Friday, 28 February 2025

Dundee City Council Budget 2025/26 - Liberal Democrat proposals


Yesterday, Dundee City Council set its revenue budget for 2025/26. 

There were three proposals - LibDem, SNP and Labour. The Liberal Democrat proposal was for the lowest increase in Council Tax of 4.94% but the SNP administration won the vote (15-5 against us) and their proposal for an 8% increase was passed.

Cllr Fraser Macpherson, Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, said :

“Many of the possible cuts proposals in the council’s recent budget consultation were totally unacceptable and our starting point was to listen to the feedback from Dundee residents in their concerns about many of the proposals. We totally rejected any possible cuts to the education service. 

We rejected shutting schools’ swimming pools, cutting school budgets or removing school crossing patrollers. We also avoided proposed increases to school meals charges. Unfortunately, SNP and Labour proposals cut devolved school budgets - a very unfortunate decision.

“We also rejected removing community funding – indeed we also found additional funding to support Dundee’s food network, whose teams across the city undertake vital work in helping those citizens in most need, maintaining the funding level at £500 000 for 2025/26.

“We also rejected any cuts to community and cultural groups across Dundee and we also ruled out any cuts to community safety wardens or welfare support including discretionary housing payments for those most in need.”

The Liberal Democrat proposals would have seen a more modest council tax increase than Dundee SNP and Dundee Labour. Many other councils also have increases of much more than 5% – for example, Edinburgh is raising its council tax by 8%, Fife Council by 8.2% and North Lanarkshire and Scottish Borders by 10%.

Councillor Craig Duncan, Liberal Democrat councillor for Broughty Ferry added :

“In our proposals, we are also able to have some growth – we said retain Broughty Ferry Castle museum staying open all year.     While Labour and the SNP also agreed to keep the museum open, their proposals has the museum only open in the summer months.

"We also found funding to reduce car parking SNP and Labour charges increases in the West End, Hilltown and Broughty Ferry.

“We also rejected the proposal to move from fortnightly general waste bin collections to every three weeks.

"The LibDems have been very vocal about cuts to the council’s environment services under the SNP and we think cutting general waste bin collections would be a disaster.    We also proposed more street cleaning posts and also had proposals to increase forestry, animal control, community wardens and countryside ranger posts.”

The Liberal Democrat proposals would have also seen Caird Park Golf Course remain open but neither Labour or the SNP supported this so sadly the golf course will now close.

Strathmartine councillor Daniel Coleman whose ward includes Caird Park added :

“We strongly opposed the SNP decision to close Caird Park Golf Course and tried to reverse the closure.

“The council has had some approaches from commercial organisations to partner with the council and Leisure and Culture Dundee to keep the golf course open into the long-term.

"To enable these discussions to progress, we were proposing funding the golf course in 2025/26, rather than see it closing in the next few weeks.”

Councillor Coleman added that LibDem proposals would have seen additional funding for roads resurfacing of £1 million and £500 000 for pavements improvements.

West End Councillor Michael Crichton highlighted proposals in the Liberal Democrat budget plans to reverse SNP cuts to some supported bus services.

Councillor Crichton said :

“Our proposals would have restored some supported bus services like the 204 in the West End and Lochee, the 206 in Broughty Ferry and the sheltered shopping service, axed last year by the SNP. This was a cruel cut affecting elderly citizens disproportionately.

“We would have also reduced not increase the garden waste charge and also reduce the bulky uplifts charge which the SNP and Labour have increased.”

The Liberal Democrat budget proposals, in addition to a council tax increase of under 5%, also achieved savings to ensure a balanced budget.

These included reducing purchases of furniture, car allowances, travel and promotion and marketing in some departments.

The LibDems would have removed the second civic vehicle, reduced hospitality budgets and axed alcohol purchases and also accept officer proposals to review existing unfilled staff vacancies.

Councillor Macpherson concluded :

“The SNP has run Dundee City Council for 16 years and we have seen under its watch continual cuts to services – 16 years of the SNP has been a disaster for Dundee services and we tried in our budget proposals this year to try to reduce any detrimental impact on council services.

“The budgetary situation has been also severely impacted by Labour’s increase in employer national insurance increase which has added over £6 million to council costs over the next year.

“The Liberal Democrat budget proposals we feel gave the right balance between minimising the council tax increase without deep, disastrous cuts to services.”

Thursday, 27 February 2025

West End street surgeries tonight #dundeewestend


We are holding a street surgery tonight to speak with residents on any local issues or concerns they may have.

Should you have an issue you wish to discuss with us, e-mail us at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk or call us on Dundee 459378 and we will be pleased to meet you - many thanks.

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Climate Café® Dundee - meeting today! #dundeewestend


Climate Café® Dundee takes place at Dundee Rep, last Wednesday of the month from 10.30 am to 12 noon - Fraser is pictured at an earlier meeting with Amanda Lowson of Dundee Rep Theatre.

The next Climate Café® Dundee is therefore this morning at the Rep. Eilis Stevenson of Binn Group is the speaker.

All welcome!

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

West End ward surgery today #dundeewestend


Our revised joint weekly ward surgery takes place tonight.

This week it is as follows :

Blackness Library (Tuesdays 5pm – every week during school term time)

All welcome – no appointment necessary!

Monday, 24 February 2025

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL – WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2025

Seafield Road, Dundee - closed from its westmost end (in cul-de-sac) extending for a distance of no more than 20 metres in an easterly direction to facilitate a site access for a new housing development until November 2025.

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until August 2025 for construction works.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until August 2025 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until August 2025 for construction works.

Riverside Avenue/Dykes of Gray Road (at Swallow roundabout) - closed Monday to Friday overnight (7.00pm to 7.00am) from Monday 1 July 2024 for 10 months for junction improvement works.

A90 Kingsway (at Swallow roundabout) – overnight (7.30pm to 6.30am Monday - Friday) contraflow from Monday 1 July 2024 for 10 months for third party works.

Ninewells Avenue – temporary traffic lights from Monday 24 February for one week for Virgin Media work.

Thomson Street (Nos 38-46D) – closed between 9.00am and midnight on Monday 24 February for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Riverside Esplanade – nearside lane closure on Thursday 6 March for Scottish Water work.

West Marketgait (at Dudhope roundabout) – off‑peak (9.30am to 3.30pm) northbound nearside lane closure on Thursday 6 March for Scottish Water work.

Brook Street (at Daniel Street) – temporary traffic lights from 9.00am to midnight on Thursday 6  March for Scottish Water work.

Hawkhill (West Port roundabout to opposite Session Street) – closed westbound on Sunday 9 March for Scottish Water work.

Riverside Drive (at train station) – double fast lane closure on Monday 10 March (off-peak 9.30am to 3.30pm) for 5 days for barrier reinstatement.

Hawkhill (at Blackness Road) – eastbound nearside lane closure from Monday 17 March for 4 days for Scottish Water work.

Sunday, 23 February 2025

The mini bandstand! #dundeewestend


The mini-bandstand at Seabraes - another excellent photograph from Mila White Photography!

Saturday, 22 February 2025

Tayside Mental Health and Wellbeing website


The Tayside Mental Health and Wellbeing website aims to provide high-quality mental health and wellbeing services advice within GP Practices across Dundee.

The key objectives include:

+ Accessible Support: Ensuring individuals can access the right support for their mental health and wellbeing when needed.

+ Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Offering a team-based approach that includes general practitioners, link workers, mental health nurses, support workers, welfare advisors, and volunteers.

+ Community Collaboration: Working alongside community partners, third sector, and specialist services to provide comprehensive care.

+ Guidance and Resources: Providing referral guidance and digital options for those seeking support for themselves or loved ones.

+ Comprehensive Services: Offering a range of services at GP practices or nearby, tailored to meet individual needs.

Key Features :

The Tayside Mental Health and Wellbeing website offers a variety of features to support your mental health:

+ Information and Advice: Access a wide range of articles and guides on mental health topics, including stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

+ Support Services: Find information on local mental health services, including counselling, therapy, and support groups.

Self-Help Resources: Explore self-help tools and resources, such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and coping strategies.

Crisis Support: Get immediate help and support in times of crisis, with information on emergency contacts and helplines.

You can access this really helpful website at http://tiny.cc/health-well-being

Friday, 21 February 2025

Blether Tay-Gither - Storytelling in Dundee


From Blether Tay-Gither’s secretary :

Blether Tay-Gither is the Dundee Storytelling Group and its next meeting details are as follows :

Thursday 27th February - 7pm to 9pm
Location, Cake or Dice, Commercial Street
Theme: Rats and Ravens

In the still dark evenings of winter we thought we would go for a dark theme: Rats and Ravens.

It has something gothic about it, something Poe.    Both rats and ravens feature often in many stories, they are messengers, familiars, those who travel between worlds.

Come along to our storytelling club to share a story, on the theme or anything at all, or just have a cuppa and listen.

We are in the fabulous location of Cake or Dice on Commercial Street.

All welcome!

Thursday, 20 February 2025

West End street surgeries tonight #dundeewestend


As part of our revised West End ward surgery arrangements, we are holding a street surgery tonight to speak with residents on any local issues or concerns they may have.

Should you have an issue you wish to discuss with us, e-mail us at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk and we will be pleased to meet you - many thanks.

Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Friends of Wighton forthcoming Cappuccino Concert


From Friends of Wighton :


Saturday Morning Cappuccino Concert

Saturday at 11am - Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library, Wellgate

Admission £5

February 22nd Katherine Liley, fiddle, plus workshop.

Katherine Liley is an excellent fiddle-player and also a researcher and teacher.

She is no stranger to the Wighton Centre and we know we can look forward to a great mix of tunes and stories.

All welcome!

Tuesday, 18 February 2025

No ward surgeries today #dundeewestend


As the schools are closed today to pupils and the public as it is an in-service day, we have no ward surgeries.

However, we can be contacted at anytime at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk - many thanks!

Monday, 17 February 2025

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2025

Seafield Road, Dundee - closed from its westmost end (in cul-de-sac) extending for a distance of no more than 20 metres in an easterly direction to facilitate a site access for a new housing development until November 2025.

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until August 2025 for construction works.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until August 2025 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until August 2025 for construction works.

Riverside Avenue/Dykes of Gray Road (at Swallow roundabout) - closed Monday to Friday overnight (7.00pm to 7.00am) from Monday 1 July 2024 for 10 months for junction improvement works.

A90 Kingsway (at Swallow roundabout) – overnight (7.30pm to 6.30am Monday - Friday) contraflow from Monday 1 July 2024 for 10 months for third party works.

Perth Road (at No 602 Perth Road) – temporary traffic lights on Monday 17 February for BT work.

West Marketgait (southbound from Hawkhill roundabout to Nethergate) – closed overnight (8.00pm to 6.00am) on Sunday 23 February for crane lifting operations.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Ninewells Avenue – temporary traffic lights from Monday 24 February for one week for Virgin Media work.

Thomson Street (Nos 38-46D) – closed between 9.00am and midnight on Monday 24 February for Scottish Water work.

Riverside Esplanade – nearside lane closure on Thursday 6 March for Scottish Water work.

West Marketgait (at Dudhope roundabout) – off‑peak (9.30am to 3.30pm) northbound nearside lane closure on Thursday 6 March for Scottish Water work.

Hawkhill (West Port roundabout to opposite Session Street) – closed westbound on Sunday 9 March for Scottish Water work.

Hawkhill (at Blackness Road) – eastbound nearside lane closure from Monday 17 March for 4 days for Scottish Water work.

Sunday, 16 February 2025

Fleuchar Street #dundeewestend


A great photo of Fleuchar Street back in the 1970s.

Saturday, 15 February 2025

Balgay Bridge #dundeewestend


A fabulous photo of the Balgay Bridge - also known as the Hird Bridge - with thanks to Mila White Photography.

Friday, 14 February 2025

Friends of Wighton Cappuccino Concert tomorrow


Friends of Wighton's Saturday morning Cappuccino Concert takes place tomorrow - Saturday 15th February - Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library, Wellgate Centre.

This week's concert features Barbara and Peter Snape.

Peter and Barbara Snape are a very popular duo from the North West of England with a distinctly ‘northern’ repertoire.

Barbara’s versatile singing voice is full of character with both the sensitivity to move you with tales of hardship or love and the robustness to belt out invigorating, earthy songs with such confidence that you will feel compelled to join in.

Peter’s well-crafted accompaniments on the melodeon give life to the songs and the occasional dance tune will certainly set your feet tapping.

It starts at 11am and all are welcome - admission £5.

Thursday, 13 February 2025

Street surgeries tonight #dundeewestend


As part of our revised West End ward surgery arrangements, we are holding a street surgery tonight to speak with residents on any local issues or concerns they may have.

Should you have an issue you wish to discuss with us, e-mail us at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk and we will be pleased to meet you - many thanks.

Wednesday, 12 February 2025

Getting things done - Perth Road #dundeewestend



We were concerned to be advised by a resident recently that an elderly man had take a bad tumble due to the uneven paving on Perth Road just west of Blackness Library.

We reported the pavement to the council's Roads Maintenance Partnership, requesting repairs.

Tuesday, 11 February 2025

West End weekly ward surgeries tonight #dundeewestend


Our revised joint weekly ward surgeries take place tonight.

This week they are as follows :

Blackness Library (Tuesdays 5pm – every week during school term time)

Harris Academy reception area (2nd Tuesday of each month at 5.45pm during school term time)

All welcome – no appointment necessary!

Monday, 10 February 2025

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2025

Seafield Road, Dundee - closed from its westmost end (in cul-de-sac) extending for a distance of no more than 20 metres in an easterly direction to facilitate a site access for a new housing development until November 2025.

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until August 2025 for construction works.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until August 2025 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until August 2025 for construction works.

Riverside Avenue/Dykes of Gray Road (at Swallow roundabout) - closed Monday to Friday overnight (7.00pm to 7.00am) from Monday 1 July 2024 for 10 months for junction improvement works.

A90 Kingsway (at Swallow roundabout) – overnight (7.30pm to 6.30am Monday - Friday) contraflow from Monday 1 July 2024 for 10 months for third party works.

Nethergate (at Park Place) – temporary traffic lights for one week for Scotland Gas Network work.

Explorer Road – temporary traffic lights from 8.00am to 6.00pm on Monday 10 February for WHP Telecoms work.

Lochee Road (at Blinshall Street) – temporary traffic lights on Sunday 16 February for Scottish Water work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Perth Road (at No 602 Perth Road) – temporary traffic lights on Monday 17 February for BT work.

West Marketgait (southbound from Hawkhill roundabout to Nethergate) – closed overnight (8.00pm to 6.00am) on Sunday 23 February for crane lifting operations

Ninewells Avenue – temporary traffic lights from Monday 24 February for one week for Virgin Media work.

Thomson Street (Nos 38-46D) – closed between 9.00am and midnight on Monday 24 February for Scottish Water work.

Hawkhill (Westport roundabout to opposite Session Street) – closed westbound on Sunday 9 March for Scottish Water work.

Hawkhill (at Blackness Road) – eastbound nearside lane closure from Monday 17 March for 4 days for Scottish Water work.

Sunday, 9 February 2025

Sinderins #dundeewestend


A great historic photograph of the Sinderins.

Saturday, 8 February 2025

Underneath the Tay Rail Bridge #dundeewestend


Another fantastic photograph by Mila White Photography!

Friday, 7 February 2025

Getting things done - Perth Road #dundeewestend


We have received requests for the council to look at the viability of an additional pedestrian crossing in the Perth Road shopping area.

The school catchment areas in the West End were altered in 2022 meaning that this area was moved from Victoria Park’s catchment area to Blackness’s.

As a result a stream of additional children and their parents/carers walk along the south side of Perth Road to eventually cross at Sainsbury’s.

The problem is navigating the south side of Perth Road’s pavements with young children – the pavement is very narrow indeed.

We therefore asked the council's road safety team about the viability of a further pedestrian crossing is to the east – eg towards Thomson Street - and have received the following initial feedback from the Senior Engineer (Traffic & Road Safety) :

"I'll have this location added to our list of Traffic Surveys.

Initial thoughts however are that this is unlikely as the pedestrian crossing at Sainsbury's is only 100m west of Thomson Street. We wouldn't have another one so close to an existing one.

I know Perth Road very well and there are our difficulties which limit suitable crossing location such as the numerous under pavement basements, tightly packed utilities within the footways, reinforced concrete rafts within the carriageways from the old days of the trams. To compound this, we have limited useable width on the Perth Road. We are so limited in width from existing buildings that there are narrow footways in places, a trade-off between providing useable carriageway width to maintain two-way traffic flow and adequate footway width for pedestrians.

From memory I'm pretty sure this was why the pedestrian crossing at Sainsbury's was installed where it is because of the above issues.

Once I receive the traffic surveys, I will get back to you with our findings.

Thursday, 6 February 2025

West End street surgeries tonight #dundeewestend


As part of our revised West End ward surgery arrangements, we are holding a street surgery tonight to speak with residents on any local issues or concerns they may have.

Should you have an issue you wish to discuss with us, e-mail us at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk and we will be pleased to meet you - many thanks.

Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Friends of Wighton lunchtime recital today


Today, there's a lunchtime recital at the Wighton Heritage Centre at Dundee Central Library, taking place from 1.15pm to 1.45pm.

Friends of Wighton is pleased to welcome local musician, singer, songwriter Ed Muirhead.

Ed will be singing a collection of new-fashioned folk songs, all with a Dundee connection.

All welcome - admission by donation.

Tuesday, 4 February 2025

Our weekly ward surgeries tonight #dundeewestend


Our revised joint weekly ward surgeries take place tonight.

This week they are as follows :

Blackness Library (Tuesdays 5pm – every week during school term time)

Ancrum Road Primary School (1st Tuesday of each month at 5.45pm during school term time)

All welcome – no appointment necessary!

Monday, 3 February 2025

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend


DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2025

Seafield Road, Dundee - closed from its westmost end (in cul-de-sac) extending for a distance of no more than 20 metres in an easterly direction to facilitate a site access for a new housing development until November 2025.

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until August 2025 for construction works.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until August 2025 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until August 2025 for construction works.

Riverside Avenue/Dykes of Gray Road (at Swallow roundabout) - closed Monday to Friday overnight (7.00pm to 7.00am) from Monday 1 July 2024 for 10 months for junction improvement works.

A90 Kingsway (at Swallow roundabout) – overnight (7.30pm to 6.30am Monday - Friday) contraflow from Monday 1 July 2024 for 10 months for third party works.

Nethergate (at Park Place) – temporary traffic lights for 2 weeks for Scotland Gas Network work.

Abbotsford Place (Blackness Avenue to 19 Abbotsford Place) – closed from Monday 3 February for footway resurfacing works.

Westgrove Avenue – closed at its junction with Perth Road and for approximately 30 metres northwards for Scottish Water works commencing 3 February for 5 days.

Perth Road (at Westgrove Avenue) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 3 February for 5 days for Scottish Water work.

Blackness Road (at Harrow Street) – temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 4 February for BT work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Ninewells Avenue – temporary traffic lights from Monday 24 February for one week for Virgin Media work.

Thomson Street (Nos 38-46D) – closed between 9.00am and midnight on Monday 24 February for Scottish Water work.

Sunday, 2 February 2025

Perth Road - 1974 #dundeewestend


With thanks to SJ Bogue and Dundee Memories, a great photo of Perth Road from April 1974.

Saturday, 1 February 2025

Penumbra Dundee Wellness Services' Nova Service

The Penumbra Dundee Nova Service offers 1:1 support to anyone with mental health matters.

It will connect with you in a meaningful, person-centred manner.

Many of the team members have their own lived experience; with this comes genuine understanding and empathy.

Contact details in the poster below :