More Vandalism in The Ferry

Outside Greggs on Brook Street, one of the bike racks fixed to the pavement is damaged and appears to have been deliberately vandalised. As you can see it is bent over and unusable. On closer inspection, one end of the stainless steel rail has been severed at ground level by what appears to have be repeated bending over and back until the metal snapped.

Unfortunately, this is another example of deliberate and sickening property damage. This not only undermines the appearance of our main street but also diverts cash from vital Council services to pay for needless repairs and replacements.
I have informed the Transportation Department and Roads' Maintenance Partnership to ask that the broken rack is removed immediately and subsequently replaced. I have also informed Tayside Division, Police Scotland. As this happened in direct line of sight from the CCTV camera, I hope the perpetrators will be easily identified and apprehended.
This deliberate damage of public property follows a spate of spray painting of unsightly graffiti tags in numerous locations in Barnhill including garage doors which happened on Thursday night and through to the small hours of Friday morning.

Work Starting on Extension to Barnhill Primary School in October Holidays

During the forthcoming two weeks of the October school holidays, work will begin on the £2.2 million contract to extend Barnhill Primary School.

This contract will deliver much needed additional classrooms and facilities to help the school cope with the rising demand for places.

The construction work, during the holiday fortnight, will include moving the Nursery building to its new location with the help of a crane. In addition the site compound will be fenced off and a temporary access road from Abercromby Street put in.

After the October 2013 holidays, work will proceed in a number of phases.

It is hoped that with regular communication between the contractors, the school and residents, the building of this extension will not be too disruptive. Hopefully it won't be too long before school pupils and staff can enjoy their enhanced and extended school.

Word Wide Biggest Coffee Morning in Broughty Ferry Today

As part of the World's Biggest Coffee Morning for Macmillan Cancer Support, there is a drop-in event today - Saturday 28th September - at St Luke's Church Hall on West Queen Street, Broughty Ferry.

Drop in anytime between 11am-4pm for unlimited tea and coffee for £1 all going to help this worthy cause. Home Baking and Sandwiches, Fiddlers and Piper, Tombola, Book Stall and even Face Painting for the kids!

Police Appeal for Help to Track Down Vandals That Spray Painted Property in Broughty Ferry

Police Scotland, Tayside Division is looking for the public's help in trying to track down the vandals who spray painted graffiti on a number of cars, garages, walls and phones boxes in the Broughty Ferry area of Dundee.

The vandalisms happened sometime between 10pm on Thursday, September 26 and 6am on Friday, September 27.

The green-coloured paint was sprayed on property in Montague Street, Strathmore Street, Hamilton Street, Abercromby Street, Fettercairn Drive and Guthrie Street.

Vandalism is unacceptable no matter what form it takes. It creates unnecessary expense for individuals and organisations. Where offences are reported to Tayside Division it will carry out appropriate enquiries and where offenders are identified they will be robustly dealt with. 

Police Scotland urges people not to tolerate vandalism but to report them immediately.

Anyone who can assist Police Scotland with their inquiries should get in touch with Tayside Division on 101 or speak to any police officer.

Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Phased Pavement Upgrading in Gray Street Gets Underway

Contractors began work this week upgrading the pavements in Gray Street between King Street and Brook Street. The work will be phased over the next six weeks and began on the east side section between King Street and Long Lane.

My photo also shows the replacement street lights that match those in the central part of Brook Street. These are low maintenance lights and the more elaborate posts should help support bunting for the Gala and Christmas decorations.

The work should be complete before the switching on of the Christmas Lights in November.

In the meanwhile, parking spots will be be more limited in the vicinity of the construction work and traffic is restricted to one way south on the section of Gray Street between Brook Street and King Street. Temporary diversions are in place.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Overfull Rubbish Bin Reported

While out on my dog walk, I have noticed that this rubbish bin at Grassy Beach is stuffed full. 

I have reported it to the Environment Department. I have also reminded them that I previously requested a larger bin for this location. It's a busy spot on the green circular and coastal pathway close to the sailing and yacht club premises.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

You’re Never Too Old - Fun Day for Older People in Dundee - Thursday 3 October 2013

Celebrate Age Network Forum and the Older People Engaging Needs Project in Dundee are celebrating International Day for Older People with an event in the Central Baptist Church, Ward Road on Thursday 3rd October from 10.00-16.15.

You’re Never Too Old is a fun day out where older people can find out about positive activities that they can take part in. 

Copies of the brochure are available from the Number Ten Reception.

The event is free and transport can be arranged by phoning Susan Gunn on Dundee (01382) 305745

Rutted Section of Reres Road Needs Resurfacing

This picture shows the badly rutted section of Reres Road close to to its junction with Monifieth Road opposite Orchar Park.

As well as the ruts, there is an accumulation of grit on both sides of the road. As this comes at the bottom of a steep hill and drivers are having to slow or come to a stop, the accumulated grit and debris on the road, together with the pot holes, would make braking less effective. 

I think this represents a road safety hazard. I have sent my picture and report to the Roads' Maintenance Partnership.

Residents in Camphill Road have Mounting Concerns about Road Safety

Driver navigating the corner close to
the junction with Dick Street

Many residents in Camphill Road have mounting concerns about road safety issues and want a solution. These have been heightened by two recent car crashes in their street which have involved the Police. One of these was in the last week at the junction with Panmure Street and Bughties Road. The earlier one was close to the junction of Camphill Road with Dick Street. 

A resident described this earlier crash as follows:

'There was a pretty bad smash on Saturday night 17th Aug around 6.30pm between a BMW and a campervan at the junction of Dick Street / Camphill Road, at the location where all the near misses happen daily.'

Between the junctions with Panmure Street and Queen Street, Camphill Road is narrow and twisting with limited sight lines at the corners. The bend in the road at the junction with Dick Street, is probably the most challenging for drivers.

Residents claim that at peak rush hours in the morning and evening the road is used as a rat run with drivers avoiding the two further sets of traffic lights on Queen Street.

Certainly I can confirm that when I drove down Camphill Road last week at about 5:30 pm a car coming at some speed in the opposite direction missed taking off my door handles by inches having just driven off Queen Street at the traffic lights.

To discourage the rat run and reduce traffic passing at the worst pinch points in the road, residents have come up with a proposal for a short stretch of one-way only down Camphill Road heading towards Queen Street. This would begin from the top of Panmure Street on Camphill Road down to Dick Street, with a no entry sign at the bottom of Dick Street on Camphill Road. They anticipate that this would still stop the rat run coming up from Queen Street (which is their main complaint) and also coming down from Maryfield Road via Hill Street, thus not only pleasing Camphill Road residents  but also those living in connecting streets.

I have written to the Head of Transportation on the Council and asked him to evaluate this proposal an any other feasible options to meet the residents' concerns. Subsequently I hope he will agree to meet residents with me to discuss some options for change.

Long Awaited Upgrading of Kerbs and Pavements in Gray Street Starting Monday - 100 yards better but miles to go!

The long awaited next phase of upgrading the cracked and uneven pavements in central Broughty Ferry will begin on Monday 23 September 2013. The kerbs and pavements of both sides of Gray Street between King Street and Brook Street will be replaced this time.

Council Officers advise that, to minimise disruption, the work will proceed on one side of Gray Street at a time. While the work is going on, traffic in that section of Gray Street will be restricted to one way going south (Brook Street to King Street) with no traffic allowed to drive north (King Street to Brook Street). It is proposed to start work on the east footway, with the west footway to follow. 

They also advise that the work is programmed to last six weeks  and the contractor for the works is Tayside Contracts, assisted by Kilmac Construction. Apparently, if the pavement upgrading is incomplete by 8 November, it has been agreed with the Broughty Ferry Traders that work will stop then to allow unrestricted access to shops and businesses in the lead up to Christmas. Apparently, works not completed by 8 November will be undertaken in March 2014.

During the period when Gray Street is restricted to one way, drivers will be diverted via King Street/ St Vincent Street and Brook Street. In addition, parking will be suspended on one side of Gray Street for the duration of the works while pedestrian access will be maintained to both sides of of the street.

While this upgrading is to be welcomed, many constituents and businesses in Broughty Ferry have drawn my attention over the years to the poor state of the pavements in central Broughty Ferry which I have reported to the Council. To name but three stretches of pavement:

• Brook Street, between Fort Street and Westfield Road; 
• King Street between Gray Street and Westfield Road and 
• Brook Street between St Vincent's Street and Gray Street.

So this long overdue upgrade will be:
100 yards better but there are still miles to go!

Job Done! Replacement Sign Post for Grassy Beach

Council staff in the Transportation and Environment Departments are to be commended for a speedy replacement of the rusted and leaning sign pole beside the coastal pathway at Grassy Beach.

The new pole with the warning signs and the Dog Poo Bin attached is pictured.

We Completed the Cyclathon Despite the Wind and Rain

Despite the rainy and windy weather conditions, all four of the Cleghorm Crusaders completed our sponsored ride round the Dundee Green Circular yesterday.

In shot at the finish is David Zwirlein (yellow jacket) and me. The banana and bottle of water I am holding, as well as my medal, had just been issued by helpers from Claverhouse Rotary Club. And before you ask we didn't need the services of the ambulance which you can see in the background.

The other team members, Charles Aitkenhead and Karen Wollstencroft, were not far behind David and me. They had been delayed after Karen's bike picked up a puncture.

To all our sponsors, we send a big thank you. If you haven't yet donated it's not too late to pledge some support for our good cause, the Cleghorn Charitable Trust (Charity Registered in Scotland No. SC008372). The Trust provides support to tenants in Dundee who are living on some of the lowest incomes in the city and are setting up their first home. Cleghorn helps with items such as essential floor covering for which grants are not available.

Donate to Cleghorn Charitable Trust and help make a house a home.

 

Riding the Dundee Cyclathon Today Whatever the Weather

Later today, I will be taking part in the Dundee Cyclathon 2013 organised by Claverhouse Rotary Club. The Cyclathon follows the 26 miles of the Green Circular route round the city starting and finishing at Camperdown Park. 

The weather forecast is not that great but, as I am committed to fundraising for a good cause, I shall be riding round whatever the weather.

This year I shall be riding with Charles Aitkenhead, Karen Wolstencroft and David Zwirlein as part of the Cleghorn Crusaders team and we are fundraising for the Cleghorn Charitable Trust  a Charity Registered in Scotland No. SC008372

Cleghorn Charitable Trust provides support to tenants in Dundee who are living on some of the lowest incomes in the city and are setting up their first home. This trust help with items such as essential floor covering for which grants are not available. 

Please donate and help make a house a home!

Doors Open Days in Broughty Ferry This Weekend Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September 2013

Doors Open Days Dundee is this weekend, Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 September 2013.

More than thirty five buildings across the city will be throwing open their doors and welcoming the public in at the weekend. Fire stations, places of worship, theatres, art centres and community centres are just some of the Dundee landmarks that will be participating.

In Broughty Ferry, the buildings specially open this weekend are:

• Claypotts Castle Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
• Royal Tay Yacht Club Sunday 12:00 -16:30 and
• St Stephen's and West Church Sunday 12:00 - 16:00

Check out the full programme: Doors Open Day Dundee 2013

Saturday 14 September 2013 – Sunday 15 September 2013

Shortage of School Crossing Patrollers for our Pupils at Barnhill Primary School

There is currently a shortage of School Crossing Patrollers for pupils attending Barnhill Primary School. 

I was particularly concerned to hear on Thursday that the crossing point for children over Balgillo Road close to the junction with Falkland Crescent is currently unstaffed.  This is compounded by road safety issues in Falkland Crescent caused by house building opposite the front entrance to the school.

Balgillo Road is a very busy spine road and a bus route. Unfortunately it seems many drivers ignore the 30 mph speed limit. I would appeal to all road users to take extra care in the vicinity of Barnhill Primary School especially during this time when some crossing points are not staffed. I was reassured that all parents and carers have received a letter to warn them about the absence of a Patroller at this particular crossing point.

Barnhill Primary School has a good record of children walking or cycling to school. We don't want to undermine that because of a shortage of Lollipop men and women. I have been informed that interviews are already scheduled for the coming week with a view to making further appointments of Lollipop men and women. Let's hope that these gaps in service can be covered soon.

Finally, I written to the Education Department to ask again about progress with my previous proposal to explore combining the role of School Crossing Patroller with other paid duties in and around our schools to make this a more attractive part time job.