Request for Additional Rubbish Bin to Close the Gap

Readers of my blog know that I often enjoy a walk along the coastal pathway between Douglas Terrace and the Stannergate.

Earlier this week, some other regular dog walkers asked me to try to get another rubbish bin installed. I think they have some sound reasoning to support their proposal. 

Between the rubbish bin at the Stannergate end of the path (top picture) and the two bins beside the sailing clubs (bottom two pictures), you pass three dog poo bins but no general rubbish bins which is a gap of at least half a mile. While they don't think the lack of a bin excuses littering, they do think some folk might be more inclined to bin their rubbish if one were nearer to hand. 

More specifically, they recommend that an additional bin is installed close to the Sea Eagles sculptures and the group of wooden benches beside the interpretation board close to the flight of contrete steps that run down to the river. 

I have passed on this request to the very helpful staff at the Environment Department.

Please contact me if there is a 'missing bin' in the vicinity of your home or on your favourite walk.

Oor Wullie Makes an Appearance on Douglas Terrace

Over fifty 4ft unique Oor Wullie sculptures will be dotted around Dundee this Summer. This marks Oor Wullie’s 80th Anniversary.

Earlier this week I came across one perched on the pocket park at the western end of Douglas Terrace beside the beginning of the coastal pathway leading to Grassy Beach.

One down, more than 49 others to locate!

Link to Oor Wulllie Bucket Trail Website

Dudley D Watkins (1907-1969) who drew Oor Wullie and The Broons for the Sunday Post was a resident of Broughty Ferry. In 2013 his work received some official recognition when one of the first Blue Plaques awarded in Scotland was placed outside Winsterley, his former home in Reres Road.

Dundee Sailing Club Making Environmental Improvements

If you take a walk or cycle along the coastal pathway at Grassy Beach, have a look out for the environmental improvements undertaken voluntarily by members of Dundee Sailing Club.

As well as tidying up the area around their slipway by their Grassy Beach Centre, they also been planting a beach hedge along the perimeter of their chain link fencing.

If you click on my image it will enlarge and make it easier to see the line of beech hedge plants.

In years ahead, when it is fully grown, this should help screen the rather stark appearance of the fencing to their two areas for boat storage.

Well done to the members of Dundee Sailing Club.

Scottish Water Advise Start to Planned Maintenance at West Ferry Waste Water Pumping Station

Yesterday morning Scottish Water contacted me to provide an update about the planned maintenance they were carrying out at the West Ferry Waste Water pumping station. This is located at the junction of Douglas Terrace and the coastal pathway that runs via Grassy Beach to the Stannergate.

Back in February, I was advised that "works were planned at the West Ferry wastewater pumping station, subject to a suitable weather window being available." These works were described "of a routine nature to replace pumps, internal guiderails and control cables."

On Tuesday morning Scottish Water advised that: "Preparatory works are commencing today, 12th April, and Scottish Water’s operations partner, Veolia, will be mobilised ready to commence the work thereafter. The weather forecast will be reviewed on a regular basis to make best use of dry weather and minimise the work programme. There will be some temporary equipment located on the walkway but our contracting partner Veolia will ensure that the general public are unaffected by the works. A local letter drop will also be undertaken. The work is likely to last up to a week."

This announcement of a start to this work is welcome if long overdue. The malfunctioning pumps located in the underground pumping station have necessitated the protective fencing and the trailing hoses above ground which are pictured above. Let's hope that the work is completed and effective and the rather unsightly fencing can be removed.

Broken Step Reported and to be Reparied

Earlier this week, I was contacted by a constituent who was concerned about the potential dangers from a broken step. She had noticed that there was a loose concrete slab on the flight of steps that connect the Stannergate bridge with the coastal pathway that runs along to Douglas Terrace.

On the way to a meeting, I stopped by and took a picture of the step which I then sent on to the Roads Maintenance Partnership with my observation that the loose concrete 'tread' on the steps represented a trip hazard which merited a rapid response. 

I am pleased to report that I have been notified that the repair is to be undertaken today, Wednesday 1 July.

Missing Bollard Located and to be Repaired and Replaced

On Saturday afternoon, I identified that the removable bollard at the end of the coastal pathway at Douglas Terrace was missing with a traffic cone covering the hole.
Link to previous posting about the bollard. 

On learning that it had been missing for more than a few days, I assumed that it been removed as a deliberate act of property damage. 

Subsequently, I requested a replacement from the transportation department.

On Monday afternoon I received more positive news. A manager from the Environment Department let me know that the bollard had been removed for repairing. Apparently, the dog bin man reported problems with removing the bollard to gain access to the bins on Grassy Beach. Apparently it should be back in place later this week.

Thanks to the staff in the Environment Department for maintaining our highly valued open space at Grassy Beach and the coastal pathway.

Missing Bollard on Coastal Pathway at Douglas Terrace

This afternoon, I went down to Grassy Beach to attend the open day organised by Dundee Sailing Club. 

On the walk there, I noticed that the removable bollard at the end of the coastal pathway at Douglas Terrace was missing. 

I have checked with Dundee Sailing Club and the Royal Tay Yacht Club and the bollard has apparently missing for the best part of a week. This is an important loss as the bollard helps to prevent motor vehicles from driving along the coastal pathway.

I have written to the Transportation Department to request that a replacement bollard is installed.

Clean Sweep Along Coastal Path

Earlier this week, staff from Dundee's Environment Department deployed one of their smaller mechanical sweepers on the coastal pathway between the Stannergate and Douglas Terrace. This has cleared up accumulated debris on both sides of the path. 

I am sure regular users of the path, including dog walkers and cyclists, will notice the difference.

Well done to the Environment Department to whom I had made a request. I have also suggested that this stretch of pathway is regularly scheduled for a clean sweep, perhaps once every one or two months.

Sewer Leak on Stony Beach in The Ferry to be Repaired Permanently and Beach Reinstated

Click on map to enlarge

Since 2011, I have been passing on complaints to Scottish Water about recurring leaks to the manhole on the stony beach close to the end of the coastal pathway at Douglas Terrace - see map. 

On Friday 25 April, I was informed by Scottish Water that a contractor had been appointed to undertake the comprehensive repair works which should eliminate the leak at the manhole. Scottish Water are also responsible for reinstating the original condition of the beach which has been disfigured by layers of concrete which have been applied, one on top of the other, over the leaks in the manhole and some of the connecting pipework.

In the letter form Scottish Water, I was advised that:
"Work will commence on Monday 28th April and will see the contractor set up a site compound at the West Ferry Pumping Station with a linked working area on to the foreshore. This area will be fenced off in line with normal construction site practices. Demolition of the manhole will then take place over a number of days and into the following week. There will be some localised noise associated with this work but the activity will only take place during daylight hours, tidal conditions permitting. One of the key aspects of the works will be the management of wastewater flows during the reconstruction works. In agreement with Dundee City Council, during the week commencing 12th May, wastewater flows will temporarily be pumped from Broughty Ferry Road into West Ferry Pumping Station. This will require a closure of Douglas Terrace at the railway bridge. A Traffic Management Plan has been agreed with the Council and will ensure access to property is maintained. We expect all works to be completed during the week commencing 19th May. We would like apologise for any temporary disruption that may be caused during these essential works."

Meeting with Scottish Water

On Tuesday morning, I took advantage of Scottish Water running a surgery for Councillors in the City Chambers. I met Steve Scott, the Regional Community Manager, who is based at the Invergowrie Offices of Scottish Water.

I reviewed with Steve Scott, the two major issues which have been raised by constituents; namely the recurrent flooding at Cedar Road and the periodic leaking of the sewerage pipes under the stony beach close to the Western end of Douglas Terrace.

It was good to meet Steve face-to-face and the discuss these two issues and what potential there was to resolve them with the support of Scottish Water, SEPA and City Council. Steve will be sending me further documentation when he returns to the office.

Speedy Response by Environment Department to Issues at Neglected Open Space on Douglas Terrace

On Monday night I raised an issue at the Environment Committee about the state of the rather neglected open space at the corner of the junction between the coastal pathway and Douglas Terrace. On Friday afternoon (yesterday) a team of Environment Department staff were out rectifying some of the issues I had raised.

The issues at this triangular area of public open space arose chiefly because the area close to the road had been used as a construction compound where plant and equipment had been stored, while recent construction work on the beach and the coastal pathway had been undertaken.

It looks as though the damage caused to the surface, particularly the deep ruts from heavy vehicles have been flattened.

I will look by again next week when the work has been completed - so far so good.

Overhanging Shrubs on Coastal Pathway in Broughty Ferry

Walkers on the coastal pathway have complained to me about the gorse bushes which are overhanging the path midway between the Stannergate and Grassy Beach. 

The overgrown gorse has effectively narrowed the available pathway for walking or cycling just on the brow of the hill.

I have asked the Environment Department to trim the gorse back to restore the full width of the coastal pathway as part of their autumn maintenance.

Blue Plaque Scheme for Broughty Ferry?

Folk who walk along the coastal pathway near the end of Douglas Terrace may have noticed a blue plaque on the front of the cottage overlooking the wee triangle of open space.

On closer inspection, it is clear that this plaque celebrates the infamous Bob Servant who apparently lived there. Of course, those of us who enjoyed seeing the Bob Servant series on BBC TV will recognise the location from the distinctive extension on the side of the house.

This plaque got me thinking that there must be many famous and some infamous people in the history of The Ferry who might merit an official Blue Plaque. Furthermore, a Blue Plaque scheme might also add to the visitor appeal of Broughty Ferry.

I have already discussed this with Broughty Ferry Development Trust at their recent AGM and with some members of the Community Council. The idea was well received but needs a sponsoring organisation that might take it on and both the Community Council and the Development Trust have their hands full at the moment. I intend to take it up next with Dundee Civic Trust.

I would also like to hear from any organisation that might might be interested in taking this on.

Email laurie.bidwell@dundeecity.gov.uk

Rusted Sign Post on Grassy Beach Needs Replacement

Out dog walking last week, I spotted this sign post on Grassy Beach beside the coastal pathway. 

The post carries a road safety notice warning cyclists and pedestrians that they are sharing the same route and urging 'Cyclists Show Respect (for) Other Users'. It also carries a dog poo bin. 

As you can see from the two pictures, the post, for these signs and the bin, is badly corroded and needs replacement.

As the post carries items for the Transportation and the Environment Departments, this may need some collaborative interdepartmental working to get it replaced.

I have written to both departments and the Roads Maintenance Partnership and asked them to arrange for a replacement. In the meanwhile, I recommend you don't walk too close to this pole.

Following My Complaints, Scottish Water Respond to Leaks from the Sewers on Broughty Ferry Stony Beach

Leaking foul water on the Stony Beach
beneath Douglas Terrace
Click on image to enlarge

On Wednesday last week, I contacted Scottish Water to complain again about the persistent leaks from sewers onto Broughty Ferry stony beach close to Douglas Terrace.

I had observed and photographed foul water leaking onto the beach at multiple locations in the space of two hundred metres. 

I also let Scottish Water know that, on a day without much wind to disperse the odour, the smell was lingering and very unpleasant. I had received complaints about this from constituents.

I think this is a health hazard, it's certainly unpleasant for residents and visitors and completely unacceptable. 

Furthermore, the resultant water pollution also threatens to undermine the work to help Broughty Ferry sandy beach regain it's Blue Flag.

Over more than two years I have been writing to Scottish Water about these issues. Scottish Water responding by sending out more squads of work people that pour concrete onto the beach is clearly not working.

While I appealed for these multiple sources of pollution to be contained and the leaks repaired, I also appealed to Scottish Water to bring forward their overdue plans to upgrade the sewerage system at this point.  Last October their engineers predicted they would bring forward a scheme in 6-8 months. Nine months later I know many of my constituents think it's time for delivery.

Scottish Water Engineer inspecting the leaks
Click on image to enlarge

On Thursday 8 and Friday 9 August Scottish Water came out to fix the leaks. They also hand delivered a letter to all the local residents in the vicinity to explain what they are doing. In this letter they wrote:

'The main issue at present is at West Ferry Pumping Station, resulting in two intermittent leaks of waste water onto the foreshore. These two weak points in the system are shown in the plan overleaf and were inspected by Scottish Water and SEPA today. To overcome this problem, are working through the following actions:

Temporary additional pump in action
Click on image to enlarge

Installation of additional temporary pumping at West Ferry Pumping Station to draw down the level in the sewerage system. This was implemented today and has relieved the pressure on the system and stopped the leaks to the foreshore. Unfortunately, this action requires the 24hr use of a generator for a period of time. Veolia Water have sourced the quietest generator on the market to try and avoid any noise disruption and we hope this is effective.

Following the success of the additional pumping, a new seal will be installed at the Douglas Terrace leak location. Veolia Water will continue to work over this weekend to complete the work.

Also, once the level in the system has been drawn down, Veolia Water will need to take access to he Pumping Station to inspect all below ground assets and ensure optimum operation going forward. The station has worked effectively for a number of years and we will restore this level of performance.

Major works will be required at the walkway leak location, entailing demolition and reconstruction of an underground chamber. This will remove the leak risk and reinstate the beach to its former condition. Veolia Water have been instructed to undertake these works but a contractor has yet to be appointed. We will provide a further update in advance of these works.'

I am glad that Scottish Water admit that they have two linked problems; the leaking underground vessel on the beach beneath the walkway and pumps that are not working properly at the West Ferry Pumping Station. I am sure residents will be relieved when these long term repairs are in place. They will look forward to a return to the peace and quiet and fresh air they deserve. I think members of the Beach Management Group will be pleased when these persistent leaks are fixed and are not undermining their efforts for Broughty Ferry to regain the Blue Flag for our sandy beach.

Breeding Bollards - A Helpful Answer and Solution

Earlier in this week, I wrote to the Council about the apparent duplication of bollards installed at the beginning of the coastal pathway at the Douglas Terrace end.

I have received a very helpful and detailed response to my email about this addressed to the Transportation Department: 

"There is a Prohibition of Driving Order 1992 for Douglas Terrace to Grassy Beach Walkway, Broughty Ferry with Article 2 of the order states no person shall drive any motor vehicle in or upon the length of the Douglas Terrace to Grassy Beach Walkway, Broughty Ferry, with exemptions for emergency services, maintenance by DCC Parks Department and HM Coastguard.

There has been reported incidents of other vehicles driving along a section of Grassy Beach and therefore there is the requirement for a removable bollard to be placed. 

The bollard nearest Douglas Terrace was damaged and there is evidence of vehicle over run on the grassed area adjacent to the footway of vehicles driving past the bollard.

To prevent vehicles driving down to Grassy Beach a new bollard was installed further south between the small walls without the temporary removal of the bollard."

The Transportation Department have also confirmed that unfortunately the Contractor did not remove the old existing bollard as instructed and arrangements have been made for the Contractor to remove the damaged 'original' bollard and reinstate the surface.

Bollards Breeding in Broughty Ferry?

Additional new bollard in the foreground
Click on image to enlarge

A second bollard has been inserted on the coastal pathway near the Douglas Terrace end. A bollard is required to block motorised traffic entering the pathway but quite why we need two in a row is beyond me.

A couple of months ago, I pointed out to the Transportation Department that there was a missing bollard at the Grassy Beach end of the upgraded section of the pathway but I was not aware of any reason why we should need to replace or duplicate the one at the Douglas Terrace end. 

I have written to the Transportation Department to ask for an explanation.

Broughty Ferry Community Council Meeting 2 July 2013

On Tuesday night 2 July, I attended the monthly meeting of Broughty Ferry Community Council. 

Here are some extracts from my report to the Community Council:

Reduction in Support for Learning Teachers at Grove Academy 
In a recent review of the number of Support for Learning Posts in every Dundee School, Grove Academy had its allocation of Support for Learning teachers reduced with effect from August 2013. The Support for Learning staffing levels at Grove for 2012/13 was 5.8 teachers and the allocation for 2013/14 is 4 posts. This comes into effect at a time when the school's roll is growing and the number of children entering our schools with additional support needs is increasing.

Scottish Water Short Term Repair to Leak near Douglas Terrace
On Monday 24 June Scottish Water repaired the leak to the sewage pipe on the stony beach close to to the Douglas Terrace end of the coastal pathway. Given the history of difficulties with this particular stretch of sewer, it is important that the pipe and the concrete junction buried in the beach is replaced. When Scottish Water briefed me about the long term replacement last November, they had predicted they needed a period of 6-8 months for undertaking the preparatory work. I have written to Scottish Water again to seek assurances that they plan to do this work before the winter.

Licensing Board and Licensing Committee Consultations
The Council's Licensing Board and the Licensing Committee are both undertaking consultations over the summer. For clarification, the Licensing Board deals with liquor licensing matters and the Licensing Committee deals with almost all other licenses including takeaway food, houses in multiple occupation and taxis and taxi drivers. In addition to the consultation from the Licensing Board about  amending its existing policy on trading hours for On-Sale Premises Licences granted under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, I wanted to give you notice that the Licensing Committee will also be consulting the Community Council about the licensing hours for take away restaurants including those hours that might operate outside the city centre in locations such as central Broughty Ferry. 

Dundee Alcohol and Drug Partnership Survey
There is also a community survey on alcohol survey being undertaken under the auspices of the Dundee Alcohol and Drug Partnership. The aim of their survey is to gauge community views on alcohol availability and get a sense of the factors that influence alcohol purchasing locally along with other associated attitudes in Dundee. Any member of the public can complete this survey online up to and including 31st July 2013.

Broughty Ferry Community Council meets on the first Tuesday of every month (excluding August) in the Community Library, Queen Street, Broughty Ferry Dundee DD5 2HN.
Community Council meetings begin at 7pm and are open to the public.

Repair to Leaking Sewer on Broughty Beach Planned to Start Today But Permanent Solution is Yet to be Scheduled

Scottish Water confirmed on Thursday evening that they have managed to schedule the repair work to the leaking sewer pipe on the Beach near the Douglas Terrace end of the coastal pathway. Work is planned to begin today.

I hope that they will have enough time between the tides to stem this particular leak and not need to come back tomorrow. I understand however that this is only likely to be a temporary repair. Since leaks of foul water on the beach were identified last year close to the current visible leak, Scottish Water have admitted that a permanent replacement of this sewer pipe and the junction buried under the beach is required. While I am assured by them that a comprehensive replacement is being planned, the timescale for undertaking this seems to be stretching into the future.

I think Broughty Ferry residents will be relieved that this particular repair is now going ahead but like me will also want Scottish Water to get on with the work to permanently replace this troublesome section of the sewers. They will also want to to be know that our beaches will be protected from the source of this pollution over the rest of the summer.

Official Opening of the Upgraded Coastal Pathway in Broughty Ferry - Good Job!

On Wednesday I attended the official opening of the upgraded section of the coastal pathway that runs between Grassy Beach and Douglas Terrace. This marks the final stage of a ten year project to refurbish and improve the coastal pathway between the Stannergate and Douglas Terrace in Broughty Ferry. This has local and wider significance.

For local people, this pathway is valued for walking, cycling and dog walking while folk enjoy the pleasures of river views and segregation from motor traffic. It is also a part of the Dundee green circular and a route into the city centre for those commuting by bike. Additionally, the extra width of this latest section of the pathway will make it easier for the sailors to manoeuvre their sailing craft on their trailers between the roadway at Douglas Terrace and their boat sheds and slipways at Grassy Beach.

Our coastal pathway is also an integral part of the National Cycling Route One between Dover in Kent and Shetland. These onward connections mean that cyclists can for example ride most of the way to Arbroath off road and on quiet back roads.

Interestingly, in this centenary year of Broughty Ferry becoming part of Dundee, one of the promised benefits from this merger was an improvement in roads and paths between Broughty Ferry and Dundee which led to the original raised pathway being built along the shore. That this was a possibility was also testament to the foresight of the former Broughty Ferry Town Council that in 1901 secured the foreshore at the Grassy Beach in West Ferry for an annual feu of £25.

Hopefully the public investment in the upgrading work from one end to the other, will have secured this important community asset for many years to come.

Thanks are deserved to Sustrans the national sustainable transport charity that were major funders and the Council's Transportation staff. The work force of Kilmac, the contractors, also deserve praise for ingeniously keeping the pathway open while they undertook the upgrading work apart from a few days when a period of temporary closure could not be avoided.

Good job!