With thanks to James Grant Reid and Dundee Westenders, a great view of the Sinderins junction of old, taken from 297 Hawkhill :
Sunday, 31 May 2020
Saturday, 30 May 2020
Temporary Traffic Order - Re-opening of Recycling Centres
In order to allow for the re-opening of civic amenity centres at Riverside and Baldovie this coming Monday, there will be some traffic/roads arrangements put in place - the temporary traffic order is as follows :
Dundee City Council proposes to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating the re-opening of recycling centres. The Order is expected to be in force for one month from 1 June 2020. Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.
The effect of the Order is to temporarily impose (1) a 30 mph speed limit on A85 Riverside Avenue from a point 500 metres or thereby west of its junction with Wright Avenue to a point 500 metres or thereby east of its junction with Wright Avenue, together with imposing a no waiting restriction on Wright Avenue itself from the junction with Riverside Avenue for its entire length; and (2) a no waiting restriction on both sides of Forties Road from the junction with Drumgeith Road to the south side of the junction with Piper Street and on both sides of Piper Street for its entire length.
If you have any queries, please contact the Network Management Team, City Development Department on 433275.
Friday, 29 May 2020
Thursday, 28 May 2020
A little piece of West End history #dundeewestend
Many thanks to the Step Row resident who sent me this photograph of a part of walling in the street that looks a little smoke-damaged.
She was told by a lovely elderly lady who lived at 33 Step Row long ago, that on VE Day, local folk lit a celebratory bonfire and all brought out chairs to celebrate together.
This wall bordering the former blind institution property (now sheltered housing operated by Caledonia Housing Association) still shows the effects of that bonfire 75 years later!
The elderly lady who told the story many years ago was the late Mrs Margaret Clark - Peggy to her friends. Born around 1901, she was one of 13 children of a shepherd in Aboyne and was in her eighties when she passed away. She lived across the landing to her brother William Watt and his wife in the first tenement at number 31. He had retired as lighthouse keeper on the May Island, possibly the last to man it.
With the recent VE Day 75th anniversary commemoration taking place, it was great to learn about this little piece of history in the West End.
Wednesday, 27 May 2020
... and Happy 100th birthday Arthur!
Many happy returns to Arthur Harris of Pennycook Court
as he celebrates his 100th birthday!
My very best wishes!
Happy 100th birthday Logie!
Today marks the centenary of the official opening of the Logie scheme in the West End - happy 100th Logie!
We had planned to have an event tonight in the Lime Street sheltered lounge with local residents to mark this significant milestone and there was to be an exhibition at Blackness Library and in the Central Library along with talks by the Dundee City Archives.
Sadly, none of this is now possible at this time because of the COVID-19 health emergency but we do intend to run events like this at a later date as it is important to recognise the importance of Logie, as Scotland's first council housing scheme, in the history of the provision of social housing.
Meantime, you can read one of the excellent articles by the Dundee City Archives' blog here - all about the story of the building of Logie, with links to other articles.
Tuesday, 26 May 2020
The beautiful West End! #dundeewestend
Lovely lilac in Fort Street - with many thanks to the resident who sent me this!
Monday, 25 May 2020
Latest update during the COVID-19 emergency
Further update - for Monday 25th May – from Councillor Fraser Macpherson (West End) and Councillor Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry) :
EASING OF LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS
The First Minister has published the route map through and out of the crisis. As from Thursday 28th May the following changes to guidance will start.
You will be able to meet people from one other household, though initially in small numbers, and at 2 meters distance while you are outside.
You will be able to sit or sunbathe in parks and open areas.
Some non-contact outdoor leisure activities will be allowed to restart - such as golf, tennis, bowls and fishing - subject to appropriate hygiene and physical distancing.
People will be able to travel up to five miles – preferably by walking or cycling - to a location near their local community for recreation.
Take-away and drive-through food outlets will be free to reopen. Waste and recycling services will start to resume. Outdoor retail outlets such as garden centres will be allowed to reopen. Children’s hearings will restart. Non urgent NHS treatment and surgery will gradually restart. Some construction will restart.
The document sets out four phases for seven activity areas, but we may not be in the same phases for all activities at the same time. This week the message remains stay at home. Next week that changes slightly to stay at home as much as possible. The decision on the future message has yet to be determined.
The full route map document is here.
SHIELDING
The Government will issue new guidance before the initial period of shielding ends on 18th June. This will aim to increase your quality of life and your ability to make informed choices, while continuing to protect you as much as possible from the risks the virus poses.
SCHOOLS AND OTHER LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
Teachers and other school staff will return during June to prepare classrooms for the new term and a different model of learning.
The number of children who have access to the critical worker childcare hubs for those returning to work will increase.
Transition support will be offered to children going into primary 1 or moving from primary 7 to secondary school.
From 11 August, all schools will re-open. However, to allow appropriate physical distancing, children will return to a blended model of part time in-school and part time at-home learning.
Childminders can re-open during phase 1 and over the summer all early years childcare providers will re-open.
Universities and colleges will be allowed to have a phased return next term, with a combination of remote learning, and some limited on-campus learning.
TESTING ROLLED OUT TO EVERYONE OVER THE AGE OF 5
Testing for the virus has been opened out to everyone who is symptomatic over the age of five. This means anyone who is displaying any of the three symptoms of COVID-19 – continuous cough, high temperature, or loss of sense of taste or smell – will be able to book a test at the drive-through or mobile test centres. Do not travel more than 90 minutes to reach a testing site. If there is not a site near to you, then you should try to book a home testing kit. https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
If you are a key worker or have to leave home to work, and you have symptoms or a member of your household age 5 years or over is symptomatic: you can self-refer here www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers
BUSINESS RATE GRANT SUPPORT FOR RENTERS
After pressure from the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish Government has agreed businesses that have a rateable value that would qualify them for support through the grant scheme but which pay their business rates through an intermediary—that is, through a rental agreement or a management charge for the rented service office space that they occupy— will now qualify for the support. More details will be announced soon.
SUPPORT FOR LARGER BUSINESSES
Businesses will be able to benefit from larger loans under the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), the UK Government announced.
The maximum loan size available under the scheme will be increased from £50 million to £200 million, to help ensure those large firms which do not qualify for the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) have enough finance to meet cashflow needs during the outbreak.
The expanded loans, which have been introduced following discussions with lenders and business groups, will be available from tomorrow - 26th May.
Borrowers under CLBILS will be able to borrow up to 25% of turnover, up to a maximum of £200 million.
CORONAVIRUS STATUTORY SICK PAY
The Covid-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will launch online tomorrow – Tuesday 26th May. The scheme will enable employers with fewer than 250 employees to claim coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Tax agents will be able to make claims on behalf of employers.
Employers are eligible to use the scheme if:
They’re claiming for an employee who’s eligible for sick pay due to coronavirus;
They had a PAYE payroll scheme in operation before 28 February 2020;
They had fewer than 250 employees across all PAYE schemes on 28 February 2020; and
They’re eligible to receive State Aid under the EU Commission Temporary Framework.
The repayment will cover up to two weeks of the applicable rate of SSP, and is payable if a current or former employee was unable to work on or after 13 March 2020 and entitled to SSP, because they either:
Have coronavirus;
Are self-isolating and unable to work from home; and
Are shielding because they’ve been advised that they’re at high risk of severe illness from coronavirus.
To prepare to make a claim, employers should keep records of all the SSP payments they wish to claim for. Further details can be found via the below link.
SUPPORT FOR THE SELF EMPLOYED
The UK government’s scheme to support the self-employed has now opened for claims – weeks ahead of schedule.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme now opened for applications
those eligible will receive government grant worth up to £7,500.
Self-employed individuals or members of partnerships whose business has been adversely affected by coronavirus will be able to apply for a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits.
Millions are expected to benefit from the scheme with the payments – to be paid in a single instalment covering three months and capped at £7,500 – expected to land in bank accounts within six working days of each claim.
Everyone eligible for the SEISS, which is one of the most generous support schemes announced by any government in response to coronavirus, will be able to receive the government grant within six days of a completed claim.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Individuals are eligible if their business has been adversely affected by coronavirus, they traded in the tax year 2019 to 2020, intend to continue trading, and they:
earn at least half of their income through self-employment
have trading profits of no more than £50,000 per year
traded in the tax year 2018 to 2019 and submitted their Self Assessment tax return on or before 23 April 2020 for that year
HMRC calculate the amount to be paid to each eligible claimant based on an average of the tax returns for 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19.
Eligibility details - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme
Customers were invited to claim their SEISS grant on a specified date, from 13 - 18 May. They won’t be able to apply before their claim date but can make a claim after that day.
People can check their date using HMRC’s online checker at any time.
If you need further support, please use HMRC’s webchat service or call the Covid-19 Helpline on 0800 024 1222.
MORTGAGE HOLIDAY EXTENSION
Homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage due to Coronavirus will be able to extend their mortgage payment holiday for a further three months or start making reduced payments.
STATUTORY SICK PAY REBATE SCHEME
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from tomorrow - Tuesday 26th May. This scheme will allow small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, to apply to HMRC to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related SSP.
CHARITY GRANTS
Properties occupied by charities can now apply for the £10 000 Small Business Grant Scheme. An additional £31 million is being made available to more than 3,000 small properties occupied by charities – including day centres, workshops and halls.
INFORMATION
UK Government news: www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications
Scottish Government Updates: www.gov.scot/news
Dundee City Council updates: www.dundeecity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19
Covid community helpline for food, shopping, prescriptions, finances, personal care: People in Dundee on the shielded list only - 0300 123 1403. People in Dundee who are vulnerable but not on the shielded list - 0800 111 4000
NHS Inform - https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
NHS Tayside website: www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk
Helpline for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice Tel: 0800 028 2816.
Health Protection Scotland Guidance - www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19
Federation of Small Businesses: www.fsb.org.uk/coronavirus
Helpline for small businesses, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: 0300 303 0660.
Ready Scotland Information - www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus
Tayside Cares - www.taysidecares.co.uk
SUPPORT AND ADVICE
This is an anxious and uncertain time but we want you to know that we are here to try to help constituents in whatever way that we can.
CONTACT DETAILS
WEST END WARD – Bailie Fraser Macpherson
Phone – Dundee 459378 (home)
E-mail – fraser.macpherson@dundeecity.gov.uk
Facebook updates : www.facebook.com/dundeewestend
Sunday, 24 May 2020
Getting things done - Magdalen Green #dundeewestend
Many thanks to all residents who contacted me on Friday about the fallen tree at Magdalen Green.
I reported to our local environment manager who has asked the Forestry Section to remove it :
Saturday, 23 May 2020
Friday, 22 May 2020
Roads and pavements improvements in the West End #dundeewestend
Today, the council is publishing its proposals for roads and pavements improvements planned for this financial year across the city. Obviously with the health emergency situation, emergency road work is prioritised at present so much of the planned resurfacing work may be later in the financial year. However, it is good that the council’s Roads Maintenance Partnership is making clear what it plans to upgrade and improve during 2020/21.
The following roads work in the West End is in the carriageway programme : Glamis Drive (resurface), Greenbank Place (resurface), Newhall Gardens (main loop – surface dress), Ninewells Avenue (Perth Road to Dickson Avenue - surface dress), Seafield Road (resurface), Tullideph Street (resurface) and West Hendersons Wynd (Guthrie Street to Verdant Works – overlay). Many of these I have raised repeatedly so pleased these are coming forward for improvement.
The following adopted pavements will also see improvements : Roseangle (north side whole length - resurface) and West Marketgait (west side - Nethergate to West Port roundabout – resurface).
Unadopted pavements – upgrade and adoption programme : Explorer Road (the link path between Explorer Road and the Green Circular - towards the top end of Explorer Road at the boundary between West End Ward and Lochee Ward – reconstruction), Glamis Road path entrance into Greater Balgay – reconstruction), Melville Terrace (south footway – reconstruction), Norwood Terrace (north footway – reconstruction), Perth Road (north footway opposite Clovis Duveau Drive and Millbay Gardens/Terrace – reconstruction)
Non-adopted roads/pavements improvements : Balgay access road into the cemetery (entrance just south of the Dickson Avenue / Glamis Road junction - resurface), Polepark Road (paths in the park areas to the east of Polepark Road – reconstruction).
There is a significant issue about the unadopted pavements programme. The council during last year changed the criteria for these. My colleague Cllr Craig Duncan and I opposed the change, not because we opposed the principle of looking again at the criteria and extending inclusion to new streets, but because, under the old scheme, indicative streets for future inclusion and improvement had been already made clear up to 2021/22 and were publicly known.
These included pavements in part of Elliot Road near the tennis courts, Rockfield Crescent, south side of Roxburgh Terrace (all provisionally this financial year) and the remote path of Millhall Crescent (numbers 3-11) and Dunmore Gardens pavements (both provisionally 2021/22). These are now dropped from the programme due to lower priority and we felt strongly that existing priorities to the end of 2021/22 should have been honoured. We have asked to see the detail of how these streets score in the new system of prioritisation.
As always, happy to discuss the detail of this with residents – just call me on Dundee 459378.
Thursday, 21 May 2020
Social distancing - Magdalen Green style! #dundeewestend
With thanks to the local resident who kindly sent me this ... enough said!
Wednesday, 20 May 2020
Please support Making Dundee Home #dundeewestend
A great video from Making Dundee Home which is doing such wonderful work.
If you can help to support the work (food and financial support really welcomed) please contact Gordon Sharp at gordonsharp264@gmail.com - many thanks!
Tuesday, 19 May 2020
Gardening with young children
With thanks to Ninewells Community Garden, don't forget to book your free place for the next online workshop - "Gardening with young children."
It's on tomorrow - Wednesday 20th May - at 1pm.
There will be a short presentation followed by a Q&A Session. Top tips welcome!
Another team effort from Ninewells Community Garden, PLANT and Andrea from Green Wellies Gardening – all welcome!
Monday, 18 May 2020
Latest update during the COVID-19 emergency
Further update - for Monday 18th May – from Councillor Fraser Macpherson (West End) and Councillor Craig Duncan (Broughty Ferry) :
GOING OUT ADVICE CHANGE
As residents will now know, people in Scotland can now go outside more than once a day to exercise. This activity should continue to be undertaken close to home. Those going out to exercise should either go alone or with members of their household.
The change does not allow people to mix with people from different households, to gather in groups, or to go out to relax outdoors. The changed advice is based on evidence from the UK Government’s scientific advisers SAGE regarding outdoor transmission which found the risk seems to be significantly lower than indoors.
KEEPING YOU UPDATED
The First Minister is to make an announcement this week on the easing of the lockdown in Scotland. We will endeavour to keep you informed of any changes.
FURLOUGH EXTENSION
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will continue until the end of October. It entitles furloughed workers across UK to receive 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500. New flexibility will be introduced from August.
RECYCLING CENTRES
The Scottish Government has indicated that recycling centres may be able to open soon, and COSLA, the organisation representing Scottish local government is suggesting 1st June as a possibility, subject to appropriate safety arrangements to ensure social distancing. We will keep constituents updated about this as many local residents have contacted us about this.
BEREAVEMENT
The ability to offer webcasting of funeral services is now available. This enables live streaming of services as well as making recordings available for a short time.
NATIONAL WELLBEING CENTRE
New information, resources and support is available to help you at work and at home. The resources are based on the principles of psychological first aid. It provides advice and support for your practical, everyday needs and relationships, as well as tips on self-care, to help you cope with the challenges you’re facing during the pandemic.
WATER CHARGES
The Water Industry Commission for Scotland has announced a scheme that will provide at least £50 million of support to businesses and organisations. The scheme ensures that business customers impacted by the crisis receive bills that more accurately reflect their current use of water and waste water services. In addition, unmetered and smaller businesses are eligible for a 60% deferral of their wholesale fixed charges backdated to 24 March 2020. The scheme also allows those business customers who prepaid water and sewerage charges to their licensed providers to request a refund. Smaller customers receiving a refund are also eligible to apply for a deferral of their fixed wholesale charges.
TRAINS
The Scottish Government advise that rail travel should be for essential purposes only. Scotrail, the government, the trade unions and passenger groups are preparing for an easing of the lockdown at some point. They have issued this advice for passengers for when that happens.
MAGGIE’S CENTRE
Maggie’s Centre has given details of the Makers for Maggie's online raffle.
Coronavirus is having a big impact on people with cancer and their families and friends. They need places like Maggie's more than ever to deal with treatment delays and uncertainty.
Maggie's Dundee is still providing their vital support online and over the phone. But they need funds to keep providing this service. With 'normal' fundraising not happening at the moment, our online raffle and our online market are two ways how we and you can help.
The ‘Makers for Maggie's’ and other local businesses have donated fantastic and generous prizes to this raffle!
A raffle ticket costs £2 and you can buy as many as you like. The raffle closes on 24 May.
To purchase your raffle tickets follow this link - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/makersformaggies-raffle
INFORMATION
UK Government news: www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications
Scottish Government Updates: www.gov.scot/news
Dundee City Council updates: www.dundeecity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19
Covid community helpline for food, shopping, prescriptions, finances, personal care: People in Dundee on the shielded list only - 0300 123 1403. People in Dundee who are vulnerable but not on the shielded list - 0800 111 4000
NHS Inform - https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
NHS Tayside website: www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk
Helpline for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice Tel: 0800 028 2816.
Health Protection Scotland Guidance - www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19
Federation of Small Businesses: www.fsb.org.uk/coronavirus
Helpline for small businesses, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: 0300 303 0660.
Ready Scotland Information - www.readyscotland.org/coronavirus
Tayside Cares - www.taysidecares.co.uk
SUPPORT AND ADVICE
This is an anxious and uncertain time but we want you to know that we are here to try to help constituents in whatever way that we can.
CONTACT DETAILS
WEST END WARD – Bailie Fraser Macpherson
Phone – Dundee 459378 (home)
E-mail – fraser.macpherson@dundeecity.gov.uk
Facebook updates : www.facebook.com/dundeewestend
Sunday, 17 May 2020
Interview with the Evening Telegraph
Along with council leader, Councillor John Alexander, I took part in a video interview with the Evening Telegraph towards the end of last week.
We discussed a number of local issues during these challenging times including the massive financial challenge facing Dundee City Council - and indeed other local authorities - as a result of the COVID-19 health emergency, a situation I have said must be met by sufficient financial support from government.
That part of the interview can be seen at www.tinyurl.com/eveningtele-interview.
Saturday, 16 May 2020
Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend
DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT
Please note that most works are subject to change and late completion due to the restrictive measures in place following UK and Scottish Government advice that only emergency/urgent works and those considered essential should take place during this period.
REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 16 AND SUNDAY 17 MAY 2020
Lower Pleasance (Douglas Street to Brewery Lane) - closed on Saturday 16 May for Scottish Water manhole repairs.
REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 18 MAY 2020
Hawkhill (at Tait's Lane) – off-peak temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 19 May for Scottish Water ironwork repair.
Friday, 15 May 2020
Getting things done - Pennycook Lane #dundeewestend
Residents recently drew to my attention potholes in Pennycook Lane.
I reported these to the City Council's Roads Maintenance Partnership and am pleased to advise that, despite the challenges facing services during the current health emergency, I have been assured that these repairs will be scheduled for repair - to quote :
“We’ll arrange for an inspector to have a look at Pennycook Lane and log any defects identified for repair."
Thursday, 14 May 2020
Shopping and Prescription Support
Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action has now started a voluntary shopping and prescription service, thanks to the wonderful volunteers helping to provide this.
If you would like a volunteer to do your shopping for you, you can arrange this either by completing the form online at: www.getlocalsupport.org or by calling the Dial-OP line, weekdays between 9am and 5pm on 305757.
It has set up an invoicing system to allow you to pay for your shopping after it has been delivered in response to people telling them they were worried about running out of cash at home and having to go out to withdraw money in order for volunteers to do their shopping for them. This is an alternative for the people who are no longer able to pay with cash and hope that this will allow them to continue to get the shopping in that they want without having to leave the house or put themselves at more risk.
Wednesday, 13 May 2020
Spring on Magdalen Green #dundeewestend
With thanks to the resident who kindly sent this, lovely Hawthorn blossom on Magdalen Green :
Tuesday, 12 May 2020
Minibeast Home Hunt
From Dundee Rangers Service :
What sort of buzzing and crawling things live in your garden or local green space? Join the Dundee Rangers Service online and share what you've found.
We might not be able to get to you, but by the magic of modern communications you can share film/pictures of your discoveries with us and we can tell you about them. We'll be online waiting for your queries and will do our best to answer them!
Remember to be careful not to hurt yourselves or the animals you're filming. Use gloves and small paintbrushes (to brush the creatures gently into something you can film them in like a jar or white tray).
Stay safe and have fun! More details are available at www.facebook.com/events/1119556745091476 - the event takes place tomorrow - Wednesday 13th May.
Monday, 11 May 2020
Sunday, 10 May 2020
Beautiful view from Balgay Hill #dundeewestend
A fantastic view from Balgay Hill, with grateful thanks to George!
Saturday, 9 May 2020
Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend
DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT
Please note that most works are subject to change and late completion due to the restrictive measures in place following UK and Scottish Government advice that only emergency/urgent works and those considered essential should take place during this period.
REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - SATURDAY 9 AND SUNDAY 10 MAY 2020
Perth Road (at Seabraes) - temporary traffic lights on Sunday 10 May for Scottish Water works.
REPORT FOR WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 11 MAY 2020
Riverside Drive (at Tesco) – off-peak westbound nearside lane closure on Thursday 14 May for Scottish Water ironwork repair.
Lower Pleasance (Douglas Street to Brewery Lane) - closed on Saturday 16 May for Scottish Water manhole repairs.
Forthcoming Roadworks
Hawkhill (at Tait's Lane) – off-peak temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 19 May for Scottish Water ironwork repair.
Friday, 8 May 2020
Magdalen Green blossoms #dundeewestend
With grateful thanks to Ann Gourlay, some more photos of the lovely Magdalen Green blossoms!
Thursday, 7 May 2020
Council Advice Services during the COVID-19 health emergency
Council Advice Services and the Scottish Welfare Fund continue to provide essential services throughout the COVID - 19 crisis.
The service will provide advice and assistance with:
+ Money Advice
+ Debts
+ Benefits
+ Energy Advice and much more
More details are available at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/corporate-services/customer-services-and-it/council-advice-services
Wednesday, 6 May 2020
A great idea! #dundeewestend
Many thanks to local resident Kirsty Angus, who is a primary school teacher. She has been painting these pebbles at home.
Kirsty left some down at Magdalen Green on her daily walk so others could enjoy and some in town - a lovely idea 😊
Tuesday, 5 May 2020
Air quality improvements must not be lost across Dundee
I have called on Dundee City Council to ensure the significant improvements in air quality that have taken place during the COVID-19 lockdown and sharp reduction as vehicle usage is not lost when normality hopefully returns in the coming months.
As residents know, I have long campaigned on air quality issues, particularly in relation to Lochee Road where, as recently as January 2020, I again highlighted my concern that, yet again, leading air quality campaigners Friends of the Earth had highlighted air quality concerns in Lochee Road in its Scotland’s most polluted streets survey, with Seagate in the city also highlighted in the January national air quality survey.
The current health emergency is a very challenging time for everyone and will continue to be so for some time. However, the air quality levels across Dundee with far less vehicle usage currently taking place has significantly improved. All air quality monitoring sites show particulates and nitrogen dioxide levels are down to low. Mean levels of nitrogen dioxide have reduced by some 68% in recent weeks on Lochee Road and nitric oxide by 55%. Many constituents have commented on the welcome and obvious air quality improvement and that’s not just at the streets that have a known air quality concern normally.
Last week, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air published research showing many likely long-term health benefits from the pollution reductions in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, including fewer children developing asthma, fewer preterm births and fewer deaths long-term from better air. You can read the research at https://energyandcleanair.org/air-pollution-deaths-avoided-in-europe-as-coal-oil-plummet/
Of course vehicle traffic will increase as we hopefully get through the current COVID-19 health emergency and business, work and leisure traffic increases again, but I am adamant that the improvements in air quality must be maintained, particularly at the long-established areas of air quality concern in the city, including parts of Lochee Road in the West End.
I have written to senior council officers asking for detail of the particulates and nitrogen dioxide levels that have been monitored over the past six weeks and asked them to consider what steps are necessary to maintain the air quality improvements, particularly at what are normally the air quality hotspots in Dundee.
It is a very challenging time due to the COVID-19 emergency. However, there is the possibility of one positive outcome from this challenging period as we hopefully come out of the emergency in the months ahead – cleaner air – and the council must act to ensure that cleaner air is a long-term benefit to everyone in the city.
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