Broughty Ferry station

I have received an update from Network Rail about the platform issue at Broughty Ferry station. Travellers are faced with a considerable step between the platform and a train. It is something that I am often contacted about by residents and I have approached Network Rail and TACTRAN, the Regional Transport Partnership, a number of times over the years to try and get a solution actioned. Broughty Ferry Community Council has also been active in pursuing this issue in the past.

Measures have previously been taken, such as the provision of wooden steps, but these proved to be unsuccessful. I want to see the number of passengers catching a train from Broughty Ferry station continue to grow and it’s important that the services are accessible as possible. The update from Network Rail confirms that the stepping distance issue will finally be addressed as part of the project to introduce the intercity express services during 2017/18.  The update is as follows:

 

“Network Rail is sponsoring the project for the introduction of the IEP trains.  This has required detailed survey work to determine whether the gauge for the new rolling stock will fit along the route.  Network Rail was aware that the IEP train introduction would probably require construction works at some stations and it would be an appropriate and efficient use of funding to address non compliances as part of this project. 

 

The stepping distance issue at Broughty Ferry “Up” platform will be addressed as part of the project to introduce the intercity express services on the route to Aberdeen.  The work has been provisionally scheduled to be done in late 2017 / early 2018 as part of a programme of work on the Edinburgh to Aberdeen route. 

 

In the meantime, train staff can offer special assistance for anyone that needs it to disembark or alight the trains at Broughty Ferry. “

Take Pride in Your City events early July

Broughty Gala Week 3 July to 10 July

Broughty Gala Week kicks off next Sunday with the Gala Fete from 1pm to 5pm at Castle Green. There will be a silver collection at the gate for local good causes. The fete will feature live music, Radio Tay Roadshow, games, BBQ, beer tent, face painting, bungee run, water bubble, climbing tower, crafts,  stalls and so much more.

 

During the week there will be all the usual favourites such as a  pavement artist competition, sand sculpture competition, beetle drive, quiz night, buried treasure, Beachie heritage walks, treasure hunt, family fun night, pet show and of course the compulsive window quessing competition.

 

For more information visit the Come to Broughty website. A Gala Week program can be downloaded from the site or hard copy picked up from one of Broughty Ferry’s shops

Weekly road report

Please see below a link to Dundee City Council’s road report for the week commencing Monday 27 June 2016.

 

http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/roadreport/main.htm

 

 It incudes works in Church Street,  which will be closed for 5 days for carriageway resurfacing works and in the forthcoming closures section there is a note about Forthill Road (Fintry Place to Queen Street) – closed (in 2 phases) from Monday 4 July for 8 weeks for gas main renewal.

Upcoming road works

Church Street (Brook Street to King Street) - Carriageway resurfacing work for approximately 2 weeks. A road closure will be implemented and through traffic will be diverted via Brook Street, Brown Street, King Street and reverse.  On-street parking will not be allowed on the section of carriageway being worked on.  Vehicular access to properties with driveways and off street parking areas will be maintained although it has been requested that vehicular traffic movements be kept to a minimum. Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained throughout the works.

 

A92 Arbroath Road (Panmurefield roundabout to Balgillo Road roundabout – overnight (8.00pm – 6.00am) westbound lane closures from Tuesday 21 June for 4 nights for carriageway repairs.

 

A92 Arbroath Road (at Panmurefield roundabout) - overnight (8.00pm – 6.00am) lane closures in both directions from Tuesday 21 June for 4 nights for carriageway repairs.

 

A92 Arbroath Road (Balgillo Road roundabout to Panmurefield) - overnight (8.00pm - 6.00am) eastbound lane closures from Tuesday 21 June for 4 nights for drainage unit repairs.

 

Dundee Road (Ravenscraig Gardens to Ogilvie Road) – temporary traffic control from Monday 20 June for one week for street lighting works.

Railway line wall

The condition of the wall on Dundee Road above the railway line embankment and between the two railway bridges that lead to Brook Street and Douglas Terrace was recently brought to my attention, particularly the section near to the bus stop. I asked the city engineer’s office if an inspection could be arranged and this has since been carried out.

 

I am advised that localised repointing (and weeding!) along its length is required and isolated stones replaced, none of which are considered to be immediate safety concerns.

 

The bridges bookending the wall are in Network Rail ownership but I understand that responsibility for the wall is not so apparent; it might be that the council is responsible for it. The matter will be progressed once ownership has been determined.

Broughty Beach

I was really pleased to learn that Broughty Ferry beach has won a seaside award from Keep Scotland Beautiful for the 13^th year in a row. Awards are made to those beaches that demonstrate excellent management and environmental best practice ensuring the maintenance of high standards including beach cleanliness; access and facilities; and safety and information provision.

 

The beach awards are reviewed annually with full assessment visits being carried out so its very impressive that Broughty Ferry has achieved these high standards for well over a decade.

 

It's also great news  that the bathing water quality at the beach has been designated ‘excellent’ under the stringent EU bathing water classification which means the water is highest quality, clean and safe. The annual bathing water classification is determined using statistics calculated from results taken over the previous four years.

Temporary traffic order

I have been notified of a traffic order that will prohibit the driving on any vehicle in Fort Street (from Brook Street to Queen Street) to allow for bridge repair works to be carried out. This notice comes into effect on Monday 13 June 2016 for 5 working days. Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained. Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Brook Street, Claypotts Road, and Queen Street.

Bridge walk

Yesterday morning I took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Diamond Challenge. Along with the Lord Provost and councillor colleagues from across the political spectrum I walked across the Tay Road Bridge and back. I don’t know what the total sum raised in sponsorship will be but it was hoped it will be more than £1000. Although it was a sunny day it got quite chilly in the middle of the bridge.

 

 After the walk I attended the coffee morning at Forthill sheltered complex where I was invigorated by a nice cup of tea and some delicious home baking.

Tennis courts on The Esplanade

I have been contacted by residents regarding the tennis courts on The Esplanade querying why they aren’t yet in use for the summer season.

 

Having raised the matter with the council a few weeks ago I learned that it is due to the requirement to renew the south facing fence. Once this has been done the surface will be brought up to playable standard, lined and nets installed.

 

The whole process seems to be taken a while but I am assured that the fence works will be undertaken later this month with the objective of having everything up and running by the end of the month.

 

The council is working towards upgrading the tennis courts in Dundee and hopefully The Esplanade will feature in the not too distance future.

Flood protection public exhibition

I went along today to the public exhibition at Broughty Castle Bowling Club in King Street regarding the proposed flood protection scheme between Douglas Terrace and Broughty Castle.

 

 The exhibition is there until 8pm tonight so I would encourage anyone who is interested to pop along to have a look at the initial designs. Engineers are on hand to answer questions and there is also a fly over video mock up of what it might look like.

 

Should you not manage tonight there will be another opportunity at the meeting of next week’s community council, where a presentation on the proposals will be given. The community council meeting is on Tuesday 7th June, at 7.00pm in Broughty Ferry Library.