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.