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.