Council budget

At Monday’s Policy and Resources Committee I moved an amendment to an agenda item regarding the council’s financial outlook 2018/19. The situation is dire. Based on current projections £18.9 million will have to be cut from the council’s budget.

Dundee householders have been hit with a double whammy of tax increases in the current financial year due to a revision of the council tax multipliers for properties in Bands E to H  and a general increase in council tax. There is likely to be another double whammy next year with the potential for further increases in council tax and an income tax increase. All this while getting less services due to cuts that will have to be made to set a balanced budget.

I had hoped the committee would support me in urging the Scottish Government not to impose further cuts on local authority budgets. Since its own budget is not being cut next year there is no justification for it to cut the local authority budget either. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has increased the Scottish Block Grant in real terms and therefore, any cuts to council budgets are solely a political choice by the SNP Government. I felt it was important to emphasise this.

The SNP voted the amendment down. Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors no voted.

The amendment was as follows:

Note the report, but in addition also note:

In last year’s Scottish budget the SNP Scottish Government made an explicit political choice to cut local government funding despite an increase in real terms in its own funding.

The 2018/19 block grant will again see a further increase in real terms

Agree that there is no justification for any further fiscal tightening of local government budgets

Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance to express concern about the financial outlook for Dundee City Council and to call for a fair share of Scottish Government funding.

December's community council meeting

I attended the December meeting of Broughty Ferry Community Council last night in Broughty Ferry Library. There were no guest speakers on this occasion but a number of things were on the agenda, including planning issues and licensing matters.

 

I gave an update on the partial closure of the Queen Street car park to facilitate the major platform works at the railway station. Occupation of the car park will be from 8 January 2018 up to and including 9 May 2018. Amongst other items I reminded everyone about the pop up charity shop in Gray Street, operated by Ferrytime. It will be there until Saturday of this week.  I also mentioned that the new speed activated illuminated signs on Strathern Road will be a permanent fixture, given the recent accident history at the Fairfield Road location.    Members asked me to investigate traffic issues at a couple of other locations and I will report back on these at the next meeting, which is scheduled for 10th January at 7pm.

The community council is a really good forum for local residents to raise issues. It is a statutory body and plays a part in helping the city council to engage with residents and ascertain local opinion on strategic priorities and policies.  It’s also one of only a handful of community councils still active in Dundee.

Take Pride in Your City events December

The Ferry Local Community Planning Partnership

Lots of interesting issues discussed and matters progressed at November’s quarterly meeting of The Ferry Local Community Planning Partnership.There was an update on the rollout of the council’s waste and recycling collection service which is scheduled to reach Broughty Ferry in spring of next year (the reconfiguration of the original phases). There was also a proposal on the best way to look at and approve grants from the Ferry’s Dundee Partnership funds.

Organisations gave their updates and on behalf of Ferrytime I reminded everyone about the pop up shop at 39 Gray Street starting next week to 9 December and I was also delighted to report the good news that the timebank has received a grant from the National Lottery. It will ensure that Ferrytime, Dundee’s only remaining timebank, will continue to arrange volunteering exchanges for another year.

I was pleased to hear about the progress that’s been made on the multi-use games area at Gillies Park and that steps are being taken to replace the all-weather pitch at Dawson Park.

There was an update on the community infrastructure fund; the feasibility of twelve proposals are currently being investigated and costed, with 5 likely to go forward to a vote. There will be a public event in February where residents will be able to view the proposals. Voting for projects will take place at the end of March.

Community planning partnership meetings are open to the public. The next meeting is due to be held on 22 February 2018.

Weekly road report

REPORT FOR WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2017

Abertay Street – temporary traffic lights for 2 weeks for gas main renewal.

 

Forthcoming Roadworks

 

Strathmore Street (Abertay Street to Abercromby Street) – closed on Wednesday 6 December for Scottish Water sewer work.

Weekly road report

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL - WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

 

REPORT FOR WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 6 NOVEMBER 2017

Castle Street, Broughty Ferry (Brook Street to Churchill Place) – closed Friday 3 November for 2 days for crane operations.

 

Union Street, Broughty Ferry (Brook Street to Long Lane) – closed on Thursday 9 November for Scottish Water mains repair.

Forthcoming Roadworks

Abertay Street – temporary traffic lights from Monday 13 November for 4 weeks for gas main renewal

Take Pride in Your City - November events

It’s Your Neighbourhood certificates

I was delighted to learn that Broughty Ferry has once again been recognised by Beautiful Scotland for its community environmental initiatives at the annual ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ seminar and presentation of certificates on Wednesday.

It’s Your Neighbourhood is a non-competitive campaign with more of an emphasis on community participation and is based on themes that include environmental responsibility as well as gardening achievement. Certificates are awarded to every group, with five levels of achievement, to encourage and reward progression. Friends of Barnhill Rock Garden and Queen Street Community Garden were awarded the top certificate, which is the outstanding level and also a certificate of distinction, which is presented to groups that have consistently grown and improved over the years.

It’s great to see local community projects being recognised in this way. Well done to everyone for the good work you do.

Path repairs- Reres Park

One of the things I am particularly keen on is seeing improvements to our open spaces. We are blessed in Broughty Ferry with some beautiful locations. I quite often walk up Reres Hill, although these days, not being as fit as I once was, it takes a bit more effort than it used to! It is a lovely wooded area and there are a number of footpaths. Some of them though are in a poor condition and need a bit of work done to them. Broughty Ferry Development Trust has been active in highlighting issues in the park and working in partnership with the council’s neighbourhood services department a number of matters have been attended to. 

 

It was established by the Trust that the path on the west side is perhaps the busiest in the park, although due to its condition there had been some thought given in the past to taking it out of use. I was recently advised by the council’s city development department that repairs to the path and steps have provisionally been included in the next financial year’s programme of works. The cost and extent of the works have still to be finalised but hopefully a decent stretch will be taken care of.

Halloween at Castle Scream!

Flood protection scheme- update

Along with fellow Broughty Ferry councillors I recently received a briefing from council engineers on the flood protection scheme.

 

The scheme is being promoted as studies have demonstrated that large areas of Broughty Ferry are at significant risk of flooding. The estimated costs to residents, businesses and infrastructure should this happen would be in the region of £97 million with 450 properties at risk.  The work had been scheduled to begin this summer but for a number of reasons it has been delayed until next summer.  The following information was provided by the council:

‘The design of the project is still progressing. Engineering challenges and approvals associated with the design solution at Douglas Terrace have required more time than originally envisaged, this has postponed the commencement of the legal process required to allow works to proceed. Dundee City Council are using this additional time to undertake additional consultation with statutory bodies and further surveys, studies and models of the Sand Dunes along the Esplanade. Key dates for the project are now late November for publishing of Notice of Flood Protection Scheme. With a potential start date for works late summer 2018, dependant on the result of the associated legal process.’

You can still view a computer model of the proposed flood protection works on YouTube.

Broughty Castle maintenance works

I have been sent the following information from Leisure and Culture Dundee about maintenance works to be carried out at Broughty Castle:

 

Between the week of 25 Sept and the week of 27 Nov 2017, Historic Environment Scotland will be undertaking building maintenance works at Broughty Castle. The works will involve the erection of self-supporting scaffolding up two sides of the building.  Whilst the Castle will be open to the public throughout this period, there may be some modest changes to the route visitors follow to enter the main door.  The observation post will remain closed for the duration of the building work.  Signage and some local press is being organised to inform visitors of these modest changes. 

 

The most visible legacy of the works will be the installation of bird proof netting around the windows of the observation post.  Bird proofing the Castle has been a significant challenge for HES.  They have already installed spikes across many of the window ledges.  Due to the height of the spikes needed to deter both pigeons and seagulls, this was not considered appropriate for the modest height of the observation post windows.  Once the work is complete, HES have indicated that visitors will be able to see the netting as they enter the room. They have assured us that the netting will not prevent visitors from enjoying the view (with or without binoculars) nor from taking photographs.  The netting across the observation post windows should also allow a regular regime of window cleaning, significantly improving the experience for visitors.

Street Lights Albert Gardens

Sorry to see that the old style lampposts with more decorative lanterns on them in Albert Gardens are going to be removed. I contacted the council’s Street Lighting Partnership to find out why it was necessary and if anything could be done to retain them. In response I was advised that the columns are well past their expected lifespan and are deteriorating and as such keeping them isn’t an option. I’m told that the council prioritises its replacement programme on a number of factors in accordance with good asset management practice and these columns are now high priority due to their age and condition.

 

Residents had hoped they might be replaced with replica style columns and lanterns, however the response I received from the council said that it isn’t policy to do so, even within conservation areas. The replacement columns and lanterns will match the existing lighting installed in the surrounding streets.

The new lighting is designed to improve the distribution of light along the length of the street. This will involve the installation of one additional lighting column. Even so, it’s still sad to see the existing lighting columns go.

Timebank coffee morning

Station works update

I was concerned about the prospect of the larger part of Queen Street car park being closed in the run up to  Christmas to facilitate gauge enhancement works and platform level improvements at Broughty Ferry Railway Station.

Initially the works were to start mid-August and last three months, but it was later reviewed and under the new schedule the works would have lasted into the New Year. This would have had a detrimental impact on the Christmas trading period for local retailers and restricted the parking for people wanting to visit Broughty Ferry to do their Christmas shopping and participate in the seasonal events organised by Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association.
 

At the August traders' meeting I was asked whether it would be possible to delay the works until the New Year.  I took the issue up with the council’s City Development Department and I was pleased to see that Network Rail, in response to the representations made, has arranged to delay all works until January 2018 with completion by May 2018.
 

I previously asked if it would be possible to free up spaces in the car park as work progresses and I understand Network Rail has indicated that it will not need all car park spaces for the full duration of the works.

Community infrastructure fund

The council recently established a community infrastructure fund and intends using a participatory budgeting model to involve local residents in identifying proposals and allocating funding.  The intention is to strengthen participation in public decision making. Each council electoral ward has been allocated £150,000 and as a first step the data gathered during the Engage Dundee consultation will help determine what the projects might be.

Proposals identified will not replace current budget commitments but could be used to enhance existing proposals or accelerate work. The final decision on works to be funded will rest with the local community and will be carried out in 2018/19.

It has been recommended, that as a guide, a minimum level of £30,000 and a maximum of £150,000 is set for projects. There is also a need to ensure that there are a number of proposals to take to a community vote.

The Ferry also get £20,000 a year from the community regeneration fund which the community planning partnership uses to award smaller grants to local groups to assist with projects that help meet the objectives of the local community plan.

An appropriate model for deciding how the community will vote on potential projects for the infrastructure fund will be required but it is likely to include on-line and public events. This is an exciting development and I look forward to being involved in the process.

Collingwood Crescent

I am pleased to see work underway to bring the pavements in Collingwood Crescent up to standard. With all of the unadopted pavements in Broughty Ferry I do what I can to ensure they get maximum priority points in the council’s unadopted footways programme. The pavements are reassessed every year and a revised priority list created. I had a search through some old maps and asked for an increase in the score to reflect the age of housing in the street (the criteria used includes age of housing amongst other things) as the majority of housing was built within the period 1920-1939 so an award of 9 points was appropriate. Still more pavements to be done but we’re getting there.

Mackinnon Centre Summer Fayre

From Dundee City Council

 

A SUMMER FAYRE to raise funds for service users at Dundee’s Mackinnon Centre takes place on Saturday (August 12). Staff, families, carers and centre users will be on hand with the usual stalls and games to keep all ages amused. Opening at 1pm the two hour event will feature face painting, a tombola, guess the elephant’s birthday and other attractions to raise money for the service users’ comfort fund.

The Mackinnon Centre is a skills centre for adults with physical disabilities or progressive illness and offers activities including sport, gardening, textiles, music, computing, art and cooking. It also offers respite services for adults with physical disabilities or progressive illness.

Staff at the Mackinnon Centre encourage and promote the spirit of independence so that service users can regain confidence and self-esteem, while at the same time acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and acceptance to cope with a changed lifestyle.

The centre is at 491 Brook Street, Broughty Ferry.

Flooding at Ferndale Drive and Deepdale Place junction

I continue to get complaints about blocked gullies causing ponding of water. The latest example is the terrible flooding that occurs at the junction of Ferndale Drive and Deepdale Place.

 

The council’s roads maintenance partnership has advised me that gullies are targeted for cleaning on an 18 month cycle in Dundee (which doesn’t seem enough to me). Broughty Ferry is programmed for commencement in mid-August in the Collingwood Street area then heading eastwards. 

 

The council has  been carrying out ad hoc cleans when required for flooding concerns. I have reported the problem in Ferndale Drive and have asked that it be treated with some urgency.

Use of Queen Street car park for railway works

A large section of the car park in Queen Street will be closed for about three months while it is used as a construction compound and material storage for contractors carrying out works at the railway station. The east coast mainline is being upgraded to enable the introduction of the new intercity express fleet. The stepping distance of the platform at the station will be addressed as well, providing easier passenger access to trains.

 

I contacted the council’s City Development Department to find out if there was any other way of doing the works without having to use the car park and I was advised that a number of different ways were explored and the closure of part of the car park was considered to be the least inconvenient. Alternatives could have included the total closure of Gray Street for three months. The works are due to start mid-August.

I have asked that steps be taken to regularly review the situation to see if spaces for public use can be returned as soon as practicably possible and to look at other measures that can be taken during this time to support public parking in Broughty Ferry.

Green Circular Cycleway Route

The council hopes to be able to eventually provide a tarmacadam surface along the length of the Green Circular cycleway route. The proposals being worked on at the moment include improving a section of about 300m from the Angus boundary at the Seven Arches to Panmurefield Road. External funding has been sourced along with some council funding and it is anticipated these surface improvement works will be carried out later this  year.

 

There are no definite plans for extending the Green Circular in the near future, although there is an aspiration to develop a path from West Pitkerro Industrial Estate to Panmurefield, close to the Dighty. Council officers are currently looking at it but a project of this size will be dependent on future external and council funding, along with land owners consent.

Sea wall

Residents have contacted me about the condition of the sea wall at Douglas Terrace, parts of which are in disrepair, with missing stones. One section in particular was in a very poor condition. I raised the matter with the city engineer who advised me that repairs were programmed in as part of a larger set of works, but because the condition had worsened emergency works were required. These were carried out this morning.

 

People will notice that the repair was carried out with concrete, but in due course the new flood protection works will be built in front of the sea wall here and it will be hidden.

Like our new Facebook page

As well as posting on this blog items I think might be of interest to local residents, I have also set up a Facebook page with my Ferry ward Conservative colleague, Councillor Philip Scott. It will contain local news, information, events, updates and will feature some of  the issues we have raised. You can visit our Facebook page at:

 

    www.facebook.com/ferrywardconservatives

Sight lines at Ballinard Road

I often get asked by residents if anything can be done to improve the sight lines at the Ballinard Road/Claypotts Road/Victoria Road junction. Concerns I raised in the past about this resulted in realigned give way markings a few years ago to improve visibility.

 

Recently it was suggested to me that a mirror would be useful, for those emerging from Ballinard Road, to check for vehicles coming down Claypotts Road. I asked the council’s transportation section whether this was viable and for clarification on the use of mirrors on the public highway and received the following information:

 

‘In the last few years there has been no injury accidents at this location. Road mirrors are not really recommended as they can be misleading to drivers at night and affected by sunlight during the day, damaged by vandals and are confusing for non-local drivers.  They can also mislead drivers in judging distance and speed while maintenance is also an issue as the need regular cleaning.  I would not recommend the use of a mirror at this location as it would likely only be a distraction for motorists.’

Beach clean

From Dundee City Council Neighbourhood Services

 

Saturday 22 July 2017: Broughty Ferry Beach

2.00pm to 4.00pm

ParkLives will be holding a beach clean on Broughty Ferry beach to help keep our coast litter free. This is a family event so please bring the whole family along to help tidy up. The litter pick will be from 2-3pm then there will be family fun and games afterwards until 4pm. Meet at the Windmill Car Park ready for a 2pm start. For more information about this event please contact lisa.north@leisureandculturedundee.com.

 

Litter picking equipment will be provided, but please remember to wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Balgillo Road

I have been contacted by residents in Balgillo Road about possible traffic calming measures on the section of road between between Gillies Terrace and the sharp bend that leads onto Arbroath Road and Claypotts junction. In recent weeks there has been two accidents, the most recent one resulting in damage to the wall and gate of a nearby house. These are not isolated events as I aware there has been damage to adjacent properties in the past due to drivers losing control of their vehicles around the sharp bend.

 

It has been suggested to me that a small refuge island with bollards and red and white ladder markings similar to those recently installed along Happyhillock Road would be beneficial to road safety.   This would highlight the tight bend, slow traffic down and allow the local residents to feel safer.

 

 I have asked the council’s head of transportation to look at what might be possible.

Look out for Broughty Bag 2

 

 

Broughty Ferry Traders' Association has launched edition 2 of the Broughty Bag. This stylish jute shopper  has been designed locally and is the second in a series of seasonal Broughty bags. The first design proved extremely popular and has now sold out. You will be able to purchase one from many of the local retailers.

 

 

Broughty Ferry Library extension

It has long been recognised that there is a lack of community space in Broughty Ferry. In response to this the council is proposing an extension to the library that will become a space for community meetings, events and activities.

 

You can view the plans at a display currently located in the library or online at www.leisureandculturedundee.com/bf-expansion.

The indicative cost of the project is £1,828,000. Just under £1 million has already been secured from Dundee City Council and Leisure and Culture Dundee and the remainder is being sought from fundraising, including applications to external grant funders. There is also a public fundraising campaign and people can get involved by donating or raising money via a JustGiving page.

Gala in the Garden

From the council’s Neighbourhood Services Department

 

Gala in the Garden - Saturday 8 July 2017. A fun family event at Barnhill Rock Garden with music, children's entertainment (including face painting, balloon modelling and activities), a fire engine, horticultural and nature stalls and much, much more. Open 12-4pm, free entry. See attached poster for details.

The Secret Garden Trail - Sunday 9 July. Take a walk around Broughty Ferry in Bloom's Secret Garden Trail and enjoy some of the beautiful gardens on show in Broughty Ferry. The event runs from 1-4pm. Maps are available from Broughty Ferry library. 

Broughty Ferry Gala Week 2017

Broughty Ferry Gala week is almost here again. It opens on Sunday 2nd July with the Gala Fete at Castle Green from 1pm to 5pm. There are lots of fun events and activities for all the family right through to 9 July, including the legendary window guessing competition which runs to 15 July. 

 

Look out for the Minions,Transformers and Paw patrol who will be out and about during the week. Pick up a programme from one of the local shops.

 

Many thanks to Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association and the Community Gala Committee for all that they do in making the first couple of weeks in July so memorable.

Broughty Family Healthcare- boundary change - update

I previously posted a comment about the proposal by Broughty Family Healthcare, in Brown Street, to amend its practice boundary. Not having received notification about the outcome of the consultation that was carried out I contacted NHS Tayside for an update and in response I was advised:

 

'NHS Tayside approved the application from Broughty Family Healthcare, Brown Street to amend their practice boundary. Following due consideration the Board's General Practice Advisory Committee unanimously decided that the application be granted in order to maintain the sustainability of the practice and protect future healthcare services in Tayside.'

This means that anyone who moves into Balmossie Brae, Clearwater Park, Ferryfields, and Panmurefield will not now be able to register with the practice and would need to go to a practice out with The Ferry ward.  I understand patients of the practice who currently live in these areas will remain registered until such time as they either de-register or move to a new address out with the practice boundary.

 

It seems to me that anyone who lives in Broughty Ferry should be able, if they wish, to register with one of the medical practices in the town. Perhaps rather than redrawing a boundary to overcome a problem NHS Tayside could come come up with a solution that would allow all of the residents of Broughty Ferry to access primary health care within their own locality rather having to travel further afield.

Availability of public toilets

I was recently asked why, on sunny days such as today, the public toilets in Broughty Ferry don’t stay open until a bit later than usual. I was first asked this a couple of weeks ago when we had a day of glorious weather and there were families still on the beach and at Castle Green at 8pm but the public toilets were closed.

 

Community safety wardens are responsible for locking up the toilets and these are generally closed between 6pm and 6.30pm during the summer. There are signs up informing people of this. However I understand that that wardens are advised to use common sense and leave them open for an extra couple of hours should the weather be good and the area is busy. The Neighbourhood Services Department also liaises with local groups and keep the toilets open when there are planned events in the area.

It’s important that these facilities remain available when people need them and I am pleased that the community wardens have some flexibility in keeping them open until a bit later. It’s also good to know that there are wardens patrolling the area helping to keep everyone safe.

Queen Street Car Park

I have been asked by a number of people why it’s taking so long  to put a proper surface on the trenches that were dug in Queen Street Car Park some time ago. I had assumed they were to do with the proposal to create an electric vehicle charging hub at the car park and would be attended to when the work associated with relocating the existing chargers to their new location is carried out. However I am advised that they were dug as part of a ground survey undertaken at the car park and are to be reinstated to the original standard. I have requested that this now be be dealt with as soon as possible.

Bus service consultation

I attended a lively meeting of Broughty Ferry Community Council on Tuesday, held in the library. There were two presentations, one from Xplore Dundee, about its bus service review, and one from the council’s Neighbourhood Services Department, about the revised recycling scheme.

 

It’s good to see Xplore Dundee consulting on its proposals before settling on a final option for implementation later this summer. To try and improve the reliability of its Broughty Ferry service, the number 5, the intention is to change the frequency of buses from every 7 minutes to every 10 minutes, down from 8 buses an hour to 6 buses an hour.

There is also a proposal to put on a new service - number 6, which will run every 15 minutes. This will actually result in an increase of 2 buses an hour serving the Forthill and Barnhill area. Apparently a number of route options have been considered for this service and the current suggestion takes in Strathern Road. For many years I have been calling for an improved bus service along Dundee Road and I was pleased to learn that its possible inclusion in the number 6 route has been looked at.

Ultimately the final route will be determined by what proves to be commercially viable, however I asked if it would be possible for Dundee Road to be used, even for a trial period, to show that there is demand for it.  I intend to respond directly to Xplore Dundee on its consultation.

Panmurefield Baptist Centre

I was delighted to attend yesterday’s  official opening of the extension at Panmurefield Baptist Centre in  Lawers Drive. It was great to see so many young people and families there.

 

The extension was fully funded from Broughty Ferry Baptist Church’s own resources and fund raising efforts. The need for additional space was driven by public demand for places at indoor activities. The extended centre is also going to be the base for the provision of youth activities and for projects such as Life to the Full, which includes much needed help and support for young people experiencing mental health problems.

There is limited public meeting places available for the housing developments in the north of Broughty Ferry so it’s really good to see the Baptist Centre take forward this initiative.  

Take Pride in Your City events- June

Broughty Ferry Beach

Broughty Ferry beach has received an award from Keep Scotland Beautiful for the fourteenth year in a row. For a beach to be successful in gaining an award it has to meet the quality benchmark set for safety, cleanliness, facilities, information provision and beach management.

 

The beach is a great asset for Dundee and it is something that is enjoyed all year round by local residents and visitors. A Keep Scotland Beautiful survey recorded that more than a third of visitors to Scotland go to a beach while on holiday, so it’s important that these high standards continue to be met. Well done to all those who have made it possible.

 

Conservative Group

The members of the new Conservative Group took their places in the City Chambers on Monday for the statutory meeting of Dundee City Council. The meeting dealt with the appointment of various office bearers and conveners.

 

Ian Borthwick, who has served Dundee as a councillor for more than 50 years, was appointed Lord Provost. Ian will be a great ambassador for the city and I am pleased that his life of public service has been recognised in this way. For my own part, I was honoured to be reappointed as a bailie.

Going forward the Conservative Group will scrutinise council business, challenging issues constructively when required and supporting issues when it’s in the best interests of Dundee to do so.

Weekly road report

Week commencing Monday 22 May 2017

Claypotts Road – closed between Duntrune Terrace and Balgillo Road for 3 weeks for gas main renewal.

Queen Street (Camphill Road to St Vincent Street) – off-peak (9.30am - 3.30pm) temporary traffic control for 3 weeks for footway works.

St Vincent Street and Whinny Brae – closed at junction with Queen Street from Wednesday 24 May for 5 days for footway works.

The full road report can be viewed on the council’s website.

Carriageway works in Panmure Street

Roadworks can be a pain, but if it’s for carriageway reconstruction the end result is worth waiting for as it is usually a blemish free road surface (for a while anyway!).

 

I was pleased to see that work has started this week on Panmure Street between Monifieth Road and Camphill Road. In recent months you would have been better driving a moon buggy to traverse the crater filled surface. I had been raising this as a ‘must do’ repair with the council’s road maintenance partnership for a while and it will certainly make a difference when it’s finished.

 

At the recent council election the state of our roads and pavements was a big issue and I intend to push the new council for additional resources so that many more carriageways will benefit from a pothole free surface.

Getting things done-Inckeith Avenue

Sections of pedestrian guardrail on the path between Inckeith Avenue and Inchcolm Drive, which runs to the seven arches viaduct, were taken down and set aside by Tayside Contracts at the request of SGN for the completion of gas works. One section of the guardrail has since been re-erected but another section has yet to be replaced.

 

 

I contacted the council’s roads network management team after concerns were raised with me by local residents and it has arranged for Tayside Contracts to re-erect the outstanding section of pedestrian guardrail.

Thank You

Philip and I would like to thank everyone who voted for us at the council election last Thursday. We were delighted to have received the support of so many people and we are honoured to serve as councillors for The Ferry ward.

 

My surgeries are continuing as before and my contact details remain the same. Philip’s council contact details will be available soon as will the locations and times of his drop in advice surgeries. Meanwhile you can reach him on the same contact details as me.

Take Pride in Your City events- May

Weekly road report

REPORT FOR SATURDAY 29 AND SUNDAY 30 APRIL 2017

A92 Arbroath Road (Panmurefield Road to West Grange Road) – overnight eastbound lane closure on Sunday 30 April and Monday 1 May for Scottish Water meter installation works.

 

REPORT FOR WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 1 MAY 2017

Claypotts Road – closed between Strathern Road and Duntrune Terrace for 6 weeks for gas main renewal.

 

 Queen Street, Broughty Ferry (Camphill Road to St Vincent Street) – priority traffic control for 2 weeks for street lighting works.

 

Forthcoming Roadworks

Panmure Street, Broughty Ferry (Monifieth Road to Camphill Road) – closed from Monday 15 May for 10 days for carriageway resurfacing works.

 

The full report can  be found on the council’s website.

Dawson Park

During the Easter holidays it was great to see so many families enjoying the much improved play area at Dawson Park. The upgrade was something I had been calling for over a number of years so I am pleased that it has at last been done and that the finished project has been well received.

 

Improvements to our parks and open spaces has always been a priority of mine. I  highlight where  I think action is required and many of these issues have been attended to. Futher progress will be made on Monday when the council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee meets, as one of the items is a project that will see £62,100 being spent in Dawson Park on redesigning and improving bedding areas. There will also be improvements to existing seating and footpaths. The works will be carried out on a phased basis between May and November.

Post Office

 

Walking down Gray Street yesterday morning, following my drop in advice surgery at Broughty Ferry Library, I was really pleased to see that the Post Office was open again. Post Office Ltd has agreed to restore the service in the closed premises on a temporary basis while efforts to secure a permanent outlet with existing local retailers are continuing.

 

Being without a Post Office has been a huge inconvenience for the local community and I’m grateful to Post Office Ltd for responding to the concerns that were raised.

Potholes

Albany Road

What a lot of potholes there seems to be on our roads just now. I appreciate at this time of year, coming out of the winter maintenance period, there is always an increased number, but I can’t recall it ever being as bad as it is at the moment.

 

Potholes are dangerous for drivers, they can damage vehicles and also pose a risk to other road users if a driver suddenly swerves to avoid one. They are a particular hazard in the dark or when they are filled with rainwater as they are less likely to be seen.  They are also terribly unsightly. Given how much residents pay in council tax it is unacceptable that their streets should be festooned with potholes.

I have reported considerable numbers recently and have been advised by the roads maintenance partnership that there is a backlog of repairs at the moment. I understand that additional resources were programmed to assist from this week for 4 weeks. Hopefully we will soon see an improvement.

North Balmossie Street

In recent days I have been contacted by a lot of local residents to say how pleased they are to see that there is at last a pavement on North Balmossie Street, on the section before the turn off to Balmossie Fire Station.

Previously, anyone walking on this side of the road up from Inckeith Avenue, had to either walk through a muddy area or cross over what is a busy road with a tight bend in it, to the pavement on the other side. I had highlighted this a few times to the council and pushed for some action again recently. I’m grateful to the council for responding so effectively.