Road repair update

Just a quick update on my earlier post. The Roads Maintenance Partnership has advised me that an order has been raised to fill the open joint on Beach Crescent with a timescale for completion of twenty eight days or sooner.

Beach Crescent

 

I went out for my usual Sunday morning walk around Broughty Ferry to note any matters that require actioning and to also inspect locations reported to me by constituents. One of the locations was Beach Crescent. A resident had asked me if anything is to be done about the carriageway which is looking rather rutted.  I have asked the roads maintenance partnership if it is likely to feature in a programme of works in the near future. While I was there I stopped to watch the Broughty Ferry swans for a few moments.

Campaigning

Over the last couple of weeks I have been delivering leaflets for Bill Bowman, who is the Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate in the Dundee City East constituency for next year’s Scottish Parliament election. Bill was a candidate in Dundee East at this year’s General Election and increased the number of votes cast for the Scottish Conservatives. As a charted accountant and with many years of experience of being in business Bill has professional skills that could be put to good use in Holyrood.

 

In the New Year I will be helping to deliver leaflets for Nicola Ross the Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate in Dundee City West.  Nicola was a candidate in the same constituency at the General Election and also increased the votes cast for the Scottish Conservatives. If you would like to join our growing band of volunteers and get involved in the Scottish Conservative and Unionist election campaign in Dundee please get in touch.

Broughty Ferry Christmas presents

This year’s Broughty Ferry calendar has a lot of superb pictures in it which were submitted by entrants to the town's annual photographic competition. It will make a great Christmas present. It costs £9.99 and all proceeds are used by the Broughty Ferry Traders to support local charities and good causes. It can be purchased from various shops in Broughty Ferry. You can also buy a Broughty bag to carry it home in and help promote Broughty Ferry every time you use it.

Ward boundary update

Victoria Road

Since the consultation by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland ended in October I have been looking out for an update on its website as I am keen to see what the outcome is for the proposal to move part of West Ferry from The Ferry ward into the East End ward. Despite it being nearly eight weeks since representations had to be submitted no update has been posted. However a Freedom of Information request by the Evening Telegraph has revealed that 971 objections were submitted, which is amazing. This is one of the greatest responses to a public consultation on a local matter that I have seen in my time as a councillor.

 

When Dundee City Council considered the boundary commission’s initial proposal, which would have seen a boundary running down Fairfield Road I moved an amendment which would have resulted in the council advising the commission that it didn’t support the proposal to transfer West Ferry (Polling District EAW and part of Polling District EAN) to the East End ward but councillors from the other political parties chose not to support my amendment, preferring instead a motion from the SNP administration which supported an option that creates a boundary for The Ferry ward at Victoria Road.  

 

I moved my amendment to retain the existing western boundary of The Ferry ward i.e. at Dundee and Angus College Gardyne Campus, because having served as a Broughty Ferry councillor for many years I was aware of the community, social and historical ties that would be broken by changing the boundary and the likely concern this would be for local residents. It seems my instinct was correct given the unprecedented level of response.

A genuine “Scottish alternative”

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party news release

 

The Scottish Conservatives will offer a genuine "Scottish alternative" to the SNP in next year's Holyrood elections, Ruth Davidson said today.

 In a key note speech marking 150 days until the May 5th vote, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives said the party would speak up for people increasingly concerned about a 'one party state' under the SNP.

 

"My message to them is this: in the Scottish Conservatives, there is an alternative voice which will stand up to the SNP's plans for separation, and constant flirtation with a second referendum."

She adds: "Here's my message 150 days out. Scotland isn't a one party state. Not while I'm around it won't be. Our party has the team, the commitment, the energy, the ideas and the vision for the fight ahead."

Over the coming five months, the Scottish Conservatives will, she said, set out a clear alternative plan - for a "moderate, energetic" Scottish Government which categorically rules out taking Scotland back to another referendum.

"With a vote for the Scottish Conservatives in May, you are saying that you want to move on.  That you want to put an end to it. It's a vote which says  - I want to live in a country whose future isn't under a cloud – but is assured. Simply, it's a vote restating your wish to stay part of the United Kingdom so you and your family can get on with life."

Setting out the Scottish Conservative vision for the next 150 days, she added: "My plan for this election is to use our strong foundations within the United Kingdom to set out a new vision. Not bowing to the big state on the one hand or genuflecting to the free market on the other – but of an active and energetic government which seeks to create a more level playing field, and a better quality of life for us all. A moderate government which knows that the State can't do it all and shouldn't try to – but knows that the State can strengthen society when used well."

The speech comes as the Scottish Conservatives this week unveil all their regional list rankings.

 "I want people to know that we are ready. We are prepared. I've brought our party to the start line in good shape. Ours is a party that now gets devolution and has transformed itself to reflect entirely our modern Union. This is a Scottish election. So this is our campaign. It's our plan, policies and ideas. Made in Scotland. For Scotland."

Broughty Ferry Christmas Sunday

Christmas lunch

Yesterday, following my Saturday morning drop in surgeries, I attended Dundee Conservatives Christmas lunch at Woodlands Hotel. The guest speaker was Ian Duncan MEP.

 

I enjoyed convivial company, a great meal and a witty and informative speech by Ian. He talked about Winston Churchill, next year's Scottish Parliament election, the upcoming EU referendum and other European issues.

Back by popular demand

Last night I was delighted to attend the launch of a new edition of the book, ‘What’s in a name?’, at Eduardo Alessandro Studios. The book was written by Callum Webster and  Craig Muir.

 

This latest edition was produced due to public demand and contains new information and additional local pictures and vintage photographs. As well as revealing how each street name in Broughty Ferry came about, it also provides information on: the former Grove Academy pupil who publicly debated with Sherlock Holmes author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; the girl from Panmure Street who became Australia's first female anaesthetist; the Collingwood Crescent resident who rescued orphaned children from Communist China; the West Ferry merchant who was shot dead during a grouse hunt on the Sidlaws; the local minister nicknamed the 'Parachute Padre' for his role in an SAS operation during World War Two.

 

It also has a full list of all the councillors who served on the old Broughty Ferry Burgh Council and biographical details about each of them.

 

Another book signing will take place on Saturday 5th December at 10:30am at The Katz Pyjamas, in Gray Street. It will make a great Christmas present.

Community Council

On Tuesday I attended the December meeting of Broughty Ferry Community Council. The first item on the agenda was the appointment of office bearers following last month’s community council elections. The positions were filled unanimously as follows:  Adele McGrath- chair, Ian Gray- vice chair, David Easson- treasurer, Joan Chalmers- minutes secretary, David Hewick- planning secretary, Stan Nutt,- licensing matters, Neil Cooney- communications secretary.  I look forward to working with the new committee during the coming months and years.

Proposed 20mph limit / zone consultation

Last week’s City Development Committee approved a city wide consultation exercise on potential areas where 20mph speed limits could be implemented. These are primarily in residential streets. It is intended to keep the current speed limits on the principal road network.

 

Initial consultation has already been held with the Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland and the main bus operators in the city. Community councils, tenants and residents associations, local community planning partnerships and other community organisations will also be consulted.

 

It is thought that the introduction of 20mph speed limits in residential areas could improve road safety and encourage more sustainable modes of transport such as walking and cycling.

 

You can view where the council feels 20mph limits may be appropriate on the council’s website at http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/20mphconsultation and complete an online survey.

 

The consultation period runs until 30 June 2016 so that as many people and organisations as possible can have a say.

Christmas events in Broughty Ferry

The Christmas countdown begins this Thursday, 26th November, with the Broughty Ferry Christmas Lights Night. The entertainment starts at 6pm with the big switch on at 7pm. It is always a great occasion so try and get along to it if you can.

Hustings meeting

The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party is in the process of ‘ranking’ its candidates for the 2016 Scottish Parliament election. The higher up the list a candidate is ranked, the better their chance of being elected next year.

 

In the past, it’s only been the members of political parties who have had a say in candidate rankings. But this time, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party is doing things differently. Everyone who supports the party has been sent a ballot paper to help decide their Scottish Conservative representatives in Holyrood.

 

The north east region has an excellent slate of candidates and on Sunday I attended a hustings meeting at Castle Green Leisure Centre in Broughty Ferry to listen to them debate.

Grove Academy’s Christmas Fayre

Bruce Mackie memorial bench

 At lunchtime today in City Square I attended the dedication of a memorial bench to my former colleague and long serving councillor for Broughty Ferry, Bruce Mackie OBE, DL.

 

The bench was unveiled by Roberta Mackie and Dundee’s Depute Lord Provost, Christina Roberts. The Depute Lord Provost said a few words, recalling Bruce with great fondness, as did Charlie Webster DL, who is also a former councillor for Broughty Ferry.

 

Bruce represented Broughty Ferry with distinction on Dundee Corporation, Tayside Regional Council and Dundee City Council for over 40 years. I had the privilege to serve with Bruce as a fellow Broughty Ferry councillor for 12 years before he retired. It is fitting that Bruce’s memorial bench is sited outside the City Chambers, a place where Bruce made a significant contribution to Dundee’s civic life.

Dawson Park nominated for award

Dawson Park has been nominated as one of the best parks in UK in the Fields in Trust Awards.

If you wish to register your vote you can do so at :

 http://www.fieldsintrust.org/bestpark/nominations

The vote closes at 5pm on Wednesday 25th November and the three parks with the most votes will be shortlisted with the winning park announced at the Fields in Trust Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 2nd December.

Claypotts Pond

A resident contacted me about the condition of the retaining wall in Claypotts Pond adjacent to Balgillo Road.  

 

I asked the city engineer’s office if it could be checked  to confirm that it is in a safe condition and I have since been advised that the wall is plumb and in a reasonable state of repair, although the coping is spalled and cracked along its length. It seems this has been caused by expansion from the corrosion of the metal railings which are embedded into the coping, and the type of coping used is also vulnerable to freeze-thaw action. Currently the defects are primarily considered to be of aesthetic concern.

 

I‘m told that remedial works would ideally comprise of renewing paintwork to the railings and reforming the half round coping stone in a more durable material.  I have asked the Environment Department to consider carrying out these actions.

Temporary traffic orders

Christmas is coming. I have received details of a couple of temporary traffic orders for central Broughty Ferry to facilitate the Christmas lights switch on.

 

The first notice is in respect of Brook Street, between Fort Street and Gray Street, where all traffic will be prohibited on Tuesday 17 November between the hours of 6.00pm and 11.00pm for the erection of the lights. A diversion route will be available via Fort Street, Queen Street and Gray Street. Access will be maintained where possible.

 

The second notice is for the switch on and will result in all traffic being prohibited on Brook Street, between Fort Street and St Vincent Street and Gray Street, between Queen Street and King Street, on Thursday 26 November between 2pm and 10pm. Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Fort Street/ Queen Street/St Vincent Street. Access will be maintained where possible.

Sea wall

I was recently asked about the condition of the sea wall at Douglas Terrace, particularly the section near to Church Street. I contacted the city engineer about it and was advised that the area has been inspected and is safe at this time and the situation will continue to be monitored.

 

The whole of Dundee's coastline is surveyed every year to identify defects and subsequent repairs required. In recent years a number of repairs have been carried out to the sea wall between Douglas Terrace and Broughty Castle.

 

Dundee City Council is preparing to improve the coastal defences along the whole of the Broughty Ferry frontage as part of its requirement, like other Scottish local authorities, to reduce flood risk from all sources. It is expected that these works will be progressed over the next few years subject to availability of Scottish Government grant funding and satisfactory completion of statutory procedures.

Whinny Brae carriageway works

Whinny Brae had been included in the 2014/15 planned programme of works for a full carriageway resurfacing but was put on hold pending completion of the conversion of the former Eastern Primary School to housing.

 

The flats are due to be completed by March of next year so I asked the Roads Maintenance Partnership if Whinny Brae would recover its place in a programme of works for 2016/17.

 

In response the roads maintenance partnership manager confirmed that the intention had been for Whinny Brae to be included back in the programme once the residential development had been completed and therefore based on the current information that this will be in March, resurfacing works will be incorporated into the 2016/17 programme.

RADAR locking system to be fitted

I was asked by a constituent if it would be possible for the disabled toilet at the facility on The Esplanade, near to Barnhill Rock Garden, to be fitted with a Disability Rights UK RADAR key so that the toilet can still be accessed after the block has been locked up for the day. The national key scheme was introduced in 1981 and the key now opens more than 9,000 accessible toilets in the UK. I raised the matter with the head of the council’s property section and it was agreed that a RADAR locking system should be fitted. I am advised it will be operational within a couple of weeks.

Community council nominations- update

Earlier in the week I attended the November meeting of Broughty Ferry Community Council. I was delighted to learn that 16 formal nominations had been received from residents who wish to serve as community councillors, with the prospect of others being co-opted in the future. Broughty Ferry Community Council can have up to 18 community councillors so to just about have a full compliment is very good news. The appointment of office bearers will be decided at the December meeting.

 

I understand the community councils in West End and Fintry also received sufficient nominations to continue.  There are around 1200 community councils in Scotland, and in Dundee there is provision for another 16 but it seems no petitions were received to establish these.

 

Community councils are very worthwhile organisations and over the years Broughty Ferry Community Council has been involved in lots of initiatives that have helped enhance the local area. I look forward to working with the new community councillors in the years ahead.

It’s Your Neighbourhood certificates

Congratulations to Friends of Barnhill Rock Garden and Queen Street Community Garden for their recognition in the recent Keep Scotland Beautiful- It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign. The campaign is based on the three themes of community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement.  Keep Scotland Beautiful rewards participating groups through a series of certificates to acknowledge the good work being done on behalf of their communities. There are 5 levels available: 1- Establishing; 2- Improving; 3- Developing; 4- Thriving and 5- Outstanding.

 

Friends of the Barnhill Rock Garden were awarded an Outstanding Certificate. Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “The group works closely with the Environment Department of Dundee City Council to support and promote the development of the Rock Garden. The group holds social events, including talks and tours and, with weekly work sessions, keeps the garden at a very high standard.”

 

Queen Street Community Garden was awarded a Thriving Certificate. Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “A small area between the railway line and a car park in Broughty Ferry has been transformed by the students at Grove Academy, assisted by some adult volunteers, into a blaze of colour with wildflower meadows and edibles.”

 

Friends of the Barnhill Rock Garden were also awarded a Certificate of Distinction to further recognise their achievements.

 

Pavement works Reres Road

I was pleased to see that work has started on the upgrade of the unadopted pavement on the south side of Reres Road. The section between Monifieth Road and Reres Hill is being attended to.  We’re getting though the remaining unadopted pavements in The Ferry ward at a good  rate; I’m hopeful that at least another 4 will be upgraded in the next financial year with the remaining dozen or so seeing some work over the following three years.

Council meetings

A few items at yesterday's council committee meetings that relate to Broughty Ferry.

 

The City Development Committee considered the request to review parking in central Broughty Ferry to remove unnecessary lining which could be utilised by residents, shoppers and businesses who struggle to find suitable parking. I reported on this in an earlier blog. The outcome of the traffic survey carried out over the summer has resulted in the preparation of a traffic regulation variation order which will create 38 new  unrestricted parking spaces and 14 new limited waiting parking spaces.

 

The committee also agreed to a tender for works that will see the formation of a new external boiler house at Craigiebarns Primary School and the installation of a new boiler prior to the renewal of the heating system within the school.

 

The Policy and Resources Committee considered the usual monthly report on proposals for the community regeneration fund allocations. I took the opportunity to ask the administration to give an undertaking, given the savings that have to be made from the council budget, that the same level of allocation of funding to all eight multi member wards would continue in 2016/17. I campaigned for a long time for Broughty Ferry to get something from this fund and the allocation it currently gets has supported a number of worthwhile projects, so it would be disappointing if it were to be stopped. Thankfully the finance convenor said yes.

 

The Environment Committee considered proposals to undertake public open space improvements at a number of locations, these included regeneration of the planted area adjacent to the Arbroath Road entrance of Dawson Park; general improvement works at Castle Green, including the replacement of existing chespale fencing with metal bow top fencing; removal of the hedge along the northern side of Orchar Park.

 

The Housing Committee agreed to consult with council tenants for a two month period on the proposed options for the rent increase from 2016/17, these are: 1%, which will see the current standards maintained; 1.5 %, which will maintain the current standards and provide for additional environmental improvements of £225,000; and 2%, which will also allow for additional capital expenditure of £2.5M to advance the energy efficiency programme. Other charges are being maintained at their current level including the additional charge on top of the rent for sheltered housing of £26.94 per week.

Reres Hill tidy up

Dundee Citizen of the Year 2016

Temporary traffic order

I have been advised that Dundee City Council propose to make a Temporary Traffic Order for the purpose of facilitating carriageway resurfacing works in King Street.  The Order is expected to be in force for 2 weeks from 26 October 2015.
 

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in King Street from Westfield Road to Lawrence Street (phase 1) and from Lawrence Street to Fort Street (phase 2).
 

Only one phase will be closed at any time.  No work will be carried out at the weekend and the road will be open.
 

An alternative route will be available via Westfield Road, Brook Street and Brown Street (phase 1) and via Church Street, Brook Street and Fort Street (phase 2).

Community council nominations

Nominations are currently being sought for residents to serve as members of Broughty Ferry Community Council. All the relevant paperwork including hard copies of the nomination forms is available in Broughty Ferry Library on the community council noticeboard. Nominations must be sent to the returning officer by 23rd October.

 

In Dundee there are community councils active in Broughty Ferry, Fintry and the West End and as well as seeking nominations for people to sit on these community councils Dundee City Council is also keen to receive petitions from local communities to establish new community councils. There is currently provision for 19 community councils in Dundee.

 

A community council is a voluntary organisation run by local residents. Its role is to express the views of the community to public bodies on issues of local concern and to promote the interests of its area. Broughty Ferry Community Council meets at 7.00pm on the first Tuesday of every month (except August) in Broughty Ferry Library.

 

More information on community councils and the nomination process can be found on line at http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/ccnominations.

Bus shelter Balgillo Road

I was pleased to see that a bus shelter has at last been installed on Balgillo Road near to its junction with Forthill Road. It’s something I enquired about quite a while ago. It has been recycled from another location. There is currently no power to the shelter but I am advised that this will follow in the next weeks as part of an electrical installation programme at various bus shelters. I know this is fairly popular stop for passengers and now they will be able to wait for a bus with some protection from the elements.

Temporary traffic order

I have been advised that Dundee City Council propose to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating gas main renewal works.  The Order is expected to be in force for 8 weeks from 19 October 2015. 

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in Seafield Road from Davidson Street to Fintry Place (Phase 1) and Fintry Place to Balgillo Road (Phase 2). Only one phase will be closed at any time.

An alternative route will be available via Davidson Street, Cedar Road, Forthill Road and Balgillo Road for northbound traffic, and via Balgillo Road, Forthill Road, Fort Street, Queen Street, Church Street and Seafield Road for southbound traffic.

Benches and bins

I was pleased to see that the benches on Castle Approach have now been renewed. One of them had been out of action for quite a while due to damage. I’m grateful to the Environment Department for responding so effectively to my enquiry.

 

The old broken metal benches in Dawson Park, along the path from the Strathern Road entrance to the Fairfield Road entrance, have been removed and I understand these will be replaced in due course.

 

The Environment Department has also updated me on my request for additional waste bins to be located in the green space between Torridon Road and Marlee Road. Three new ones are to be provided similar to those that are in use on The Esplanade.

Electric vehicle charging points

 

I am advised that the two charging units for electric vehicles that were installed in Queen Street car park earlier in the year should be commissioned within the next week or so.

 

Dundee is leading the way when it comes to the use of electric vehicles and the provision of infrastructure. The council has the largest fleet of electric vehicles of any local authority in the UK and a growing network of publicly available charging units.

Beautiful Scotland award

The annual Beautiful Scotland award ceremony took place in Perth last week and Broughty Ferry in Bloom was presented with a silver gilt medal in the coastal town category.

 

The Beautiful Scotland Awards are run by Keep Scotland Beautiful and entrants are judged by a team of expert volunteer judges on horticultural achievement; environmental responsibility and community participation. A silver gilt medal means a high standard has been achieved which meets the judging criteria and objectives of Beautiful Scotland, including sections of exceptionally high standards.

 

Well done Broughty Ferry in Bloom.

Brown Street carriageway works

Brown Street is to be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic from 26 September for approximately two weeks for carriageway resurfacing works from its junction with Brook Street to its junction with King Street.

 

Through traffic will be diverted via Brook Street, Fort Street, King Street and reverse. On-street parking will not be allowed on the section of carriageway being worked on but vehicular access to properties with driveways and off street parking areas will be maintained, although delays may be experienced. Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained throughout the works.

 

The contractor for the works is Tayside Contracts.

Dog exercise trail

There is an item on the agenda of Monday’s Policy and Resources Committee which if approved will create a pilot dog exercising trail in Dawson Park. The trail will be a waymarked circuit of the park and owners will know how far they have walked their dog.   'Low tech’ agility features will be installed based on Forestry Commission good practice guidance and designs.

 

Dawson Park is always busy with people using the sports facilities and it is also very popular with dog walkers. The trail will seek to encourage owners to exercise their dogs in areas away from other more general areas of the park.

 

Liz Smith MSP

I attended a meeting of Conservative supporters in Broughty Ferry on Monday evening which was addressed by Liz Smith MSP. She gave an excellent talk and took part in a lively question and answer session covering a variety of topics including Police Scotland, the Syrian crisis, and the SNP plan to appoint a ‘named person' for every child in Scotland.

Meeting with David Mundell

 

I was pleased to meet David Mundell, the secretary of state for Scotland, in Broughty Ferry last week, to discuss local Dundee matters on his visit to the area.

Temporary traffic orders

I have been advised of another couple of temporary traffic orders:

 

Torridon Road

 

The driving of any vehicle in Torridon Road (west entrance, northbound between Nursery Road and Morlich Gardens) will be prohibited to allow BT duct laying works to be carried out. The notice comes into effect on Monday 14 September for 5 working days. Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained. Alternative routes are available via Nursery Road and Torridon Road (east entrance).

 

St. Vincent Street

 

The driving of any vehicle in St. Vincent Street (between King Street and Beach Crescent) will be prohibited to allow carriageway resurfacing works to be carried out. The notice comes into effect on Monday 21 September 2015 for 5 working days. Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained. Alternative routes are available via King Street, Gray Street and Beach Crescent.

Community voice

It was great to see so many people at the Broughty Ferry Community Council meeting last night to show their support for keeping West Ferry in The Ferry electoral ward. I don’t know what the exact number was but it was certainly more than 200 residents and perhaps as many as 300, which is quite a turn out for a public meeting. Hopefully the boundary commission will take note of it.

The commission is tasked with ensuring that each councillor in a council area represents, as near as possible, the same number of electors while also taking into account other factors such as local ties. I take the view that West Ferry has a significant number of community, social and historical links with the rest of Broughty Ferry so to me it just makes sense to try and keep them in the same electoral ward even if the end result is an elector to councillor ratio higher than the norm.

Many thanks to the community council for hosting the meeting and to the West Ferry Residents Action Group for making people aware of what is being proposed.

The public consultation runs until 22 October so there is still plenty of time for people to send in comments if they are so minded. You can find out more information about the consultation on the boundary commission website which is:

www.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk/reviews/5th_electoral/dundee_city/

Temporary traffic order

I have been advised that Dundee City Council propose to make a temporary traffic order for the purpose of facilitating rail bridge maintenance works.  The Order is expected to be in force for 3 weeks from 12 September 2015. 

 

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in St Vincent Street between Monifieth Road and Brook Street. Works will be carried out on a night shift and therefore the road will only be closed between 10 pm and 6 am.

 

 An alternative route will be available via Brook Street, Gray Street and Queen Street.

Electric car test drive day

The Energy Saving Trust is holding an event at Queen Street car park tomorrow (Saturday 29 August) where people will have an opportunity to test drive an electric car.

 

There is no need to register, just go along at any time between 10.00am and 3.00pm with your driving licence. Electric cars available to test drive will include: Nissan Leaf, BWMi3, Mitsubishi Outlander, Renault Zoe.

 

 The council recently installed a couple of electric car charging points in the car park.

Conferences

There was an item considered at this week’s Policy and Resources Committee regarding conferences. A report was tabled recommending that the council’s chief executive be given delegated authority to approve the attendance of councillors at conferences and certain one-off events. I appreciate that some business has to be delegated to officers to ensure the efficient running of the council but I don’t think this falls into that category.

 

Until now attendance at conferences required to be specifically authorised by committee for each event. It is my view that decisions to send councillors to conferences should be transparent and made in public so that taxpayers can see how their money is being spent.

 

Personally I don’t agree that there is a need to send councillors to conferences, especially at a time when the council has to make significant savings in its budget. Instead I think it is perfectly acceptable for council managers who attend conferences in their professional capacity to cascade any information to councillors on their return. Conferences are very expensive; some of them cost hundreds of pounds per attendee, and I think the money could be better spent.

 

At the meeting I moved that the attendance of elected members at conferences or one-off events should remain within the remit of the relevant council committee to ensure on going public scrutiny of this expenditure. My amendment won the support of the opposition councillors but was defeated by the SNP majority.

Funding awards

I long campaigned for Broughty Ferry to receive an allocation of funding from the Community Regeneration Fund and the council eventually agreed to invite the Ferry ward community planning partnership to allocate grants each year from an allocation of  £10,000  to initiatives that will help meet the objectives of is community plan. The latest awards were agreed at Monday’s Policy and Resources Committee.

 

Grove Academy received £3,500 as a contribution towards the cost of installation of Wi-Fi hubs which will also be made available for use by community groups accessing the school premises.  Grove Academy was also allocated £3,000 as a contribution towards its ‘Life to the Full’ project which works with S3 pupils on topics including healthy relationships, safe use of social media and confidence in making their own decisions.

 

£972 was awarded to the community regeneration team to purchase ICT equipment, including a laptop and projector that will be available for use by local community groups during talks, presentations and other events.

 

Broughty Ferry Traders Association was awarded £465 for hire of the stage and marquee tent used at the Broughty Ferry Christmas lights switch-on.

Lawrence Street

It was brought to my attention that the camber of the pavement at the north west corner of the Lawrence Street/Brook Street junction causes some difficulties to wheel chair users. I raised the matter with the Road Maintenance Partnership and have received the following response:

 

‘… the characteristics of the footway on the west side of the Lawrence Street/ Brook Street junction are less than ideal. Although no actionable defects have been noted with the location, improvement works have been identified and a number of improvements are being considered. These may include renewing the footway surface of the corner section, altering the up stand of the kerbs to lessen the gradient and re-locating the sign pole. An order will be raised once proposals have been decided upon with a view to these works being carried out this financial year.’

Broughty Ferry Library event

Orchar Park

It was brought to my attention that while Orchar Park has six dog waste bins the only litter bin (which is well used) is located in the children’s play area. I have asked the environment department if an additional bin can be provided for use in the general area of the park.

 

The hedge along the perimeter of the park at Panmure Street is starting to overgrow the pavement, particularly near to the entrance at the railway underpass. I have also raised this matter with the environment department and I have been advised that arrangements will be made to have it cut back.

 

The path in Orchar Park featured in the council’s 2015/16 Road Maintenance Partnership programme of works for overlay treatment.

Boundary change proposal

The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland is currently carrying out a review of local government electoral arrangements. Earlier in the year it consulted with Dundee City Council on an option for ward boundaries that would have created a western boundary for The Ferry ward at Fairfield Road. However the council decided to support an alternative proposal that will create a boundary at Victoria Road, resulting in most of West Ferry being moved to the East End ward.

 

At the meeting where this was considered I tabled an amendment that would have resulted in the council expressing a preference for retaining the existing Ferry ward boundary i.e. at the Gardyne campus of Dundee and Angus College but I didn’t get support from any of the other councillors.

A 12 week period of public consultation started on 30 July. The commission has decided to adopt, and consult on, Dundee City Council’s suggested electoral arrangements. If like me you feel that West Ferry should remain part of The Ferry ward then please make your view known to the commission during the consultation period. Responses can be made in the following ways:

In writing to:

 

Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland

Thistle House

91 Haymarket Terrace

Edinburgh EH12 5HD

 

By email to:

lgbcs@scottishboundaries.gov.uk

Via the consultation portal on its website:  

 

www.consultation.lgbc-scotland.gov.uk

 

Comments on the proposals need to be submitted by Thursday 22 October 2015.

Playparks

I was contacted by a resident about the condition of the roundabout in the playpark in Fintry Place, beside Forthill Primary School. Some of the wooden slats on the floor of the roundabout were loose and rotten and there was concern that children jumping on it might break through it. I raised the matter with the appropriate officers in the environment department who responded quickly to make it safe and by the next day the floor had been repaired. It is recognised that the roundabout is getting old and the possibility of upgrading it is being looked at.
 

The play equipment at the children’s play area in Dawson Park could also do with a refresh and I have been informed that the possibility of a refurbishment programme will be looked at.

Cedar Road flooding

There has been a problem with flooding on Cedar Road at its junction with Forthill Road for a long time. In recent years the flooding has resulted in a surcharge of sewage, leaving behind foul smelling sludge, toilet paper and other unpleasant material. The nearby kerb and pavement are also showing signs of damage caused by the repeated flooding. When it is reported to Scottish Water there is a quick response to clean it up, but a more long term solution is required. The council has made it clear that it has no responsibility for the problem at this location and it lies entirely with Scottish Water. Following the rains of the last few days (and another clean up) Scottish Water has advised that it is going to undertake further investigations to identify why the surcharge of sewage keeps happening.

Forthill Tenants Association AGM

I attended the AGM of the Forthill Tenants Association today and was delighted to be asked to chair the meeting for the election of a new committee.  The tenants association meets every month and it is a pleasure to attend the meetings as they are always positive and everyone is committed to improving things in the local area. There are ten places on the committee (plus two possible co-options) and all ten were filled, making it one of the biggest tenants associations in Dundee.

 

Tenants associations are consulted by the housing department on aspects of housing policy which might affect tenants; they are able to take part in decision making processes and can influence decisions about housing conditions and housing related services. Forthill Tenants Association also works closely with other council departments and organisations to improve the local environment and community safety.

 

The guest speaker at today’s AGM was my former Conservative councillor colleague Charlie Webster. He gave a well received talk on the Broughty Ferry fishing community and some of the local characters.

More Broughty Ferry improvement works

It was a very busy day today in Broughty Ferry with lots of families enjoying the gala week programme of events, including the children’s window guessing competition which this year runs over two weeks and features 74 shop fronts.
 

It also seemed to be the day that a lot of long standing road and pavement complaints were being resolved. The pavement in Queen Street at the New Kirk is being attended to and significant carriageway patching is being carried out on Albany Road and Ellieslea Road.
 

Other problematic areas will be attended to in the near future; patching works are programmed to commence next week at the Rossie Avenue / Muirside Terrace Junction and next month at the Rossie Avenue / East Balgillo Road Junction.

In Touch newsletter

I am currently in the process of delivering my summer 2015 newsletter.  As always it features across four pages a number of articles on local issues, updates and information. I try to distribute it as widely as possible across the Ferry ward and I’m grateful to the volunteers who help with this. Feedback is always welcome, so if you have any comments then please get in touch with me.

New pedestrian crossing at Craigie Drive

I have received notice from the council that  it will be installing a controlled pedestrian crossing on Craigie Drive adjacent to Gardyne Road with work due to commence on 6th July 2015. This is as a result of a pedestrian /vehicle survey that indicated a significant demand across Craigie Drive. The installation will assist school children travelling to Craigiebarns Primary School and for the students attending Dundee and Angus College Gardyne Campus.

 

Part of the work involves removing a section of the existing carriageway surface and replacing it with a new surface which has higher skid resistant properties and in order to carry out this element of the works, Belsize Road will be closed at its junction with Craigie Drive from 13th July for five days.

Litter pick at Sandy Park

Reres Park

I was recently asked by a resident about  the maintenance of the paths in Reres Park, and in particular the deterioration of the path that runs around the hill on the west side. I raised the matter with the city engineer’s office and have since been advised that the Road Maintenance Partnership has carried out an inspection of the paths within Reres Park and have confirmed that there is a combination of unmade paths and surfaced paths.

 

The unmade paths are maintained by the Environment Department and the surfaced paths by the Road Maintenance Partnership who have identified a number of repairs to be carried out. In the surfaced paths, a number of potholes will be repaired in the short term and further works will be carried out including repairs to timber edging as soon as resources are available.

 

Broughty Ferry Development Trust is also considering environmental improvements at Reres Park as a future project.