged.

We reported this to environment management at the City Council and have received a commitment to make this safe.    

The department will thereafter have a closer look at the fencing in this area in terms of requirement/condition, looking to potential replacement along with the fencing at a few other points within the park.

Multi sport sessions from West End Community Sports Hub #dundeewestend

WECSH is  running multi sport sessions in partnership with the Dundee Active Schools team week beginning the 17th July at Tayview Primary School for primary pupils in the West End and Lochee. 

Limited spaces still available and full details ⬇️

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 10 JULY 2023

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed for 13 months until May 2024 for construction works.

Greenfield Place – road closure for 5 days from Monday 10 July for street lighting works.

Blackness Road - give and take for one week from Monday 10 July for street lighting works.

Perth Road (at Riverside Drive) – temporary traffic lights from 9.00am on Friday 14 July to 6.00am on Saturday 15 July for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Forest Park Place - give and take for one week from Monday 17 July for street lighting works.

Nethergate (West Marketgait to South Tay Street) - closed westbound from 9:00am on Sunday 30 July until 6.00am on Monday 31 July for Scottish Water remedial works.

Greenmarket – closed for electricity works at its junction with West Marketgait (north bound exit lane only) commencing Monday 14 August for 2 weeks.

Green Circular route - Mariner Drive to Gemini Crescent #dundeewestend

Recently, the Green Circular route section from Mariner Drive to Gemini Crescent was blocked following heavy rain - see photo. There is also overgrown foliage.

At the request of residents, we contacted the City Council about this and the Outdoor Access Officer advised :

"The overgrown vegetation is private, and part of the Grianan Building landscaping, which is managed by Graham and Sibbald.

I have contacted Graham and Sibbald and the Roads Maintenance Partnership who have assisted with issues like this in the past. The branches blocking the path have been removed."

Advice Direct Scotland information

Very helpful information from Advice Direct Scotland, a Scotland-wide service which provides free advice to citizens.

You can read more at www.facebook.com/advice.scot

Parking at Ryehill Health Centre - an update #dundeewestend

Over a long period, the Ryehill Health Centre car park was left barriers up over the weekend and evenings when the centre was closed which allows the local community and the church to use the car park, a great service to the community in an area with significant parking problems.

Since the GP practice at the Ryehill Health Centre closed, some other NHS Tayside services still run from there. Recently the barriers have been left down, causing significant issues for nearby residents and the congregation of St Peter’s Free Church.

We contacted NHS Tayside and were advised by the Head of Soft Facilities as follows :

“I have been asked to respond to you on behalf of Professor Grant Archibald, Chief Executive.

I appreciate that legacy arrangements have been in place with the GP Practice, and as you are aware, the GP Practice has vacated the site, with NHS Tayside now running additional services from this site.

The new service model has some services operating over the weekend, and the barrier remaining open resulted in our weekend Out of Hours staff struggling to secure parking at their place of work, especially when they are returning from house calls.

With the operational footprint for the Ryehill site now changed, it has been deemed necessary to leave the barrier down in order to safeguard parking for our staff in the course of their operational response to the residents of Tayside.

Should there be any changes to current service delivery from the Ryehill site, we would be happy to review the situation.”

We responded stating :

"We cannot understand the logic of the NHS Tayside position. There is already a barriered staff car park to the east of the building which can guarantee staff usage.

Exactly how many staff are using the car park at the weekend?

Can any dispensation be made for Sunday morning church services?

Can we have a guarantee that the barrier will be left up overnight both weekdays and weekends?"

The Head of Soft Facilities responded to these questions as follows :

“I am extremely disappointed that the information I have received may not be a true reflection of the footprint of this specific site. Based on your email, I have now asked colleagues to review their position that would hopefully support the requirements of staff having access to car parking to carry out their clinical duties, and provide the community with much needed additional car parking.

Once I have received additional information, I will get back to you in due course.”

This sounds a lot more promising and we hope NHS Tayside will agree to revert to allowing the community to use the main car park after office hours and at weekends.

‘4 Dundee Artists’ #dundeewestend

‘4 Dundee Artists’ is an exhibition at Dundee Art Society at the Roseangle Gallery, 17 Roseangle taking place daily until Saturday 22nd July, 11am – 4pm daily (except Mondays).

There is an exhibition of 70 plus paintings by 20th-century Dundee artists - Alberto Morrocco, David McClure, James McIntosh Patrick and Ian G M Eadie.

All welcome!

The Wellgate Project - talk at Corso Street Lounge - all welcome! #dundeewestend

West End and Lochee Family Fun! #dundeewestend

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 3 JULY 2023

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed for 13 months until May 2024 for construction works.

Blackness Road (Glenagnes Road to Seymour Street) – closed on Tuesday 4 July for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Greenfield Place – road closure for 5 days from Monday 10 July for street lighting works.

Blackness Road - give and take for one week from Monday 10 July for street lighting works.

Perth Road (at Riverside Drive) – temporary traffic lights from 9.00am on Friday 14 July to 6.00am on Saturday 15 July for Scottish Water work.

Forest Park Place - give and take for one week from Monday 17 July for street lighting works.

Getting things done - Annfield Road and Blackness Road #dundeewestend

We recently received concerns about damage to the pavement at the junction of Annfield Road and Blackness Road - see photo.

We therefore brought this to the attention of the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership requesting repairs and have been advised as follows :

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

Temporary traffic order - Blackness Road

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 manhole repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Blackness Road (from Glenagnes Road to approx. 100metres west), Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Tuesday 4 July 2023 for one day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Balgay Road / Scott Street / Glenagnes Road.

For further information contact 433082.

Executive Director of City Development

Dundee City Council