Cycle Counter to be installed in Broughty Ferry

A continental-style cycle counter is set to be installed in Broughty Ferry following approval by Dundee City Council.

The “high-visiblity” cycle counter will be installed at the east end of the Douglas Terrace walkway along the waterfront and will provide a visual counter of the number of cyclists using the route.

A network of counters, inspired by those in countries such as Denmark, is being established across Scotland by sustainable transport charity Sustrans and Transport Scotland with the co-operation of local authorities. They gather data about cyclists that is used to plan new routes.

At present, Dundee and Aberdeen are the only cities in the country not to have a cycle counter, with Aberdeen’s set to be installed in the next few months.

Claire Daly, spokeswoman for Sustrans, said the idea behind cycle counters was to promote sustainable transport such as walking and cycling instead of driving.

In general, cycle counters have been shown to be motivational for cyclists and provide data that assists planning for cycling infrastructure.

Broughty Ferry Flood Defences Further Consultation Tuesday 13th December at the Castle Green Leisure Centre from 11am to 7pm

Have your say in the further consultation about the design of the proposed flood defences for Broughty Ferry. These defences will run from the Stannergate to Broughty Ferry Castle via Grassy Beach, Douglas Terrace, James Place, Fisher Street and Beach Crescent. 

The drop in consultation event will be held on Tuesday 13th December 2016 at the Castle Green Leisure Centre from 11am to 7pm.

This event will provide an update on the project and seek opinion on the latest design proposal. A sample panel of the proposed flood protection wall is already on display at the notice board at Castle Pier and comments on the material and colour will also be welcomed. 

On the day members of the city council’s design team will be available from 11am to 7pm to help answer questions, explain technical details and the thinking behind the plans at this stage.

More information can be found on the regularly updated webpage at: http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/BroughtyFerryFloodProtection

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.

Possible Coastal Protection Measures between Grassy Beach and Broughty Ferry Castle - Flyover Simulation

Simulated view of possible enhanced sea
defences for Broughty Ferry

If you missed the drop-in consultation on Wednesday 1st June 2016 about the proposed coastal protection measures between the Grassy Beach and Broughty Ferry Castle, you may the video flyover simulation of possible design for the scheme helpful - click on link below. 

Don't worry that you have missed out on the opportunity to respond to the Council. According to senior Council staff present at the drop-in event, this was an initial consultation which will be followed by the formal consultation. I'll try to keep constituents updated when we reach that point.

Link to video flyover simulation of possible changes to coastal defences Grassy Beach to Broughty Ferry Castle June 2016

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.

Pothole Action on Douglas Terrace

Last week, I reported a series of eight of the most serious potholes on Douglas Terrace. These were identified on the stretch of Douglas Terrace between its junctions with Dundee Road and Home Street. 

While further along the waterfront towards the harbour the carriageway has been resurfaced, this section of the road is still on the waiting list for an upgrade.

During the winter weather sections of the road surface thet has been been previously dug up and infilled has been eroded and become a hazard.

I am pleased to report that the road has been inspected by staff from the Roads' Maintenance Partnership and they have reported that the potholes should be fixed quite soon.

Scottish Water Urged to Sort Out Pumping Issues at Douglas Terrace

Before Christmas, contractors resorted to putting up safety barriers once again at the pumping facility at the end of Douglas Terrace. 

Above ground, behind these fences, there are two manhole covers propped open by a heavy duty hose connecting the two pumps that are seated well below ground level. 

I am advised that this is necessary because these pumps, that help to propel sewage and waste water towards the Hatton treatment plant, are not working properly. 

This is not the first time that this has been the case in recent years. The fencing and industrial pipes are a bit of an eyesore, but every day they are in use is an indicator that all is not well with this pumping facility below.This facility is maintained by Scottish Water's operators, Veolia. I think Scottish Water owe it to their water and sewage rate payers to pursue their operator to sort out this issue to get this facility working effectively.

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.

Foul Water Leak on the Stony Beach in Broughty Ferry

On Thursday evening it was brought to my attention that there was a leak of foul water on the Stony Beach in Broughty Ferry.

At low tide the foul water could be seem flowing down the beach immediately beside the outfall pipe just below Douglas Terrace.

I have reported this to Scottish Water. 

This appears to be a recurrence of a more serious leak at the same location which I reported in August 2013.

Link to posting about previous leak: Following My Complaints, Scottish Water Respond to Leaks from the Sewers on Broughty Ferry Stony Beach

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.

Accident Damaged Wall Reported to the Council

Earlier this week it was reported that a car was in collision with the low boundary wall of this well tended open space at the corner of Dundee Road and Douglas Terrace.

A constituent contacted me and asked who was going to repair the obvious damage to the stone wall. It must have been quite an impact with debris scattered over the grass.

I have contacted the City Engineer and Planning Department to ask them to arrange for the wall to be sensitively reinstated, emphasising this open space is part of the West Ferry Conservation Area.

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.

Unfortunately Douglas Terrace DD5 is NOT About to be Resurfaced

Earlier this month I was delighted to announce that Douglas Terrace in Broughty Ferry was about to be resurfaced starting on Monday 21 October 2013. 

I had previously drawn attention to the Roads Maintenance Partnership about potholes in this street and the pavements.

When I noticed that no work had started over the last week, I contacted the Transportation Department to inquire about the reasons for the delay. Unfortunately I was informed that the original notice about the temporary closure of the road while the road works were going on had been wrongly sent to Ferry Councillors. I for my part must put my hand up and say I should have read all of the details in an attachment that would have alerted me to the fact that The Douglas Terrace to be resurfaced was in DD3 and not DD5.

Bearing in mind the condition of this stretch of the road along the beachfront, I have written to ask for a date when our Douglas Terrace in Broughty Ferry will be resurfaced.

Douglas Terrace to be Resurfaced Beginning Monday 21 October 2013

Residents in Douglas Terrace and Ferry folk who use this road will be pleased to hear that the Council is going to undertake resurfacing beginning on Monday 21 October 2013.

I have passed on constituents' complaints many times about the unevenness of Douglas Terrace, and the need for a comprehensive resurfacing rather than just more patching of the most obvious potholes.


The resurfacing work will, however, require a temporary closure of Douglas Terrace while the contract is in progress. Diversion routes will be in place and pedestrian access will be maintained for residents.

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

Scottish Water Updates on Responding to Foul Water Leaks on the Stony Beach

In response to representations I made to Scottish Water in early August about foul water leaking onto the Stony Beach, a spokesperson for Scottish Water confirmed the ongoing actions they had and were taking:

Temporary pumping had been continued at the end of Douglas Terrace. Due to local concerns about noise, Scottish Water's operators, Veolia, have stopped using a diesel generator and installed an electric pump to support flow transfer through the pumping station.

Work to fix the leak at the Douglas Terrace manhole was completed over the weekend of 10 August. The temporary pumping mentioned above has also been successful in stopping any further leaks from the walkway manhole.

With regards to the permanent repair of the walkway manhole, it’s anticipated that a contractor will be appointed by the end of September, early October.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have continued to inspect the area and no further concerns or issues have been raised.

I previously reported similar leaks to Scottish Water in November 2012.