Phone box Beach Crescent

 

I have been contacted by residents about the condition of the BT phone box at Beach Crescent; the local community council have expressed concerns about it as well. It could do with some repairs and painting. It’s in a brilliant location, next to the old slipway, and it is a real feature of the area so it would be great if it could be refreshed and given some TLC. I have contacted BT about it and await its response.

Continuing roadworks

There seems to be a lot of roadworks being carried out or about to be carried out in the Claypotts area at the moment. I have been advised that the current surfacing work on Strathern Road to address localised deep structural failures, mainly at bus stop locations but also at some others, has been extended beyond the previously notified two weeks. The closure of the road for phase 2 of the works is to be lifted on Tuesday 23rd December and the site will cleared for the Christmas holiday period resuming on phase 3 from Monday 5th January 2015. The works will not go beyond Friday 9th January 2015 to avoid any conflict with other works planned for the area.

A temporary traffic order has been made for the purpose of facilitating the second part of the traffic signal installation and upgrading works at Claypotts junction. The Order is expected to be in force for 4 weeks from 12 January 2015.  The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily:  (1) the left turn from Claypotts Road (northbound) onto A92 Arbroath Road (westbound), (2) the right turn from Claypotts Road (northbound) onto A92 Arbroath Road (eastbound), (3) the left turn from A92 Arbroath Road (westbound) onto Claypotts Road (southbound) and (4) the right turn from A92 Arbroath Road (eastbound) onto Claypotts Road (southbound).

An alternative route will be available (a) for eastbound traffic approaching Scott Fyffe Roundabout via Strips of Craigie Road, A930 Dundee Road and Claypotts Road, and (b) for westbound traffic on A92 Arbroath Road via East Balgillo Road, Balgillo Road and Claypotts Road.

Starting on the same day will be a temporary traffic order for the purpose of facilitating service connection works to the new housing development in Victoria Road.  The Order is expected to be in force for two weeks from 12 January 2015.  The effect of this Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in Victoria Road from Strathern Road for a distance of 70 metres or thereby southwards. An alternative route will be available via Strathern Road, Claypotts Road and Albert Road.

I have been assured by the council's network management team that pedestrian access to Strathern Road will be maintained at all times, which is essential for those who live south of the road closure and need to get to the bus stops on Strathern Road.

When I heard that Victoria Road was to be closed at the same time as Claypotts junction I contacted the City Development Department to ask if the road network can cope with two closures in close proximity and I have been advised that it can. The situation will be monitored and managed to minimise delays and disruption.

Festive train and Santa’s Grotto

The land train, suitably decorated with festive lights and tinsel, will be offering rides around central Broughty Ferry this Sunday (14 December) from 12pm to 4pm. It will pick passengers up from a stop at Santa’s grotto next door to Visocchi’s in Gray Street and return there following a journey around central Broughty Ferry. The ride will cost £1 with the proceeds going to charity.  Santa and his elves will be handing out sweets to children at the grotto. Many thanks to Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association for organising this community event.

Temporary traffic order

I have been advised of the following temporary traffic order:

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of rail bridge inspection works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in St Vincent Street (from Monifieth Road to Brook Street), Broughty Ferry.

This notice comes into effect on Wednesday 7 January 2015 for 1 day.

 Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

 Alternative routes for vehicles will be available via Queen Street/Gray Street/Brook Street.

Christmas Lunch

On Saturday I was delighted to attend Dundee Conservatives Christmas lunch. The guest speaker was Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives. She talked to us about the Referendum campaign and the challenges that lie ahead following the no vote. Everyone was enthused by Ruth’s positive message and it left us in good spirits for next year’s General Election.

Council committees

At this week’s Housing Committee there was an item regarding elected member attendance at the annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Housing at a  cost of £699 per person. The SNP administration proposed that the housing convenor attend and in response I proposed that no elected members attend  arguing instead that rent payers money would be better spent on repairs and maintenance. When it came to a vote my proposal was defeated by 15 votes to 12.

 

At the same committee I welcomed an item that will see an upgrade of the facilities  at Forthill sheltered  housing complex. The works consist of an upgrade to the  kitchen and laundry, new lighting, new floor coverings and redecoration. Some time ago I met with  a housing department manager and representatives of the tenants to consider  what improvements were required and I’m pleased that our input has had a positive outcome.

 

The City Development Committee gave the go ahead for the surfacing of the car park in Gillies Park (see earlier post).

Barnhill Post Office- update

Today I received notification from the Post Office that following its period of consultation it intends to proceed with its proposal to move Barnhill Post Office from its current location in Campfield Square to MS News, which is just 20 metres away from the current branch.

 

I am advised that the new Post Office will operate from two Post Office serving points located at the shop counter enabling customers to access Post Office services alongside retail transactions. There will also be significantly longer opening times and the new Post Office will provide services seven day a week.

 

The premises will have a wide front door with a permanent ramp and internally there will be a hearing loop and space for wheelchair users.  The date for the relocation is Tuesday 24 February  2015.

Temporary traffic order

I have been advised that work to carry out remedial surfacing works to Strathern Road between Claypotts Road and Ellieslea Road is programmed to commence on Monday 8 December 2014  and will last for approximately two weeks. The contractor for the works is Tayside Contracts.

 

It will be carried out in 3 phases with through traffic diverted as follows:

 

Phase 1 – Strathern Road closed between Claypotts Road and Victoria Road, with through traffic diverted via Claypotts Road, Queen Street, Victoria Road and reverse.

 

Phase 2 – Strathern Road closed between Victoria Road and Grove Road, with through traffic diverted via Victoria Road, Dundee Road, Ellieslea Road and reverse.

 

Phase 3 – Strathern Road closed between Grove Road and Ellieslea Road, with through traffic diverted via Grove Road, Albany Road, Ellieslea Road and reverse.

 

 Access for essential traffic will be maintained where possible. No on-street parking will be allowed on the section of carriageway being worked on. Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained throughout the works.

New waste collection services getting closer

I am advised that the council’s Environment Department is on-course to introduce the revised domestic recycling services to phase 1 areas, which includes a large part of the Ferry ward, in March 2015. Residents will receive full information on the changes early in the New Year. This will include the delivery of leaflets and collection calendars, as well as visits from staff to offer information and advice. There will also be engagement activities at local residents groups, community organisations and tenants associations.

The new waste and recycling services are being trialled at a small number of flatted properties in the phase 1 areas with first collections taking place during w/c 1st December. This action will enable the environment department to test its methodologies ahead of the main rollout in March, as well as providing further scope for engagement and consultation with residents.

Christmas lights switch on

The count down to Christmas will officially begin this Thursday, 27 November, when  Broughty Ferry’s Christmas lights are switched on.  The event starts at 6pm and will end at 9pm. There will be fairground rides and entertainment will be provided by Eastern Primary School Choir, Downfield Musical Society,  Radio Tay and by local Celtic rockers Gleadhraich. Dundee's Lord Provost,  Bob Duncan, with the help of Santa, will switch on the lights at 7pm. It's always a great occasion with lots of families enjoying the festivities.  Well done to Broughty Ferry Traders Association for all that it does in making this event happen every year.

Grove Academy

 

I was pleased to learn that Grove Academy once again features prominently in the Sunday Times list of top 50 best performing state secondary schools in Scotland. It was ranked at 17^th in this year’s list, up from 22^nd place in 2013. It is a great achievement and is down to the hard work and commitment of the pupils , teachers and parents.

Temporary traffic order

I have received notification of the following temporary traffic order:

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of carriageway investigation works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Long Lane (from Fort Street to Gray Street), Broughty Ferry, Dundee.

This notice comes into effect on Monday 8 December 2014 for 1 day.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

The one-way order relating to Long Lane will be rescinded for the duration of these works.

Alternative routes for vehicles will be available via Fort Street / King Street / Gray Street.

For further information contact (01382) 433082.

Gillies Park

Over the years I have requested work to be done to improve the surface of the car park in Gillies Park which always resulted in some infilling. There are again some very large holes present however this time I have received some good news on more substantial action that is to be taken.

 

 Back in June the council’s School Parking and Pupil Safety Working Group, of which I am a member, had a site visit to Barnhill Primary School to look at traffic movements around the school entrances, it was considered at that time that as the use of the car park at Gillies Park would increase due to the new school extension it would be good to have it properly surfaced. I was a meeting last week attended by the council’s chief executive and head of transportation. I took the opportunity to speak to them about the car park at Gillies Park and to get an update from them and I was told that an estimate for the cost of resurfacing the car park had been sought and the intention is to proceed with the works, weather dependant, early in the New Year.

Weeds

I was disappointed to see this year that so many weeds were left growing in gutters and other channels after being treated with weed killer. I raised the matter with the environment department and highlighted, in particular, the condition of the streets in the Dawson area. In response I received the following information:

 

‘I can confirm that we undertook the normal planned two treatments of weeds across the city this year. We are aware that this has not been as effective as normal in a number of areas and will be reviewing this again for next year.

 

With regard to the weeds in the channels in the Dawson area, these are now too badly impacted to deal with through the use of weed killers and we are therefore making arrangements to have these areas physically cleared over the next 2/3 weeks.’

Ferry Time launch

 A busy Saturday morning; I held my usual drop in surgery then called in at the Christmas Fayre held at Forthill Sheltered Complex. I always enjoy attending this event; there is plenty of home baking to sample and it’s a great opportunity to catch up with friends. Later I attended the launch of Broughty Ferry’s time bank ‘Ferry Time’ at Broughty Ferry New Kirk.
 

Time banking is a simple but brilliant concept.  It is a tool to create community connections based on the principle that everyone has something to offer no matter who they are or what age they are.  There are around 300 time banks active in the UK. When members sign up they list what they can offer such as DIY, cooking, gardening, computing, listening etc. For every hour that someone gives of their time they receive an hour credit to “spend” when they need a service in return.  A broker matches members up and enables ‘exchanges’.
 

At the launch Charlie Webster gave a really interesting talk about the fishing community in Broughty Ferry and the community spirit that existed, despite the hard lives many had to endure.
 

If you would like to join Ferry Time or would like more information about it then contact the local time bank broker, Jimmy Mooney, either by telephone 01382 305738 or email

ferrytime@number10.org

There is also a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FerryTimeBroughtyFerryDundeeTimebank

Claypotts Road closed for emergency gas repair works

Claypotts Road was closed today near to Claypotts Castle due to a gas leak; I understand it should be open again by Friday night. Regrettably this will cause further delays for drivers who already  have to deal with the on-going infrastructure replacement works at Claypotts junction.  

Launch of Ferry Time

Additional bins

I was previously contacted by residents in the Camperdown Street area about a small pole mounted bin at the top of Church Street used by the children from Grove Academy and Eastern Primary School. It does get emptied quite regularly although many times it is overflowing on to the street. There are always gulls swarming around it and in the spring they swooped down on several people. I raised the matter with the environment department who issued an order for additional bins and there are now two large bins located at the top of Church Street near the school.

What’s in a name ?

Craig and Callum at the launch

Last night I attended a book launch in Broughty Ferry Library, organised by the friends group. The book, ‘What’s in a name ?’, was written by Callum Webster, designed by Craig Muir and published by Dundee Civic Trust.

Callum spent 15 years researching the history of every street in Broughty Ferry and the book reveals how each street name came about. It also provides information on some outstanding former residents, many of whom don’t have the wider recognition they deserve. The book also features a large number of really interesting photographs, illustrations, maps and sketches.

The library was packed to hear Callum give an excellent talk about the growth of Broughty Ferry from a fishing village to a prosperous town and how that development was reflected in the street names.

The book can be purchased in Broughty Ferry at Eduardo Alessandro Studios, Gillies of Broughty Ferry, McDonald the Stationer, Katz Pyjamas, Hallmark Cards and Waterstone’s in Dundee.

Ardmore Avenue

I was contacted about the state of the carriageway in Ardmore Avenue, particularly at the bottom junction with Navarre Street.  As one resident put it to me ‘There is no road surface - only potholes, so many one cannot count them’.  In response to the enquiry I approached the city engineer's office about it and I have since received the following update: 

 

‘I can advise that the Roads Maintenance Partnership inspector for the area is to raise an order for some repairs to the carriageway with a timescale of within 28 days. He also advises that scheme patching has been programmed for next financial year.’

Pavement works

After making frequent requests over the years for action to be taken I’m pleased that work is on-going to upgrade pavements in Boyd Place, Ramsay Street and Hutton Place. All three were ranked high enough in the council’s uanadopted footways programme to be attended to in this financial year. As I have said before, still plenty more to be done in The Ferry ward but good to see pavements that I have highlighted being dealt with.
 

On a related issue I have been asked by residents if the pavement in Dalhousie Road beside the old railway bridge is going to be resurfaced in the near future. A number of people have mentioned the narrowness of the pavement at this location, which is next to a very busy road so a good surface underfoot is essential. I received the following update from the City Engineer’s office:
 

‘The Road Maintenance Partnership has advised that this section of footway on Dalhousie Road adjacent to the railway bridge is provisionally included in the 2015/16 footway programme for resurfacing although the programme will be subject to review before the end of this financial year.’
 

I’m told in the meantime it will continue to be inspected on a regular basis and any actionable defects that may arise will be repaired to ensure safety is maintained.

Monday’s committees

A lot of business was dealt with at the series of council committee meetings held on Monday evening. On a local issue, the City Development Committee agreed to proceed with traffic regulation orders that will see additional public electric vehicle charging points being installed across the city, including two at Queen Street car park. In response to a question I asked, the committee was advised that the charging points would be available 24 hours a day and would be accessed by the use of smart card technology.

 At the Policy and Resources Committee there was an item requesting the committee’s instructions in regard to making a submission to the Smith Commission, which is the cross party body tasked with producing recommendations for further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament. The council’s SNP administration produced a list of further powers it would like to see devolved (I pointed out that the Commission is keen to avoid a simple ‘shopping list’ of further powers); I proposed that no submission be made by the council, leaving it instead to the political groups and individual councillors to submit their own views. I said that the submission proposed by the administration only represented the views of the SNP and not those of every elected member. I mentioned what the Scottish Conservatives position is and stressed that the further development of Scottish devolution must strengthen the Union, upholding the clearly stated majority view of Scottish voters. My proposal was defeated by 15 votes to 3.

The committee also agreed that a draft Gaelic Language Plan go forward as a basis for consultation but with no commitment on the part of the council to implement all or any of the recommendations. The Scottish Government requires local authorities to develop a Gaelic language plan with the aim of raising the status and profile of Gaelic.

The council's draft plan will be published on 1^st November with the 31^st December as the deadline for comments. The outcome of the consultation will be submitted to the committee in February.  Whether or not you intend to respond formally to the consultation I would be interested in knowing what you think about this matter.

The Esplanade- cycle path

I am often asked why cyclists use the pavement on The Esplanade rather than the carriageway. The sign at the east end of The Esplanade appears to direct cyclists, coming from Monifieth, along the north footway. I asked the Environment Department about it and in response I have been advised that the footways are not to cycleway standard and as The Esplanade is wide and has traffic calming it is ideal for on road cycling to be promoted. Four additional signs are to be installed along the footway to encourage the use of the carriageway, the exact wording to be agreed with the traffic engineers.

There is an item coming before the Environment Committee on Monday requesting approval to carry out works on the green circular route and core paths that will see improvements being made to path surfaces, signage and lining at various locations. The additional signs for The Esplanade are to be added to this programme of works. I’m told they should be in place before the end of the year.

St. Vincent Street railway underpass

During the heavy rains last week I was contacted by a resident about the St. Vincent Street railway underpass which, along with many other locations, had a significant pool of water form across the carriageway. There was an historic flooding problem at this location which I had a part in resolving a few years ago, it hadn’t flooded again until last week. Not wanting to see a return to the old problem I contacted the city engineer’s office about it and received the following response:

 

‘This appears to have been an isolated incident due in part to the gully gratings at the St Vincent Street/ Monifieth Road/ Whinny Brae junction being partially blocked by leaves and other detritus. This would have slowed the rate at which the rainwater entered the drainage system causing some temporary flooding of the carriageways. The gully gratings have now been cleared and the gullies themselves appear to be functioning correctly however they will be checked and cleared by the gully cleaning machine as a precaution. A request has been passed to Environment Department to sweep the road channels in this area clear of the gathered leaves and other debris. The Road Maintenance Partnership inspector for the area will continue to monitor the area during any heavy and/or sustained rainfall for any reoccurrence.’

Temporary traffic order and bus diversion routes

Queen Street from the east side of the junction of Queen Street and Claypotts Road to the west side of the junction of Queen Street and Fort Street will be closed to vehicles for 5 working days from Monday 13 October to allow for the installation of a new pedestrian crossing. Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Claypotts Road/Balgillo Road/Forthill Road/Fort Street and reverse. This Order also prohibits the southbound exit from Church Street into Queen Street. An alternative route for this manoeuvre is available via Seafield Road/Davidson Street/Claypotts Road. From Wednesday 15 October the driving of any vehicles in Church Street (from Queen Street to Brook Street) will be prohibited. Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

During this period buses will divert as undernoted:

 

Eastbound

 

Service 5/X5 - Normal route to Strathern Road then Victoria Road - Dundee Road - West Queen Street - Claypotts Road - Ballinard Road - Balgillo Road then normal route.

Service 10/12 - Normal route to Strathern Road then Victoria Road - Dundee Road - West Queen Street  - Claypotts Road - Ballinard Road - Balgillo Road - Forthill Road - Nursery Road then normal route.

Service 73/73A/73B - Normal route to Strathern Road then Victoria Road - Ballinard Road - Balgillo Road - Forthill Road - Fort Street - Queen Street then normal route.

Service 75 - Normal route to West Queen Street then Claypotts Road - Ballinard Road - Balgillo Road - Forthill Road - Fort Street - Queen Street then normal route.

Service 78A/78C - Normal route to Strathern Road then Victoria Road - Ballinard Road - Balgillo Road then normal route.

Service 79A/79C - Normal route to Strathern Road then Victoria Road - Ballinard Road - Balgillo Road - Forthill Road - Fort Street - Queen Street then normal route.

Service 206 - Unaffected.

 

Westbound

 

Service 5/X5/9/11 - Normal route to Nursery Road then Forthill Road - Balgillo Road - Ballinard Road - Claypotts Road - West Queen Street - Dundee Road - Victoria Road - Strathern Road then normal route.

Service 73/73A/73B - Normal route to Queen Street then Fort Street - Forthill Road - Balgillo Road - Ballinard Road - Victoria Road - Strathern Road then normal route.

Service 75 - Normal route to Queen Street then Fort Street - Forthill Road - Balgillo Road - Ballinard Road - Claypotts Road - West Queen Street then normal route.

Service 78A/78C - Normal route to Balgillo Road then Ballinard Road - Victoria Road - Strathern Road then normal route.

Service 79A/79C - Normal route to Queen Street then Fort Street - Forthill Road - Balgillo Road - Ballinard Road - Victoria Road - Strathern Road and then normal route.

Service 206 - Normal route to Fort Street then Queen Street - Gray Street then normal route.

Emergency revetment works completed

I previously posted that during the storms at the start of the year serious damage occurred to the coastal defence on The Esplanade and the timber walkway, near to the Glass Pavilion. Emergency revetment works have since been carried out. The area behind the revetment which was recently used as a compound has been grassed over.

Community Charge write off

I was disappointed but not surprised to hear that the SNP Government is to prevent councils from recovering outstanding community charge debts. This move is unfair to those Scots who paid the community charge in good faith, subsidising those who could afford to pay but chose not to. Nobody likes paying taxes but in a democracy we observe the law and recognise our social responsibility in helping to pay for public services. Writing of these debts sends out completely the wrong message; in Dundee we have one of the lowest in year council tax collection rates in Scotland and this move by the SNP is unlikely to do anything to improve our position.

 

I checked with Dundee City Council’s finance officers about how much community charge remains outstanding in Dundee and I was told that as at the 31st March of this year it was £1.81m. Despite Alex Salmond’s contention that a very small sum is recouped each year, in Dundee in the last financial year £56,975 was recovered, which is not an insignificant amount of money.

Dundee Road railway bridge

Residents asked me if the ivy on the Dundee Road railway bridge could be cut back a bit as it is impeding the pavement, which is very narrow at this location. I raised the matter with the Roads Maintenance Partnership and in response the city engineer advised me:

‘This bridge was inspected recently and the problem you mentioned was noted. As part of this year's bridges routine maintenance works programme, the vegetation will be cut back to ensure that it does not impede pedestrians. This should be carried out in the near future.’

SNP spending choices robbed NHS of £700 million

 Scottish Conservatives press release

 

The SNP’s decision to not increase spending on Scotland’s NHS in line with UK levels has deprived hospitals and patients of £700 million, research has revealed. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) confirmed that, since 2009/10, the UK Government has increased health spending in real terms by 4.4 per cent. Alex Salmond claimed he would match NHS funding south of the border, but in the same period the level of spending actually dropped by 1.2 per cent. Had the SNP matched Westminster spending, Scotland’s NHS would have benefited from an additional £700 million.

 The SNP previously tried to rubbish the IFS claims, stating its analysis had also included spending commitments like the Commonwealth Games, therefore skewing the statistics. However, the IFS contacted the SNP on September 17 to make clear this was not the case, and the comparison between health budgets in Scotland and England was like-for-like. Despite this, both health secretary Alex Neil (on September 24) and Alex Salmond (today during First Minister’s Questions) continued to stick to the line that the IFS report was incorrect.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said: “The Prime Minister promised to increase health spending in real terms – and he has. Alex Salmond made a pledge to increase NHS spending – but he has broken this to the tune of £700 million. He now has to explain where that money has gone, and what the SNP is going to do to ensure spending on the NHS increases in years to come.

“What’s worse, the SNP attempted to rubbish the analysis by the IFS – an independent body – in the run up to the referendum. Despite being told in great detail that this was wrong on September 17, both the health secretary and the First Minister have repeated this blatant inaccuracy as recently as today. That’s not good enough, and a thoroughly pathetic way to try to wriggle out of some very damning analysis.

“It’s ironic that the Scottish Government tried to fight a referendum on the NHS, when all the while it was cutting the very same budgets that were being increased south of the border.”

Balmossie graffiti

For some time I have been trying to get graffiti cleared from the pumping station at Balmossie. I have contacted Scottish Water about it directly as has the environment department. The latest response to the environment department from Scottish Water said that it had been in touch with its partner organisation, Veolia, who are responsible for the site.  Apparently the cleaning hasn’t been carried out yet due to a delay in the delivery of graffiti removal spray. Balmossie is at the top of its list of sites to be addressed and the removal spray will be applied shortly. If it is ineffective for any reason other measures will be considered.  Hopefully no matter what happens the end result will be a clean building.

West Queen Street

I was asked if I knew when the carriageway in West Queen Street might get some attention. In recent years, sections either side on Dundee Road and Queen Street have been resurfaced. I raised the matter with the City Engineer and received the following response:

‘A detailed condition survey of the Council's carriageways is currently underway and the Roads Maintenance Partnership will be in a position to report back to me towards the end of this calendar year in order to review and update the rolling 3 year programme for issue in Spring 2015. At that time I will be able to advise on where this section of road sits in priority for repair and when resurfacing is likely to be carried out.’

Barnhill Post Office

I have received notification from the Post office’s Regional Network Manager about a proposal to move Barnhill Post Office from its current location at Unit 3 Campfield Square to MS News, Unit 8 Campfield Square. Consultation is being carried out, which will last for 6 weeks, and the public is being asked for views on the proposed new location. I am told that Post Office services will be offered from two tills on the retail counter in a modern branch, there will be longer opening hours and that the majority of Post Office products and services will still be available.

The consultation period runs until 30 October and it is anticipated that if the move goes ahead it will take place in January/February 2015. You can read about the details of the proposal and make comment on it by going to the Post Office website page postofficeviews.co.uk. The branch code for Barnhill is 10282099.

Garden competition

Broughty Ferry in Bloom achieved a Silver Gilt medal in this year’s Beautiful Scotland competition. Broughty Ferry was judged in the Coastal Resort category. A Silver Gilt is recognition of a very high standard. Well done to Brought Ferry in Bloom and its volunteers and organisations that contribute to this on-going success and for making Broughty Ferry such a colourful place.

 

I previously highlighted the great work done by the sheltered tenants in Forthill in brightening up the garden at the sheltered complex. I was delighted that they won the Community Living Spaces category in Broughty Ferry in Bloom’s own local garden competition. They also won the Community Living Spaces category in the Bonnie Dundee competition.

Most important vote we will cast in our lifetime

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has issued a rallying cry ahead of tomorrow’s referendum vote on separation. She said: “The vote we cast tomorrow will be the most important vote any of us will cast in our lifetime. We are not being asked to pick a government for five years, but to choose whether or not to break our country apart forever.

“There will be no going back after a Yes vote. But the risks of separation are risks that we don't have to take as a country. Change is coming - sweeping new powers to put the Scottish Parliament in charge of tax and welfare. But we will ensure that change doesn't come at the cost of our security and prosperity.

“A No vote means we keep the parts of the UK that we hold dear - our pound, our passport, our pension and our armed forces. All of the UK's success in the world is our success too, because - as Scots - we helped build the UK. It is ours.

“So I want people to walk proudly into the voting booths tomorrow, confidently casting their vote to keep our country together.”

Dundee Road pedestrian refuge update

I previously asked the council’s City Development Department, on behalf of the residents of Ravenscraig Gardens, if a pedestrian refuge could be provided to assist them in crossing Dundee Road to access the bus stop. Dundee Road is fairly wide at this location and the volume of traffic makes it difficult to cross. In response the head of transportation has advised me:
 

‘Consideration can be given for a central refuge island however there is already an island to the west near Ralston Road and an island to the east near Ellieslea Road.  Both these islands are relatively close, in terms of walking routes travelling east or west from / to Ravenscraig Gardens and serve large area wishing to cross the Dundee Road…… I will arrange to review this location further but at this stage no firm plans are in place to provide additional central refuge islands in this area of Dundee Road.’
 

I’m told that by keeping it under review sometimes an unknown factor or consideration is raised which might highlight the need for a refuge island.

Leading businesses warn of economic risks of separation

Scottish Conservatives press release

 

Two of the UK’s largest companies have expressed clear warnings over the economic risks of separation.

Standard Life, the third largest private sector employer in Edinburgh, has announced contingency plans to move key parts of the business down to England if Scotland votes to leave the United Kingdom. And in a further blow to the SNP’s economic credibility, BP Chief Executive Bod Dudley has said he backs Sir Ian Wood’s assessment that Alex Salmond has grossly overestimated the value of remaining North Sea Oil.

Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Gavin Brown MSP said: “On the same day we have formal statements highlighting the risks of separation from vital employers in two of our most important industries.

“It is clear from their statements that future jobs and investment in both financial services and oil and gas are far safer with Scotland remaining in the UK. The uncertainties of separation could cause real and lasting damage to our economy. Standard Life is the third largest private sector employer in Edinburgh and BP has been operating in the North Sea for 50 years. Their concerns need to be treated extremely seriously.”

Open space improvements

The council’s environment committee will be asked tomorrow to agree proposals for open space improvements at a number of locations across the city at a cost of £100,000. Included in the measures are high amenity planting and reshaping works at Windmill Gardens (which is one of Broughty Ferry’s secret gems). Dawson Park will see an old heather planted area returned to grass, the path areas at the sunken garden upgraded and an upgrade of signage at two of the access areas to the park.

Former Scottish Secretaries say wealth and strength of Union offers best future for Scotland

Three former Scottish Secretaries of State for Scotland have come together to issue a powerful case for keeping the Union, arguing the economic and financial case against breaking up the UK is unarguable.

Lord Lang of Monkton, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Lord Forsyth of Drumlean said in a joint statement that an independent Scotland would not enjoy the same wealth and strength the country currently enjoys as part of the United Kingdom.

They added that being part of a joint Union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland offers the strongest springboard to the wider world for young people in Scotland.

Lord Lang said: “We think it right to focus on the broad issues and the long term. The separatist campaign focuses too much on airy electioneering promises, but the Referendum is about a once-and for-all decision on the future of Scotland."

Lord Forsyth said: “At a time of great political and financial uncertainty we need the strength of a United Kingdom to protect and secure our children's future. Now is not the moment for a reckless gamble and a leap into the unknown.”

Joint statement:

 

“We, who have served in government as Secretaries of State for Scotland, believe strongly that Scotland, the land we love, should remain in the United Kingdom. We believe that the value and the emotional appeal of the present Union is far more compelling than the mirage of Independence.  The one has stood the test of three centuries.  The other is built on a myth that sees Scotland as a deprived country, exploited by an uncaring neighbour.

From our knowledge gained in government, we maintain that the economic and financial case against breaking up the United Kingdom is so clear as to be unarguable; that any hope that with Independence Scotland could achieve material or social objectives unavailable within the Union is vain; and that the chance of Scotland maintaining in isolation the wealth and strength she enjoys as part of Britain is non-existent.

We hold that the constitutional, financial and legal difficulties of unscrambling so integrated and successful a Union as ours would be as complicated, damaging and heart-rending as breaking up any marriage can be.  Divorce is always painful – the more so when the two parties must continue to live next door to one another.  We warn that separation of Scotland from England, Wales and Northern Ireland after so long together would lead to pain and blame:  that decades of aggravation would follow, to the detriment of all.

We must remind ourselves that we Scots have achieved much in the world because of Britain.  No less has Britain prospered because of Scotland.  We have helped each other to make our United Kingdom one of the richest, most successful and most influential powers on Earth.  None can doubt the Scottish contribution to this achievement, on a scale that being part of Britain opened up for us.  Far from being fettered by the Union, Scotland has been liberated by it.

Our contribution to Britain’s industry, engineering, science, medicine, philosophy, literature, the arts and sport has been incalculable.  We have run Scotland, run Britain, run the Empire and Commonwealth over the centuries.  We have fought tyranny alongside the rest of the British peoples.  Our shared commitment to freedom and the rule of law has been a beacon of light for the world.

Nor has Scotland’s own identity suffered in this partnership.  On the contrary, the Scottish character has worldwide recognition.  Whether as missionaries or merchants, explorers or administrators, we Scots have won respect and friendship wherever we have ventured.   Scottish enterprise and drive have enabled us to prosper, taking advantage of the global reach of the United Kingdom.

We contend that nationalism and patriotism are different forces.  Patriotism is positive.  It is open, forward-looking. It allows pride in Scotland and in the United Kingdom.  Nationalism is negative.  It has to be against something.  It is narrow, resentful.  While nationalism seeks to blame others for the grievances of an imagined past, patriotism seeks to share with others the challenges of a promising future.

We believe that for the young Scots of today the United Kingdom still offers, as it has always done, real opportunities that we should not reject.  England is still by far our largest market; and being part of Britain still offers a strong springboard to the wider world.  That was why, over three hundred years ago, our forebears decided to join the Union with England. 

Their decision has been triumphantly vindicated; and the same arguments hold good today.  The Union led to a marriage of nations so successful that it has shaped the modern world. It can continue to do so. Scotland has evolved within the United Kingdom.  Scots have always had our own Church, our own law, our own local government system and much of our own parliamentary legislation – first at Westminster, now in Edinburgh.  The Scottish Parliament now has more powers than the provinces of Canada or the States of Australia.   We can still have all that, as well as the comfort of a sense of family, with the added security of a home within the United Kingdom.

With the fracture of our Union, something in all of us would die. Great Britain’s history is Scotland’s history.  Without Scotland there would be no Great Britain.Why now throw all that away?  Why now put at risk our security, our prosperity, our jobs, the opportunities for our young people and the pensions of our old?  Why dismantle our great success story and embark on a sea of uncertainty?  It does not make sense.  To do so would diminish us all and bring comfort only to those who wish us ill.

We believe passionately that it need not happen and it should not happen.  We love our country, Scotland, too much to see her torn out of Britain to struggle, diminished, weakened and alone in an indifferent world.  The decision to be taken on 18th September will affect the lives of generations unborn.  

With heart and mind we urge our fellow-Scots to stand firm for the United Kingdom, whose past has been magnificent and where our future would be secure.

IAN LANG, MALCOLM RIFKIND, MICHAEL FORSYTH

MICHAEL FORSYTH was Secretary of State for Scotland from 1995 to 1997

IAN LANG was Secretary of State for Scotland from 1990 to 1995.

MALCOLM RIFKIND was Secretary of State for Scotland from 1986 to 1990.

Temporary traffic orders

I have recently been notified of two temporary traffic orders:

 

King Street

 

This notice comes into effect on Friday 5 September 2014 for one day. The driving of any vehicle in King Street  between Ambrose Street and Bath Street is to be prohibited to allow Scottish Water to carry out ironwork repairs. Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

 

Alternative routes for vehicles will be available via:

 

Eastbound - Fort Street / Brook Street / Gray Street

Westbound – Gray Street / Queen Street / Claypotts Road / Brook Street / Fort Street

 

Fort Street and Gray Street

 

This notice comes into effect on Tuesday 16 September 2014 for one day. The driving of any vehicle in Fort Street between King Street and Fisher Street and Gray Street between King Street and Beach Crescent is to be prohibited to allow Scottish Water to carry ironwork repairs. Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

 

Alternative routes for vehicles will be available via:

 

Fort Street closure - Fisher St / Church St / King St

Gray Street closure – Beach Crescent / St Vincent St / King St

Dawson Park to be a Queen Elizabeth Challenge Field

Dawson Park in West Ferry has been nominated by Dundee City Council as a Queen Elizabeth Challenge Field. The organisation Fields In Trust has been running the Queen Elizabeth Fields Challenge as a permanent living legacy of HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The purpose of the challenge is to ensure that outdoor spaces and sporting facilities are guaranteed for future generations as a tribute to these events.

The benefits of the scheme are a clear commitment to the conservation of the park, access to direct improvement grants through association with the scheme, assistance in accessing other external funding through demonstrating partnership working, access to tool kits and technical advice on park improvements and development proposals.

A commemorative plaque will be displayed acknowledging that Dawson Park is a Queen Elizabeth Challenge Field. Camperdown Park in Dundee has also been nominated as a Queen Elizabeth Challenge Field. 

There is a separate campaign run by Fields in Trust in conjunction with Poppyscotland to secure open spaces in perpetuity in honour of the memory of the millions of people who lost their lives in the First World War. The Law has been suggested as a Centenary Field because of its association with Dundee’s war memorial.

Action on local issues

 

I previously reported significant pooling that occurred at the dropped kerb on the junction of Grove Road with Strathern Road. Work has now been carried out to rectify the problem.

Esplanade tidy up

I was asked if anything could be done about the concrete hard stands in between the sand dunes and the southerly footpath on The Esplanade. They were badly overgrown with grass and weeds and looked pretty unsightly.  The access steps either side of the platform nearest to Brook Street were totally covered with sand and grass. Previously the platforms were used as seating locations and a lifebelt is still located on one of them. I approached the council’s environment department to ask if they could be tidied up. The work has recently been completed and they look so much better.

One month left – what’s Plan B?

Scottish Conservatives press release

 

Scottish Conservative chief whip John Lamont has challenged Alex Salmond to name his currency Plan B – with just a month before voters go to the polls. The First Minister’s bid to share the pound with the rest of the UK in the event of independence has been ruled out by the Chancellor and his opposite numbers. But, despite previously saying he had “a plan B, C, D, E and F”, he has yet to say what his preference would be. Scottish Conservative chief whip John Lamont MSP said: "The Nationalists have had eighty years to plan for independence and yet with a month to go before the referendum they can't answer the most basic question of all - what money would we use?

"Alex Salmond's plan to keep the pound in a currency union isn't going to happen. He needs to tell us his Plan B and time is rapidly running out for him to come clean with the people of Scotland.Thousands will be voting by post in just a couple of weeks. Enough of the ducking and diving - it's time for the SNP to tell us what would happen if Scotland separates from the UK."

National recognition for Broughty Ferry

Broughty Ferry has been nominated as one of three finalists for the Academy of Urbanism Great Neighbourhood Award for 2015. The mission of The Academy of Urbanism is to recognise, encourage and celebrate great places across the UK, Europe and beyond, and the people and organisations that create and sustain them. 

The award criteria includes leadership and governance, local character, amenity, commercial success and viability, environmental sustainability, community, health and wellbeing, connectivity. The other two finalists in the same category are Devonport, Plymouth and Holbeck Urban Village, Leeds.  The Academy judges were in Broughty Ferry on Tuesday to meet with local organisations and they visited several locations. 

We already know that Broughty Ferry is a great place and it’s wonderful that it has been recognised at a national level. The result will be announced at the end of the year. On the way to my Saturday morning surgery I thought the flower beds at the library would make a good picture to go with this article for no other reason that I think they are terrific display.

Kerrington Crescent pavement

I was pleased to see that work to bring up to standard the pavement on the north side of Kerrington Crescent is progressing. This is another pavement that I have received a lot of complaints about over the years. I previously was able to increase its priority in the council’s unadopted footways scheme by establishing that houses were present in Kerrington Crescent prior to 1919 which allowed it to gain the maximum number of points that are allocated to pavements for the age of housing in the street. I was able to do similar with the age of the housing in Strathmore Street, beside the Barnhill shops, which also resulted in the pavement there being included in a programme of works this year.

On viewing the attached photograph when writing this item I noticed that the street name plate for Maule Street has all but been worn away. I have asked that this be replaced with a new one.

Radio 5 Referendum debate

Leading lawyers call for credible currency alternatives

Scottish Conservatives press release

 

A group of leading lawyers have challenged the SNP to produce credible currency alternatives for a separate Scotland. Writing in two national newspapers, the experts explained that in the event of independence there would be no agreement from the rest of the UK to a currency union. It comes after the leader of the Better Together campaign Alistair Darling exposed the First Minister’s stance on currency in a live televised debate last night.

Alex Salmond has previously said he had “a plan B, C, D, E and F”, but with just weeks until the referendum, none of these have yet been explained. That has led to suspicion there is no preferred alternative, something last night’s head-to-head went some way to confirm.

The Scottish Conservatives have repeatedly tried to get answers from the Scottish Government on currency plans, but it has dismissed these questions in both the parliamentary chamber and through written questions.

Last week, currency experts branded the SNP’s position on the issue as “a deception”. It follows concerns raised by a range of esteemed academic and business figures over the SNP’s claims that Scotland would have a currency union with the rest of the UK under independence.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said: “Alex Salmond is selling voters short. They want real answers to serious questions and he refuses to give them any. How can anyone be expected to vote for independence when there is no credible plan on currency? We know there won’t be a currency union in the event of separation. But the SNP, with only weeks to go now, has not set out an alternative.The only other options left are to use the Panama pound without a central bank, join the Euro, or create a new currency, all of which carry massive risks.

“Leading businesses, responsible for employing thousands upon thousands of people, have begged the Scottish Government for answers, and none have been forthcoming. Today we see the finest legal brains in the country raising similar fears. This deception by the Yes campaign cannot be allowed to go on any longer – it’s a ludicrous impasse designed by Alex Salmond in the absence of any credible plan.”