Temporary Traffic Order - West Park Road

Having long campaigned for road resurfacing in West Park Road, we are pleased to advise of this temporary traffic order from the City Council :

Dundee City Council propose 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 ten days from 2 September 2024. Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in West Park Road from its junction with Blackness Road to its junction with Beechwood Terrace.

An alternative route will be available westbound via Blackness Road, Glamis Road, Perth Road and in reverse, and eastbound via Blackness Road, Hyndford Street, Perth Road and in reverse.

Any queries should be addressed to the Network Management Team, City Development Department, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1LS or call 07939 282882.

Community Wishes

Small projects and community-driven requests can now be considered through a new scheme in Dundee.

Community Wishes, under the umbrella of Dundee City Council’s established community benefits policy, includes support for small installations, maintenance, clean-up projects, materials, volunteering time to complete projects or sponsorship.

Community Wishes involves a seven-stage process from initial idea through to evaluation including :

+ gathering wishes

+ submitting/uploading wishes

+ moderating wishes

+ approving and publishing wishes

+ directing contractors;

+ delivering and evidencing wishes and

+ evidencing and reporting

 

Local Community Planning groups and communities contacts have been given details of the scheme which is open to a wide range of voluntary groups, third sector or charity organisations, informal clubs and residents' associations.

If you have ideas for small project requests which will support your group or local area please enter a wish at https://wishes.dundeecity.gov.uk/

While the council has supported the development of the Community Wishes portal, decisions on which projects to support will be taken by individual contractors so the council cannot guarantee when and if wishes will be delivered.

The first evaluation and monitoring report on Community Wishes will be published after a year of operation.

West End Thursday surgeries today - all welcome! #dundeewestend

Michael’s surgeries take place today and every Thursday during school term time.

They are as follows :

Thursdays at 5.45pm prompt – West End Campus (come to reception area of St Joseph’s RC and Victoria Park Primary Schools)

Thursdays at 6.30pm prompt – Harris Academy reception area

All welcome – no appointment necessary!

Lunchtime Recital from Friends of Wighton!

The Lunchtime Recital featuring Sheena Wellington will be on Tuesday 3rd September starting at 1pm in the Wighton Heritage Centre in the Central Library.

Singer Sheena is, of course, a familiar presence at the Wighton and has chosen to celebrate her 80th Birthday with a fundraiser for the Friends of Wighton Education and Outreach programme.

Sheena says :

“Please, no presents (trying to get rid of ornaments as it is), no flowers (I’m allergic), but donations will be very welcome – and there will be cake!”

Very best wishes to Sheena and all welcome at the Lunchtime Recital.

West End Tuesday surgeries today - all welcome! #dundeewestend

Fraser’s weekly ward surgeries take place later today and every Tuesday during school term time.

They are as follows :

Tuesdays at 5pm prompt – Blackness Library

Tuesdays at 5.45pm prompt – Ancrum Road Primary School

All residents welcome – no appointment necessary.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 26 AUGUST 2024

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until December 2024 for construction works.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until December 2024 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until December 2024 for construction works.

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.

Scottish and Southern Energy Network Elmwood Cable Renewal Scheme – rolling road closures from Monday 24 June for 28 weeks – areas in the West End Ward affected are : 

• Ancrum Road/Glamis Road/Sutherland Place – temporary traffic lights for one week; and

• City Road (Blyth Street to Milnbank Gardens) – closed for one week followed by:

• City Road/Tullideph Road junction – temporary traffic lights from Monday 2 September for 2 weeks; and

• Tullideph Road (City Road to Ancrum Road) – closed westbound from Monday 2 September for 5 weeks.

Riverside Avenue/Dykes of Gray Road (at Swallow roundabout) - closed Monday to Friday overnight (7.00pm to 7.00am) from Monday 1 July for 11 months for junction improvement works.

A90 Kingsway (at Swallow roundabout) – overnight (7.30pm to 6.30am) contraflow for 10 months for third party works.

Brewery Lane – give and take from Monday 26 August for one week for street lighting works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Kirsty Semple Way (at Tom McDonald Avenue) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 2 September for 2 weeks for fibre ducting works.

West Park Road – closed between Blackness Road and Beechwood Terrace from Monday 2 September for 10 days for carriageway resurfacing.

Perth Road – closed between Hawkhill and Shepherds Loan (closed eastbound only) from 9.00am on Tuesday 17 September until 6.00am on Wednesday 18 September for ScottishWater repairs.

Perth Road (Hawkhill to Shepherds Loan) – closed eastbound from 9.00am on Tuesday 17 September to 6.00am on Wednesday 18 September for Scottish Water work.

Sycamore Place - closed for its entire length from Monday 23 September for 5 days for carriageway resurfacing.

Rosebery Street (Pitfour Street to Cleghorn Street) – closed Monday 30 September for 8 days for Scottish Water work.

Getting things done - Marchfield Road #dundeewestend

As residents know, we have repeatedly raised the poor road condition in Marchfield Road where Michael is photographed.    

Some of the poor road surface both here and in Marchfield Terrace and Marchfield Crescent we were previously advised were 'non-actionable' in terms of low pothole depth but the bottom line here is that the roads here are badly deteriorated.

We have therefore reiterated our call to the Roads Maintenance Partnership to consider inclusion of these streets in a future capital programme for resurfacing.

Hope Point – Dundee’s well-being support

Hope Point recently celebrated its first anniversary and has achieved so much in its first year.

The friendly team is available 24/7 for anyone in Dundee experiencing distress, overwhelm or suicidal thoughts.     Anyone can call, text or drop-in for face to face support.

Phone :  0800 955 0008 (freephone)

Text :  01382 604 123 (text service)

Call in :  4 South Ward Road, Dundee (drop-in)

Hope Point is here, round the clock, with a friendly face and a listening ear.

Pension Credit take-up

In February, Dundee City Council Advice Services launched a campaign with Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau and the Brooksbank Centre to maximise the income of as many citizens of Dundee as possible over the state pension age.

Since the launch of this campaign, over £1 079 431 has been paid to the citizens of Dundee in different benefits. With the average Pension Credit award being £63.51 per week.

The City Council identified and contacted households who might be entitled to Pension Credit and to reach as many people as possible, held several well attended drop-in sessions for people to get a benefits check.

Pension Credit is a payment for those whose income is less than the UK Government states someone over Pension age should receive.

Entitlement to Pension Credit depends on a person’s circumstances and looks at all the income in the household as well as savings over a certain amount. Whilst savings are considered, there is no upper threshold, so having savings does not necessarily mean there would be no entitlement.

Pension Credit also gives eligibility to free NHS dental treatment, NHS glasses, free TV License for over 75s, amongst other benefits.

The campaign is ongoing and anyone looking to get a benefits check should contact the City Council at cas@dundeecity.gov.uk or on the Older People’s Take-up Campaign line on 01382 434474.

West End Ward Thursday Surgeries #dundeewestend

Michael’s surgeries take place today and every Thursday during school term time.

They are as follows :

Thursdays at 5.45pm prompt – West End Campus (come to reception area of St Joseph’s RC and Victoria Park Primary Schools)

Thursdays at 6.30pm prompt – Harris Academy reception area

All welcome – no appointment necessary!

Getting things done - Blackness Road #dundeewestend

We recently received concerns from residents that the "flashing" 30mph safety sign in Blackness Road approaching Balgay Road/Blackness Avenue is not functioning correctly - it is the one heading westwards - the one heading eastwards appears fine.

We took this up with the council's Road Safety Team Leader who has advised as follows :

"The signs should flash at vehicles that are travelling excess of the speed limit and I will get someone to check to make sure that they are working.

The manufacturer SWARCO will also be coming back to Dundee and I will get them to check them as well if they are faulty in any way."

West End Ward Tuesday Surgeries #dundeewestend

Fraser’s weekly ward surgeries take place later today and every Tuesday during school term time.

They are as follows :

Tuesdays at 5pm prompt – Blackness Library

Tuesdays at 5.45pm prompt – Ancrum Road Primary School

All residents welcome – no appointment necessary.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 19 AUGUST 2024

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until December 2024 for construction works.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until December 2024 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until December 2024 for construction works.

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.

Scottish and Southern Energy Network Elmwood Cable Renewal Scheme – rolling road closures from Monday 24 June for 28 weeks – West End Ward affected as follows : 

• Ancrum Road/Glamis Road/Sutherland Place – temporary traffic lights Saturday 17 August for one week followed by:

• City Road (Cleghorn Street to Milnbank Gardens) – closed for 2 weeks followed by:

• City Road/Tullideph Road junction – temporary traffic lights from Monday 2 September for 2 weeks followed by:

• Tullideph Road (City Road to Ancrum Road) – closed westbound from Monday 16 September for 5 weeks.

Riverside Avenue/Dykes of Gray Road (at Swallow roundabout) - closed Monday to Friday overnight (7.00pm to 7.00am) from Monday 1 July for 11 months for junction improvement works.

A90 Kingsway (at Swallow roundabout) – overnight (7.30pm to 6.30am) contraflow for 10 months for third party works.

Brewery Lane – give and take from Monday 19 August for 2 weeks for street lighting works.

Logie Street (at Ancrum Road) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 19 August for junction lining works.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Kirsty Semple Way (at Tom McDonald Avenue) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 2 September for 2 weeks for fibre ducting works.

Rosebery Street (Pitfour Street to Cleghorn Street) – closed Monday 30 September for 8 days for Scottish Water work.

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design Masters Show #dundeewestend #djcadmastersshow

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design’s annual Masters Show is returning from next Saturday - 24th August - until Sunday 1st September.

The show will be open from 10am to 4pm each day, with an extended late opening until 8pm on Wednesday 28th August. 

Explore a range of outstanding work across 14 varied and complex subjects.

All welcome! For more information, visit the website at https://buff.ly/3kdVxsL

Dundee Age Concern - free taster sessions

Fraser is the Vice-Chair of Dundee Age Concern that runs the long-standing Fiveways Centre in the city.

Dundee Age Concern is committed to combatting loneliness and isolation for older residents in Dundee.

If you or a family member is interested, please contact the team today.

Just call Dundee 825624.

Getting things done - Shepherd's Loan #dundeewestend

We recently received concerns about the safe crossing of Shepherd's Loan at its north end at the junction with Perth Road.

As one resident put it :

"The top of Shepherd's Loan is problematic.     Pedestrians can step into the road just as the light for traffic turns green, as there is no pedestrian light or control at all and pedestrians can't see the Shepherd's Loan light so there is no way to know the light is changing.     I've seen people step into the street just as cars are pulling off."

We raised the issue with the road safety team leader at the City Council who advised as follows :

"Urban Traffic Control (UTC) staff  have attended site inspect the situation and do recognise that there is an issue which is not ideal and the current situation is a compromise position for both pedestrians and vehicular access.  

This is very much a historic problem and the Shepherd’s loan approach is not ideal for pedestrians.  Removing or closing this approach would be beneficial for pedestrians however we are very aware that this would likely be unacceptable for local residents as egress would be prevented onto Perth Road.  

The footways on Shepherds loan are very narrow which makes it extremely challenging on locating traffic signal poles to install pedestrian signal indicators and there is also likely issues with underground public utilities.   Any pole would likely block the footway and pedestrians would have to walk on the road which is not ideal.  

On a positive note, Shepherds Loan is not heavily trafficked and speeds are low.  There has also been zero injury accidents at this location in the last 5 years and again this is positive.  

Anyway, having visited the location and discussed this within UTC given the situation we intend to have a very detailed appraisal of the overall junction and consider options on how to improve the pedestrian’s facilities on this approach when UTC come to refurbish the Sinderins junction.  This is planned to be in approximately 3 – 4 years as the signal equipment will need to replaced and hopefully we will have the funding to do something more substantial to improve the situation. In the meantime we will continue to monitor the junction for both pedestrians and general traffic."

Michael’s weekly ward surgeries today! #dundeewestend

Michael’s first ward surgeries after the school summer holidays take place today and every Thursday during school term time.

They are as follows :

Thursdays at 5.45pm prompt – West End Campus (come to reception area of St Joseph’s RC and Victoria Park Primary Schools)

Thursdays at 6.30pm prompt – Harris Academy reception area

All welcome – no appointment necessary!

Getting things done - Seabraes lift and foliage #dundeewestend

Michael is pictured at the lift to the Seabraes bridge. We recently received concerns about lift breakdowns - the first such concerns in rather a long time.

We raised this with the City Council and received the following feedback from the Principal Engineer (Design & Property Services) :

"See below a response from DCC maintenance team with regards to the lift.

We have recently been made aware of a couple of breakdowns with this lift. Unfortunately, due to the lift's external and remote location it susceptible to misuse, dirt collecting in the door tracks, corrosion etc, which have been contributing factors for the majority of breakdowns over the years.

All repairs are attended to the same day they are reported to us, although again due to its location, we rely on members of the public to inform us of any breakdowns due to not having any DCC staff on site (like we do with all other lifts).

DCC carry out regular servicing of this lift including a service being carried out each month, a 6-monthly LOLER inspection and an annual LG1 inspection."

We also received complaints about the extent of vegetation to the north of the bridge and, having raised this with council environment management, received the following feedback :

"Our operatives have called into the area, north side of the bridge and carried out work to remove self-seeded Buddleia that were causing partial pedestrian obstruction. Access improvement has now been made."

Fraser’s weekly ward surgeries tonight! #dundeewestend

With the schools now back after the summer holidays, Fraser’s weekly ward surgeries start again later today and every Tuesday during school term time.

They are as follows :

Tuesdays at 5pm prompt – Blackness Library

Tuesdays at 5.45pm prompt – Ancrum Road Primary School

All residents welcome – no appointment necessary.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 12 AUGUST 2024

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until December 2024 for construction works.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until December 2024 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until December 2024 for construction works.

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.

Scottish and Southern Energy Network Elmwood Cable Renewal Scheme – rolling road closures from Monday 24 June for 28 weeks – West End Ward areas affected : 

• Ancrum Road (westbound between Tullideph Road and Glamis Road) for one week followed by:

• Ancrum Road/Glamis Road/Charleston Drive/Sutherland Place – temporary traffic lights Monday 19 August for 2 weeks followed by:

• City Road (Cleghorn Street to Milnbank Gardens) – closed for 2 weeks followed by:

• City Road/Tullideph Road junction – temporary traffic lights from Monday 26 August for 2 weeks followed by:

• Tullideph Road (City Road to Ancrum Road) – closed westbound from Monday 9 September for 5 weeks.

Riverside Avenue/Dykes of Gray Road (at Swallow roundabout) - closed Monday to Friday overnight (7.00pm to 7.00am) from Monday 1 July for 11 months for junction improvement works.

A90 Kingsway (at Swallow roundabout) – overnight (7.30pm to 6.30am) contraflow for 10 months for third party works.

Brewery Lane – give and take from Monday 5 August for 4 weeks for street lighting works.

South Marketgait (at Greenmarket) – nearside northbound lane closure on Tuesday 13 August (9.00am to 4.00pm) for Virgin Media work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Logie Street (at Ancrum Road) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 19 August for junction lining works.

Kirsty Semple Way (at Tom McDonald Avenue) – temporary traffic lights from Monday 2 September for 2 weeks for fibre ducting works.

Getting things done - Western Cemetery #dundeewestend

Michael is pictured at the Western Cemetery's west wall where residents have highlighted that the ivy has greatly spread and is now damaging the wall.

We contacted environment management at the City Council regarding this and were initially advised by the Service Manager as follows :

"I can update that an initial visual inspection has been carried out by the City Engineers.

However vegetation is overgrowing on the walls (the roots of this are on private land), which prohibits a full inspection to ascertain and cost remedial works.

I will contact the adjacent landowner asking them to remove the vegetation as soon as possible."

The adjacent owner is the University of Dundee who own the Westpark student residences area over the boundary wall.

We did, in response, ask that as much overgrown foliage as possible is removed by the council from the cemetery side of the wall and were helpfully advised thereafter as follows :

"By way of a further update, the Forestry team have confirmed that the ivy will need to be cut back to the boundary by them as this work is at height, using the platform.

This work has been carried out a few times over the years and will need to be undertaken outwith active nesting season.

Forestry have recorded this to be carried out."

Book appeal

Togs - the children's clothing bank for Tayside - is looking for donations of new and used children’s books.

It is looking for books suitable for babies and young children.

If you can help, please drop off at Togs, based in Showcase the Street, 6-8 Manhattan Works - many thanks!

Getting things done - Annfield Street - an update #dundeewestend

Residents will recall that, back in June, we highlighted a missing seat and one that was badly deteriorated in Annfield Street.

We reported this to the City Council and our local environment manager promised action.

This has since happened including a new seat at the east end of the street - see 'before' and 'after' photos.

Michael's Thursday surgeries #dundeewestend

Because of the school holidays, Michael's usual ward surgeries do not take place today.

However, we can be contacted at any time on Dundee 459378 or by e-mail at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk

Schools return next week after the holidays so Michael's surgeries will be back next Thursday.

Getting things done - Cambridge Street - an update #dundeewestend

Earlier this year, residents highlighted to us that half of one of the street signs in Cambridge Street - at the junction with Oxford Street - was missing.

We have requested that the roads maintenance partnership replace it and are pleased to say - as you can see from the 'before' and 'after' photographs, that a new street sign has since been installed.

Tuesday West End ward surgeries #dundeewestend

Just a reminder that as it is the school holidays, Fraser's usual ward surgeries do not take place today.

However, we can be contacted at any time on Dundee 459378 or by e-mail at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk

As the schools return next week after the holidays, Fraser's surgeries start again next Tuesday.

Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR THE WEST END WARD - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 5 AUGUST 2024

Blinshall Street (Douglas Street to 50 metres south) - closed until December 2024 for construction works.

Douglas Street (Blinshall Street to Brown Street) - temporary traffic lights until December 2024 for construction works.

Brown Street (south of Douglas Street) - closed until December 2024 for construction works.

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.

Scottish and Southern Energy Network Elmwood Cable Renewal Scheme – rolling road closures from Monday 24 June for 28 weeks: 

• Ancrum Road (westbound between Tullideph Road and Glamis Road) for 2 weeks;

• City Road (southbound between Tullideph Road and Cleghorn Street) until Monday 5 August; and

• City Road (Cleghorn Street to Milnbank Gardens) closed southbound from Tuesday 6 August for 3 weeks.

Riverside Avenue/Dykes of Gray Road (at Swallow roundabout) - closed Monday to Friday overnight (7.00pm to 7.00am) from Monday 1 July for 11 months for junction improvement works.

A90 Kingsway (at Swallow roundabout) – overnight (7.30pm to 6.30am) contraflow for 10 months for third party works.

Brewery Lane – give and take from Monday 5 August for 4 weeks for street lighting works.

Blackness Road (at Harrow Street) – off‑peak (9.30am to 3.30pm) temporary traffic lights on Tuesday 6 August for BT work.

Forthcoming Roadworks

South Marketgait (at Greenmarket) – nearside northbound lane closure from Tuesday 13 August to Friday 16 August for Virgin Media work.

Improved tennis courts at Victoria Park #dundeewestend

We are pleased to see the recent upgrades of tennis courts across Dundee that includes Victoria Park - where Michael is pictured beside the resurfaced courts.

The work and reopening of the courts seemed to take an age and we are grateful for residents' patience - the upgrade was part of a Scotland-wide project by the Lawn Tennis Association that required a lot of co-ordination but we are grateful to the LTA for its investment in tennis at both Victoria Park and across Dundee.

You can book a free place at the courts at https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/TennisInDundee - there is also a poster with a linking QR code at the courts too.

50th anniversary of Ninewells Hospital

From the Curator of Museum Services at the University of Dundee :

We’ve recently been working with medical students on a project to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ninewells Hospital.

The students have created a mini exhibition in the School of Medicine (outside the Deanery on level 8).

They have also put together an extensive online display exploring Ninewells’ pioneering history. You can see this at http://tiny.cc/Ninewells-50

The photo is of the official opening of Ninewells Hospital on 23rd October 1974 and features the late Queen Mother.

Getting things done - Seafield Lane #dundeewestend

As residents are aware, we have been raising numerous environment management related issues recently - be that overflowing Eurobins, street litter, parks and open space maintenance and other issues such as dog fouling.

One recurring issue has been the recycling and waste Eurobins in Seafield Lane in Seafield Lane near its junction with Thomson Street.

We have repeatedly raised issues around servicing of the bins and spillage and specifically requested an additional recycling bin for paper and card to increase capacity.

Fraser is pictured at the site by the new additional recycling bin.    We will continue to keep a close eye on the situation at this - and other locations - to ensure there is sufficient capacity, regular servicing and the site is kept neat and tidy.

Michael's Thursday surgeries #dundeewestend

Because of the school holidays, Michael's usual ward surgeries do not take place today.

However, we can be contacted at any time on Dundee 459378 or by e-mail at westend@dundeelibdems.org.uk