New Warning Signs for Dog Owners on Walkway at Douglas Terrace

Click on image to enlarge

As a regular dog walker along the coastal pathway from Douglas Terrace to the Stannergate, my attention was drawn today to the new sign (see left) erected by the Environment Department. 

This warning sign, reminds dog owners of their responsibility to clean up after their dog. It also  points out that if owners don't clean up after their dog, council staff or the police can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of £40, which increases if it's not paid.

Many of my constituents complain about dog fouling in The Ferry. According to Keep Scotland Tidy, in a recent national survey, 69% of the Scottish public said that dog fouling bothered them more than any other type of litter and 52% singled it out as the type that offended them most.

I hope that the new signs are backed up with enforcement so that we can look forward to cleaned up streets.

Sunset Over Campfield Square Shopping Centre

Click on image to enlarge

This was the beautiful sunset over Campfield Square earlier tonight. 

This dramatic skyline was what greeted me when I walked back into the Square after my surgery at the Community Centre. 



My Surgeries - Tuesdays
Forthill Sheltered Housing Complex 3a Forthill Drive 3:30 - 4:00pm
Barnhill Community Centre Campfield Square 5:00 - 5:45pm (2nd and 4th)
Broughty Ferry Library Queen Street 6:00 - 6:45pm 
(all school term time only)

Slippery Underfoot Conditions on Broughty Ferry Roads and Pathways

Click on image to enlarge

The snow and freezing conditions in Broughty Ferry yesterday, left stretches of untreated roads and pavements deceptively slippery.

When I went out to Church on Sunday morning, the overnight snow was beginning to melt.  In the late afternoon, I ventured out for a dog walk along to the Stannergate on the coastal pathway. At this time, I felt the significant drop in temperature and noticed that this had led to icy patches on side roads and pavements. Many of these slippery sections of roads or paths did not at first glance appear to be hazardous. It was only when one got up close that it was apparent that there was a thin layer of icing on a section of road or path to catch out the unwary and send them sprawling.

These slippery underfoot conditions are particularly hazardous for older people. I have written to the Council to ask that the pavement gritter is sent to Broughty Ferry on Monday morning.

Consultation on the Proposals for the Merger of Dundee and Angus Further Education Colleges

Dundee and Angus Further Education Colleges have this week published a detailed set of joint proposals for their merger: Decisions and Ambitions for a New College Serving Dundee and Angus.

In the introduction they say:

"In response to the (Scottish) Government’s aims for the reform of further education in Scotland, Angus College and Dundee College are currently working to create a strong and influential college for Tayside. The target vesting day for the new college is 1 November 2013.

As part of the merger planning process, we are holding a formal consultation on the proposed merger, which will run from 8 March to 19 April 2013. 

You can read our consultation document online - we would welcome your views on the proposed merger. The responses will help inform and shape the new college.

We consider it critical to our future success that the new college meets the needs of all of our stakeholders, not least our students, staff and employers. You can respond by submitting your comments online or you can download a printable version of the Consultation Response Form.

If you would like to request a printed copy of the Consultation Document or Consultation Response Form, please contact Dundee College Marketing Department on 01382 834948 or marketing@dundeecollege.ac.uk "

Given the importance of Dundee College to the breadth of educational opportunities in our city, I have written to the Director of Education to urge that the prepares a draft response to this consultation and brings this to the next Education Committee for approval. 

Potholes in Aberdour Place Reported

Potholes at the junction of Aberdour Place
and Abercromby Street

Constituents in Aberdour Place have complained to me about the state of their road.

My picture, left, shows some of the potholes at the junction of Aberdour Place with Abercromby Street. Local residents have observed how the road surface has deteriorated during the winter weather.

Walking round Aberdour Place, it is clear that there are several more sections as pockmarked and deserving of attention as the one I have photographed.

I have reported this this specific roadway to the Roads' Maintenance Partnership. I have also requested they inspect the remainder of Aberdour Place, particularly the junctions with its various cul-de-sacs.

International Women's Day 8 March 2013

Today is International Women's Day. The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated in the United States in 1909 to honour the garment workers’ strike in New York the previous year. Since then, IWD has been celebrated in many countries around the world with events focused on improving rights, working conditions, and opportunities for women. 

In 1977, the United National General Assembly adopted a resolution designating March 8 as International Women’s Day.

A friend messaged me on Facebook today and asked what I was doing to support IWD. Here is my response:
(In my role as Labour's Education Spokesperson in Dundee), I am asking the Education Department to promote greater equality for young women in our Secondary Schools as measured by curricular choices.

This is consistent with the legal duties of the Council and Councillors under the terms of the the Equality Act 2010. This legislation introduced a new public sector general equality duty which became law across Britain. The general equality duty requires Scottish public authorities to pay 'due regard' to the need to: eliminate unlawful discrimination, victimisation and harassment; advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. These requirements apply across the 'protected characteristics' of age; disability; gender reassignment; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion and belief; sex and sexual orientation.

Friends Of Broughty Ferry Library Public Meetings Thursday 14 March 2013

Report to Broughty Ferry Community Council March 2013 Meeting

On Tuesday night 5 March, I attended the monthly meeting of Broughty Ferry Community Council. 

Here some extracts from my report to the Community Council:

Parking Issues Beach Crescent
Constituents had complained to me about the lack of access to parking in Beach Crescent for residents and visitors. They were also concerned about the parking of commercial vehicles, mainly vans, which they thought had outstayed their welcome. The Transport Directorate of the Council had responded promptly and had agreed to direct one of the parking attendants to check out cars and vans parked for lengthy periods along Beach Crescent. They had also informed me that in the coming months they will be reviewing the Parking Restrictions around Broughty Ferry including consideration of introducing limited waiting parking restrictions for Beach Crescent to encourage day time turnover of spaces which would assist the local businesses, whilst leaving parking overnight for residents' use. Any recommendations about additional parking restrictions will be subject to consultation.

Pilot Pier  
A resident had previously complained to me that the chain link barrier at the Pilot Pier had been left unlocked and opportunistically cars and vans had been parking there. I initially approached the Environment Department. They helpfully redirected my enquiry to Economic Development who are responsible for securing the pier. The chain and padlock has been replaced and the pier re-secured. 

Review of Bus Shelters
The City Council is in the process of reviewing the position of the bus shelters following significant bus route changes over the last two years. If members of the Community Council or the public want to nominate any locations where they think a bus shelter would be needed, they should contact me.

Out of School Clubs Opening Hours Affected by Walk to Rule
A reduction in the casual car user rate for staff travel was introduced in the recent Budget 2013/14. Consequently, some staff have decided to not make their private car available at work. As a result they are walking or using public transport between work locations. At the end of last week, in some parts of the Ferry it was reported that Facilities Staff  for Primary Schools, (Janitors) who now look after a cluster of primary schools made their point by walking between schools. This meant that the Forthill Out of School Club opened half an hour later than usual causing inconvenience to parents and carers, pupils and staff. I hope the SNP led Administration of the Council will sort out the mess they have caused by unilaterally reducing the hitherto nationally agreed rates for casual car mileage.

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.

Supporting Dundee Bid for UK City of Culture 2017

Yesterday it was confirmed by UK Culture Minister Ed Vaizey that Dundee will be in competition with as many as ten other locations for the the prestigious title of UK City of Culture 2017.

The 11 places that have registered their initial interest in bidding are:

Aberdeen, Chester, Dundee, East Kent (covering Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Thanet), Hastings and Bexhill on Sea, Hull, Leicester, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton, Southend on Sea, Swansea Bay (covering Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath, and Port Talbot).

Labour in Dundee made making such a bid one of our manifesto commitments at the local government elections in May 2012. I am pleased that there is now cross party support on the Council to pursue submitting such a bid.

Bearing in mind our existing cultural assets of vibrant and engaged communities, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee Rep, the McManus and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, with the VandA at Dundee the icing on the cake, I am convinced we have a compelling case to make to the judges and we should be able to see off the competition.
Click on this link to listen to my colleague, Councillor Richard McCready, making the case for Dundee's bid on Radio Scotland.

All eleven places have until 30 April 2013 to submit their initial bids to an independent advisory panel which will be chaired by Phil Redmond. The panel will then decide on a shortlist which will be announced in June 2013.

The chosen place will succeed Londonderry, which is the UK City of Culture for 2013 and the first place to be awarded this prestigious title.

Speed Limit on Dalhousie and Monifieth Road Reduced This Week to 30mph

Motorists driving along the main A930 lower road between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth will be faced with a reduced speed limit later this week.

The section of Dalhousie Road/Monifieth Road which is currently subject to a 40 mph limit will be brought down to 30 mph. This lower limit will mean that there is a consistent 30 mph speed limit on the main road between The Ferry and Monifieth.

Detailed analysis of traffic volumes, accidents, the current speed drivers travel at and local concerns were all taken in to account when the limits were revised. I think this will make a significant difference to the quality of life of the people who live, work and travel through these areas.

On Wednesday 6 March, the existing 40mph signs will be removed on Dalhousie Road/Monifieth Road, leaving a continuous length of road with a 30 mph limit.

Flatlining EMAs and Reductions in College Budgets Bad News for Our Young People

At a time when there aren't many jobs in Dundee available to school leavers, gaining more qualifications can make a crucial difference to securing a job or place in further training. The Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) was designed to help more 16-19 year olds either stay on at school beyond S4 or sign up for a course at a Further Education College and gain those qualifications.

The EMA is available to eligible 16-19 year olds and is worth £30 per week.

The recent release of figures for EMAs awarded by the Scottish government shows a decline over the last four years rather than an increase in Dundee.

This adds up to a reduction in the number of students from low income households who are staying on at school or doing a College course. At a time when youth unemployment in our city is stubbornly high, this reduction in EMAs is a backward step.

The SNP in Scotland has already cut spending on further education colleges like Dundee College and they are now planning to cut another £50 million from the budget for Colleges over the next 2 years. As a result, the number of teaching staff, courses and places will be cut, and the ability of the colleges to help more students improve their skills and job opportunities will be reduced.” 

Taken together these reductions in EMAs and cuts in College budgets are bad news for our young people.

Councillor Lesley Brennan said: The economy and the community benefit from investing in students staying on at school or going to college to improve their qualifications and skills. Previous research has estimated that the net economic benefit to Scotland from the work of colleges could be at least £1.3 billion a year. For every £1 invested in colleges, an estimated £3.20 is generated in assets. I know that many young people in the East End Ward would benefit from the personal advantage that comes from staying on at school or doing a training course at College. Not only would each student gain, but it would also give a handsome payback to us all in Dundee.

Temporary Closure of Anton Drive Proposed Beginning on Monday 11 March 2013

Dundee City Council propose to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating works for the construction of a retaining wall.  The Order is expected to be in force for five weeks from 11 March 2013.  Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in in Anton Drive, Broughty Ferry for its entire length.

Vehicular access for residents of Anton Drive will be maintained where possible.

An alternative route will be available via Forthill Road and Nursery Road.

Please forward any comments you may have regarding this proposal to Andy Scrimgeour, Network Management Team, City Development Department, Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee  DD1 1LS, no later than five working days prior to the commencement date.  If you have any queries please contact Mr Scrimgeour on 01382 433168.

Commitment to New Bus Shelter in Balgillo Road

Constituents in Balgillo Road have complained to me about the lack of a bus shelter at the stop beside the corner shop close to the junction with Forthill Road. They would like some protection from the wind and rain while they wait for a bus. They would also appreciate access to 'real time' information about the upcoming buses on the route.

I first passed on these concerns and requests in 2011 just after the bus timetables and routes were altered. At that time, I was informed then that decisions to move bus shelters or install additional ones would be taken once things had settled down on the new routes. 

Following renewed representations from constituents, I approached the Transportation Department again at the end of last month. This time there was a thumbs up; an agreement that a new Bus Shelter would be provided. 

This is positive news for my constituents who were hopeful, when informed of this, that the installation of 'their' bus shelter will be sooner rather than later.

Temporary Closure of Coastal Pathway Between Douglas Terrace and Grassy Beach

Improved surface on Beach Lane

The second of two planned closures of the Coastal Pathway in Broughty Ferry will take place in this coming week. 

Contractors Kilmac will be laying concrete under the walkway which will mean all day closures on Tuesday (March 5) and Wednesday (March 6). Signs will be put up and an alternative route will be available over the footbridge over the railway and along Beach Lane. 

Beach Lane has recently had work undertaken by the Environment Department to improve its surface. The contract to upgrade the last unimproved section of the coastal pathway between the Stannergate and Douglas Terrace is expected to be completed in the spring. 

In August 2012, I requested that Beach Lane should be improved not only in anticipation of its vital role when the coastal pathway was closed for rebuilding works but also because it is one of the 'core paths' in Broughty Ferry and is well used in its own right.

Welfare Reform in Scotland: Separating Myth from Reality

Yesterday, I attended a free briefing seminar on welfare reform run by The Poverty Alliance. This seminar focused less on describing the profound range of changes to the benefit system about to be introduced but on the popular myths about claimants of welfare benefits. The two speakers argued persuasively that it is these myths that have legitimated the imposition of a range of cuts in entitlement to benefits in cash and kind. 

It challenged participants in the seminar to take on the role of myth busters. So here is my contribution, drawing on facts and figures from the seminar and a recent publication, Truth and Lies About Poverty from the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church, the Church of Scotland and the United Reformed Church.


In 1753 John Wesley, the founder of Methodism said,
“So wickedly, devilishly false is that common objection,
‘They are poor, only be cause they are idle’."

Yet today many churchgoers and members of the general public alike have come to believe that the key factors driving poverty in the UK are the personal failings of the poor – especially ‘idleness’.


Myth 1
‘They’ are lazy and don’t want to work
The most commonly cited cause of child poverty by churchgoers and the general public alike is that “their parents don’t want to work”.  The perception that most people in poverty owe their situation to laziness runs counter to the most basic of facts. The majority of families that live in poverty do so despite being in employment. Excluding pensioners, there are 6.1 million people in families in work living in poverty compared with 5.1 million people in poverty from workless households.