Coastal Pathway Temporary Closure on Safety Grounds

On Wednesday morning on my daily dog walk along the coastal pathway, I found my way blocked at the Douglas Terrace end with a hand painted sign indicating that the path had been closed because of the danger of high tides. To access the beach further long at Grassy Beach, I walked round to Beach Lane and the connecting pathway from there to the footbridge over the railway. The footpath was very muddy and slippery. Looking from the vantage point of the footbridge, it was able to see that part of the pathway surface adjacent to site works by Kilmac (the Contractor) was missing. 

By the time I had got home and washed off the the mud off my shoes, I had been contacted by a constituent who complained  about the awful state of the path from Beach Lane which he had little option but to use.

I contacted the Council and enquired, on behalf of pedestrians, cyclists and dog walkers about how long the coastal pathway was to be closed? In the light of the closure, I also indicated that I wanted to know what the Council was going to do to improve signage while this stretch of the busy coastal pathway was closed. I thought that diversionary routes should be clearly indicated for those that don't know their way around. Furthermore, I wanted to know what the Council was going to do to improve the surface of the Beach Lane pathway which is one of the Broughty Ferry 'core' paths? It's disappointing that I called for the upgrading of the surface of the Beach Lane pathway last summer but this was ignored apart from cutting back the brambles. 

Later on Wednesday, the coastal pathway was re-opened.

I think it's time for speedy and effective action by the Council so that this pathway can mare adequately provide a safe and convenient diversionary route when the coastal pathway is closed again on safety grounds.

Little Change in Numbers of University Applicants from Scotland

Yesterday, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) released their statistics on applications for full-time degree level courses at Universities in the UK beginning later on this year. University

Their figures include all applications considered 'on time' for their 15 January deadline and provide a reliable indicator of demand for higher education in the UK this year.

This year's figures for application rates for 18 year olds show a modest increase for those who live in Scotland - up 0.3%. At the same time the number of applicants for University who live in England has increased by more than 0.9%.

In relation to demand for degree level courses in our Universities in Scotland, there has been a significant rise in the number of applicants from outside Scotland. it is too soon to know what effect this rise in 'other UK' applicants will have on our Universities. These applicants from England, Wales and Northern Ireland pay hefty tuition fees, up to £9000 per year for Edinburgh and St Andrews University, which is well in excess of the fees paid by the Scottish Government for students domiciled in Scotland.

Waterlogged Roads and Paths in The Ferry Yesterday

Yesterday afternoon was another period of squally rain in The Ferry. As I went round my Tuesday afternoon surgeries, I noticed lots of examples where drains could not cope with the rainfall. Now this pattern of rainfall seems the norm, rather than the exception, I think our drainage on streets and paths needs improvement.

When I visited the Forthill Sheltered Housing Complex in Forthill Drive for my surgery at 3:30pm, I noticed that the drain in the path up to the Complex entrance was blocked again and so elderly residents were having to paddle through the water to get to and from the front door of the Complex. This is a perennial issue and is just not good enough for folk who are residents in 'sheltered' housing. I have reported this to the Housing Department. I hope the residents can expect a prompt and more thorough work on unblocking the drain this time.

Later in the afternoon, I was driving down Balgillo Road East linking Balgillo Road with the Arbroath Road. Just short of the roundabout water had extended over the pavement and road on the western side of this busy road. This really would be a challenging place to walk or cycle as motorists had no room to evade the water and so prevent soaking a pedestrian or cyclists as they drove past.  I have reported this to the Council and the Roads' Maintenance Partnership.

Worrying Drop in Number of Students in Receipt of Education Maintenance Allowances

Yesterday the Scottish Government published details of the Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) paid in 2011/12. This report highlights that the number of teenagers from households on low incomes in receipt of an EMA had fallen by around 15% on 2009/10 levels.

EMAs are paid to young people 16-19 years old who are in full time education at school or further education college. The EMA is worth £30 a week and is means tested against total taxable household income. Payments are only made when you have 100% weekly attendance.

Our young people from the most low income households face the biggest challenge in obtaining employment, and accessing education or training. Scottish Labour introduced EMA’s to give these youngsters the financial support they need to benefit from education and to better equip them to get a job. Therefore, this significant reduction in college students receiving an EMA, particularly young women, is very worrying.

One of the likely reasons for this fall is that many applicants for places at Further Education College were not able to access the course they wanted in their local college. This was evidenced in the mounting numbers of applicants left stranded on waiting lists because courses and places have been reduced.

The Scottish Government should not be putting up barriers to the participation of students from low income households in further education. It’s time to reverse their cuts in funding for the Colleges of Further Education, including Dundee College.

Call for Single Police Force for Scotland HQ to be in Perth or Dundee

On Monday morning I attended a meeting of the Tayside Joint Police Board. This was the last but one meeting of the Board because the Scottish Government has decided to proceed with a single Police force for Scotland from 1st April 2013. On that date, the current eight regional police forces will have their powers transferred to the new national body taking shape.

While the senior management team for Police Scotland have been appointed, one key decision yet to the resolved is the location of the Headquarters.

At our meeting in Perth, it was unanimously agreed that the Convener of the board, should write to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill MSP, urging him to select Dundee or Perth as the HQ site for the Single Police Service for Scotland. Apart from both cities offering central locations and good public transport links, it was thought important to reassure the public throughout Scotland that the new Single Police Service for Scotland was not just Strathclyde Police with the rest of the country thrown in. Locating the HQ outside Edinburgh and Glasgow would help convey reassurance on that score.

Tayside Police Keen to Gather Views on its Draft Interim Local Policing Plans for 2013-2014

Tayside Police has today launched a consultation on its draft interim Local Policing Plans for 2013-2014.

The draft interim Local Policing Plans set out the local policing priorities and objectives for the three Local Authority areas across Tayside including Dundee.  These Plans represent a critical part of the local delivery process for the new national Police Service Of Scotland that takes over responsibility for policing from the current  eight police forces (including Tayside Police) on 1st April 2013.  These new local policing plans demonstrate a commitment to local policing within the national planning framework which enables the police to respond effectively to the concerns of local communities as well as meet and tackle nationwide demands.

As part of this consultation, Tayside Police are keen to engage with the public, partners and staff in order to gather their views on the draft Policing Plans, prior to finalisation of the Plans in March this year.  This engagement should help to ensure that what they are proposing will continue to provide communities with a local police service that meets their needs and deals with the issues that are important to them.

Tayside Police, request that individuals and community groups consider the Plan relevant to their Local Authority area and give them your views on our proposals by completing the short questionnaire.  Further details on this consultation and how you can participate are available by clicking on the link below. 

http://www.tayside.police.uk/About-Us/Force-Publications/policing-plan-consultation.htm

Participation in this exercise, however, is entirely optional and you should feel no obligation to take part.  They reassure us that data from this survey is strictly confidential and will only be used for the purposes described above.  You can also be assured that your details will not be passed to any other agency.

Your views are important and will help us shape the future direction of policing in the Tayside area.  If you have any queries regarding this consultation or require further information please contact the Performance and Planning Unit on  (01382) 596712 or 596711. 

Read/Download the DRAFT Dundee Local Policing Plan 2013-2014

It's Confirmed that Grove, Harris, Morgan, Menzieshill and St John's will have larger classes in English and Maths in S1-S2 from August

In Budget papers issued by the Council on Thursday 24 January, the Education Director clarified that the five secondary schools in Dundee which will have larger classes in English and Maths in S1-S2 will be:
Grove Academy, Harris Academy, Morgan Academy, Menzieshill High School and St John's RC High School

In these five schools S1 and S2 Maths and English classes will increase from 20 up to a maximum of 33. This would represent a 65% increase in class sizes for these subjects.

I think parents and carers in the city whose children are will be in S1 and S2 at these secondary schools will want to know how this significant increase in class sizes will affect their child's learning and attainment in these core subjects.

The four secondary schools maintaining average class sizes of 20 in English and Maths S1-S2 will be: Baldragon Academy, Braeview Academy, Craigie High School and St Paul’s RC Academy.

Significantly, the Director of Education's paper to the Education Committee on Monday night 28 January, 'Education Department Standards and Quality', makes no case for such a change nor provides the school by school statistics on examination passes that might support a rationale for four of our secondary schools retaining smaller classes and five secondary schools losing theirs. 

Finally, I think parents and carers will wonder why this damaging proposal on class size increases in our Secondary Schools is not to be referred to the Education Committee on Monday night when Councillors will be joined by additional members representing Parents. Teachers and senior Pupils. It's hard not to think that the SNP led administration are trying to mask their abandonment of their commitment to smaller class sizes in our schools and don't think they could win the argument at the Education Committee.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2013

Sunday 27 January, is Holocaust Memorial Day which coincides with the liberation of the Auschwitz Death Camp nearly 70 years ago in 1945. 

Organisers of this international day are asking us to remember those communities which were destroyed during the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
The theme for the 2013 Holocaust Memorial Day is Communities together: Build a Bridge.

By taking inspiration from the past, celebrating difference and ensuring respect for all we can Build a Bridge in our community and help to create a safer, better future.  Click the button below to show your support and Build a Bridge.

Saturday Evening Lectures at Dundee University February - May 2013

The Saturday Evening Lectures (free admission) arranged by the University of Dundee celebrates its 89th Anniversary this year.

The remaining five lectures in this years series are as follows:

9th February - David Mach: Mach Mania: An Artist's Portfolio.

9th March - Alyson Leslie: 'From Agatha Christie to Esther Rantzen: The British Response to Child Abuse Tragedies'.

23rd March - Fiona McLaren: 'Da Vinci's Last Commission'.

20th April - Professor Simon Baron-Cohen: 'Zero Degrees of Empathy'

11th May - Andy Wightman: 'Who Owns Scotland (And How They Got It)'.

All lectures will be held in the Dalhousie Building beginning at 6pm.

Drinks receptions will follow each lecture, and where appropriate, book-signings will be held.

The Dalhousie Building is located on the main campus of the University, on the corner of Old Hawkhill and Hunter Street. There is a pay and display car park opposite, which is open to the public, just behind the Globe Bar.

Overflow theatres may be in use if lectures are heavily subscribed, so be sure to arrive early if you would prefer to be seated in the main lecture theatre, as seating will be filled on a first come-first served basis on the night.

Tickets are available by emailing events@dundee.ac.uk, or from the events office on 01382 385564.

Wintry Day Views From Footbridge at Grassy Beach

SNP's Broken Promises on Primary Class Sizes in Dundee

"Under the SNP, Dundee City Council will continue to deliver new schools, smaller class sizes, breakfast clubs in every school ....."

".... And as every parent knows, smaller classes means more teacher time and better learning." 

(April 2012 SNP Dundee Manifesto - see below)

"Removing the restrictions of class sizes of 18" is proposed by SNP in Council Budget Paper last week providing a saving of £595,000 per year.
(January 2013 Budget Paper see below)

Dundee to Aberdeen - Great British Railway Journeys

It's a great week for Dundee and North East Scotland on BBC TV.

Bob Servant Independent starts tonight and yesterday on BBC2 we had Michael Portillo on Great British Railway Journey's - Dundee to Aberdeen.

Verdant Works, Arbroath Smokies, the Bell Rock, Auchmithie, Montrose Basin and the Caledonian preservation Railway from Brechin to Montrose all feature.

If you missed this programme catch it on iPlayer

Call for Clarity About Which Secondary Schools in Dundee Will Have Larger English and Maths Classes in S1/S2

Last week, the SNP led Administration of the Council made a shock announcement about their cuts in staffing at our Schools. From August 2013 they have proposed to withdraw smaller classes in Maths and English in the first two years at five of the nine secondary schools in Dundee. These classes are currently capped at 20 and will, under these proposals, increase to a maximum of 33 pupils.

The Education Convener, Councillor Hunter justified this by saying that four secondary schools had less positive exam results and keeping the smaller classes for them would help improve their results. Presumably, by that line of reasoning, exam results in those schools where the smaller classes are being withdrawn will be undermined.

But so far the Education Convener has avoided spelling out which four secondary schools will retain their cash for these smaller Maths and English Classes in S1 and S2 and which will lose out. Parents and carers who have children moving from Primary to Secondary School this summer have a right and a need to know this now. They need to know because whether a secondary school will or will not have smaller classes in Maths and English is something that might sway their decision about which school to request for their child.

These parents and carers shouldn't be asked to wait for his announcement until after the Budget Meeting on Thursday 14 February, because they must finalise their parental choice for a secondary school by the Council's deadline. Placing requests must be submitted to the City Council by the first Monday in February which this year falls on Monday 4 February. 

Of course Councillor Hunter could have chosen to put this on the Agenda of the Education Committee called for Monday 28 January, but I notice that he has avoided doing this when I looked at the papers that have been issued. As Convener, he still has the opportunity to put this on as a late item and allow Senior Pupils, Parent Council Representatives and Teachers from our schools to have their say along with Councillors.

Like his predecessor, Councillor Fordyce, Councillor Hunter can try and hide the issues that are really important from the Education Committee but he must come clean and tell us where his axe is going to fall in Maths and English Classes. Parents and carers won't thank him from hiding this from them when they have to make their placing decisions over the next few days.

The nine Secondary Schools in Dundee are:

• Baldragon Academy
• Braeview Academy
• Craigie High School
• Grove Academy
• Harris Academy
• Menzieshill High School
• Morgan Academy
• St John's RC High School
• St Paul's RC Academy

Bob Servant Independent BBC Six Part Comedy Series Starring Brian Cox & The Ferry Starts Wednesday Night

Bob Servant Independent starts on BBC4 on Wednesday 23rd January at 10pm. It will be repeated on Friday evenings on BBC2 Scotland at 10pm.

This new comedy series, from BBC Scotland, brings Neil Forsyth's comedic creation, Bob Servant, to the small screen for the first time. It stars Brian Cox and Broughty Ferry. Brian continues in a role he has made his own following the earlier BBC Radio transmission of "Delete This at Your Peril: The Bob Servant Emails" and Broughty Ferry that supplies most of the wonderful locations for the series.

Full transmission dates and times – 

Episode 1 – “Launch Day”
Wednesday January 23rd BBC4 10pm
Friday January 25th BBC2 Scotland (Sky Channel 970) 10pm

Episode 2 – “A Local Man”
Wednesday January 30th BBC4 10pm
Friday February 1st BBC2 Scotland (Sky Channel 970) 10pm

Episode 3 – “Women and God”
Wednesday February 6th BBC4 10pm
Friday February 8th BBC2 Scotland (Sky Channel 970) 10pm

Episode 4 – “The Media”
Wednesday February 13th BBC4 10pm
Friday February 15th BBC2 Scotland (Sky Channel 970) 10pm

Episode 5 – “The Debate”
Wednesday February 20th BBC4 10pm
Friday February 22nd BBC2 Scotland (Sky Channel 970) 10pm

Episode 6 – “Election Day”
Wednesday February 27th BBC4 10pm
Friday February 29th BBC2 Scotland (Sky Channel 970) 10pm

Update on Dog Fouling in The Ferry - Not the Bob Servant Solution

My recent press coverage about shortages in the supply of the Council's free dog poo bags resulted in many follow up conversations with folk in Broughty Ferry and beyond. For some responsible dog owners, it's the shortage of dog bins in certain locations such as Ferryfields and Central Broughty Ferry which is the issue. I have taken this up with the Environment Department. For others, it is concern about the irresponsible dog owners who, despite the bags and bins from the Council, don't clean up after their dogs. 

Dog owners can be reassured that I am not about to take the approach adopted by Bob Servant the Independent Candidate in the Broughty Ferry parliamentary by-election. By the way it's screening on BBC4 and BBC2 Scotland from later this week. In a telephone phone-in on the local radio station, he advocates banning all dogs from Dawson Park.

But seriously, I would like to see some fixed penalty fines being issued to errant owners who don't clean up after their dogs. The Council has these powers, but rarely seems to make use of these. This might make dog walkers think twice about not cleaning up after their dogs.

On a more positive note, I was notified about Dog Training Classes that run at the Brooksbank Community Centre on Pitairlie Road. They provide dog training to around 80 dog owners and their dogs every week. Monday night 6 - 7pm is for Puppies and 7 - 8pm is for Adult Dogs. These classes are repeated on Saturday mornings 10 - 11am and 11 - 12am £5 per week Concessions £3.  Brooksbank Centre, Pitairlie Road, Dundee DD4 8DG. Phone:  01382 432450