Dundee Festival of Volunteering 1-7 June 2013 - Including Events in Broughty Ferry

Saturday 1st June is officially the start of summer. It is also the beginning of the one week Festival of Volunteering in Dundee - 1-7 June 2013. 

This is a celebration of the sterling work undertaken by our citizens week in, week out, on behalf of our community.

In Broughty Ferry there are two specific events to join in which are identified in the programme:

On Saturday 1st June beginning at 1:30 pm, Broughty Ferry in Bloom has organised a beach litter pick up. Litter picks, gloves and waste bags will be provided. Please wear sturdy shoes. The event will last approximately 2 hours. Please meet in the car park at the bottom of Bridge Street/end of The Esplanade.

On Tuesday 4 June, there are opportunities to go on Volunteer Insight Tour at the Brae Riding Centre for the Disabled one in the morning and one in the afternoon. If you want insight into the work of Brae and are interested in volunteering with them contact Emma Bollan, their Volunteer Co-ordinator, to book a place. NB You need to pre-book participation in this event - you can't just turn up on the day.
Emma Bollan Volunteer Co-ordinator The Brae Riding for Disabled
email volunteercoordinator@brae.org.uk
telephone 01382 776880 | 07885851881

Read/download the full Festival of Volunteering Programme of Events

HOPE Project Video from Young People at Helm Training is Inspirational

Yesterday, I went to the DCA for the premiere of an inspirational film made by young people involved in the HOPE project at Helm Employment in Dundee.  

Helm Old People's  Experiences (HOPE) project aimed to break down barriers between old people and teenagers by involving them in a local history project which focused on interviewing OAPs about their jobs, and working with Dundee City Council looking at the future of Dundee through the new waterfront.

Through this the young people visibly clearly grew in confidence as they conducted their video interviews. At the same time, through meeting and interviewing residents in a sheltered housing complex, the young film makers adjusted their views of older people in our city. Likewise, older interviewees seemed to appreciate the challenges for young people today.

Helm staff who devised and secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to do this project are to be commended. The young and older people who took part in the interviews deserve our appreciation for sharing their thirty minute documentary with us.

Next Meeting of Ferry Local Community Planning Partnership Thursday 30 May 2013

THE FERRY LOCAL COMMUNTY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MEETING THURSDAY 30 MAY  2013 AT 6.00 PM
BARNHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE, CAMPFIELD SQUARE BROUGHTY FERRY

The meetings are open to members of the public where issues of community concern can be raised in relation to items on the agenda through the chair of meeting.

If you would like further information about the meeting or the Community Planning Partnership, please use the contact details shown below.

A G E N D A
1.  WELCOME AND APOLOGIES
2.  PRESENTATION – ALCOHOL AND DRUGS PARTNERSHIP (Vered Hopkins)       
3.  PREVIOUS MINUTE AND MATTERS ARISING
3.1  HMIe Update (Chair LCPP and Rector Grove Academy)
3.2  Welfare Reform
3.3  Road Safety – Grove / Eastern
4.  COMMUNITY PLAN 2012-2017 UPDATE
       Monitoring Report
       Sub Groups
       - Environmental/Beach Management
       - Engaging Young People
       - Mental Wellbeing
       - Community Safety
       - 2013
       - Economic Regeneration/Tourism
       - Community Facilities
5.  DEPARTMENT/AGENCY/ORGANISATION UPDATE
6.  COMMUNITY ISSUES RAISED BY MEMBERS OF PUBLIC
7.  DATE OF NEXT MEETING       
     Thursday 15th August at 5.30 pm
     Forthill Sheltered Housing Complex, 3a Forthill Drive, Bferry.

Carole Jenkins, Communities Officer
Tel:  436929 Email: carole.jenkins@dundeecity.gov.uk

A Dundee Statistic to Celebrate - Increase in Percentage of Graduates Working in the City

Click on table to enlarge

Recently published government figures, show that the percentage of people with degree level qualifications has steadily increased. 

For example, in Dundee the proportion of folk with degree level qualifications who are in work and aged 25-64 has increased from 20.4% in 2004 to 34.1% in 2012. This is a statistic to celebrate.

It should boost the city’s self-confidence to know that on this measure in 2012 our Dundee score of 34.1% is above the average for Scotland which stands at 31.1%. It is also above the level for the neighbouring council areas, Fife 30.3%, Angus 25.7% and Perth and Kinross 31.4%.

This should make Dundee very attractive to prospective inward investors. It also demonstrates the potential of education to play a major role in promoting the city’s economic fortunes.

Forthill Residents Want Ugly Container to be Removed From Their Open Space

On Saturday morning, two residents from dispersed sheltered housing in Anton Drive and Nursery Road asked me to request the removal of a steel container. This had apparently been left by the Council contractor that had been working on the kitchen and bathroom replacements in their houses.

Now that the upgrading work has been completed, the residents want to know why they should have to put up with this ugly steel container cluttering the open plan grassed area close to their homes. They also point out that the container has become a target for graffiti.

I have joined the residents in calling 'times up' on the container. I have passed on their request to the Housing Department and informed the Community Wardens about the graffiti.

New Dementia Café in Broughty Ferry at the Refurbished St Aidan’s Centre - Last Tuesday Morning of the Month

Click on image to enlarge

Alzheimer Scotland has teamed up with Dundee Carers' Centre to establish an Information and Support Dementia Café in the refurbished St Aidan’s Centre at 408 Brook Street in Broughty Ferry. 

This Cafe is to support people with dementia, their carers and families and to provide a local point of contact for people who are worried about their memory or that of a relative or friend. 

The Café will run on the last Tuesday of every month and will be from 11am – 1pm.

Next drop in Cafe Tues 28 May 2013

For more information please contact:
Nadia Sutherland, Dementia Adviser
Telephone 01382 210200
Email nsutherland@alzscot.org

Abertay Rotary Club Annual Plant Sale Today Queen Street Car Park Saturday 25 May 2013

Abertay Rotary Club are holding their annual Plant Sale today.

Plant Sale TODAY
10:00 - 16:00
Queen Street Car Park
Saturday 25 May 2013 

Bag some bargain plants for your garden and at the same time support our local Rotary Club's funding raising for good causes.

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!

Broughty Beach Litter Pick Sat 1st June 2013 1:30-3:30pm

Beach Litter Pick Up
Saturday, June 01, 2013
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Broughty Ferry Beach, Esplanade

As part of Dundee's festival of Volunteering, Broughty Ferry in Bloom has organised a beach litter pick up.

Litter picks, gloves and waste bags will be provided. Please wear sturdy shoes. The event will last approximately 2 hours. Please meet in the car park at the bottom of Bridge Street.

Jobshop Open Fridays 9:30-11:30 Broughty Ferry Library

A new weekly job shop has been launched in Broughty Ferry by Dundee employment project, DEAP. 

The job club runs on Friday mornings between 9:30 and 11:30. DEAP will have a member of staff on hand at our Community Library in Queen Street.

DEAP was formed in 1996 and has strong partnerships with employers in Dundee.
DEAP operates a number of jobshops which provide indivduals with in-depth employment and training assistance in order for them to return to employment. 

Any person seeking employment is free to drop into  their jobshop and have a friendly chat with one of DEAP's recruitment consultants.

For more information contact Jamie at DEAP on (01382) 457575
DEAP website http://www.deap.co.uk/

Broughty Ferry Community Library

Queen Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2HN

Library website www.dundeecity.gov.uk/communities/

Unwelcome Fly Posting on BT Street Cabinets?

BT Street Cabinet in Brook Street close to the
junction with Fort Street

A constituent has complained to me about the outbreak of advertising on BT's Street Cabinets. It would appear that at several locations in The Ferry, there are advertising posters stuck to BT's green Street Cabinets. 

At first glance, this does not appear to be the work of bill stickers, because the poster material displayed is advertising BT's Fibre broadband. I presume that it is BT itself that is responsible? 

My constuent finds this unwelcome and visually intrusive. I have written to BT to seek clarification about this. I have also contacted the planning department to check whether BT's planning consent includes permission to put up advertising material on their Street Cabinets.

Rail Fares Down by 20% Won by Scottish Labour

This week many rail fares from Dundee and Broughty Ferry will be reduced by as much as 20%. This is the result of the Tay Train Tax campaign which was led by Jenny Marra, Labour's North East MSP based in Dundee.

For example, an Anytime Return from Broughty Ferry to Glasgow is reduced from £50:40 to £40:40.

These lower fares should put an end to passengers having to buy a confusing series of split tickets to secure the cheapest fare to Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen.

I am sure that regular and occasional rail travellers will appreciate the end of these unjustifiably high fares to and from Dundee and Broughty Ferry stations. These lower fares should also help make the rail fares more attractive.

Link to list of cheaper rail fares from Brought Ferry

Care Inspectorate Report on Eastern Primary School Nursery

I was concerned to read the latest inspection report from the Care Inspectorate about the Nursery at Eastern Primary School. 


Link - Care Inspectorate Report - Eastern Primary School 14 February 2013

It found that on seven out of eight measures the nursery was graded 'adequate' and was awarded just one 'good' grade. 

I don't think 'adequate' is acceptable.

The report identifies a number of areas for improvement to ensure that the Nursery provides the best possible experience for children and families.

'In particular, it should make sure that:

• children and parents have more opportunities to participate in assessing and improving the quality of the service;
• the systems for assessment, planning and recording children's progress are properly implemented;
• communication and team working amongst the staff team is improved;
• an action plan is put in place to address key priorities for improvement in the nursery.'

To restore confidence in the quality of the nursery education, I think it is crucial that parents and carers are reassured that the action plan referred to in the report is in place and that the issues identified in the report are being addressed. As the report is based on an inspection which took place in February, I trust that the Education Department, The Head Teacher of Eastern Primary School and the Nursery staff have already been tackling this agenda, especially that 'communication and team working amongst the staff team is improved;'

Postscript
A follow up inspection was conducted in November 2013 and reported in early February 2014. This is a much more positive report indicating that the shortcomings reported in May 2013 had been well addressed in the interim and the Nursery was performing at a "Good" level on all measures.

DJCAD Degree Show 2013

Last night I enjoyed attending the Preview of the Degree Show at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD). This year, the exhibition of the art works created by its talented 290 final-year students coincides with the celebration of The college's 125th anniversary. I think this year's show is exceptional and I recommend that you catch it while you can over the next week.

The exhibition is be open to the public from Saturday, 18th May until Sunday, May 26th. Admission is free and the exhibition is open from 10am until 8pm (Monday – Friday) and 10am to 4pm (Saturday – Sunday).

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design has been rated as the top art school in Scotland and in the top four in the UK according to the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design

University of Dundee 13 Perth Road Dundee DD1 4HT

www.dundee.ac.uk/djcad/degreeshow/

Coffee Morning at Forthill Sheltered Housing Complex 10-12 Saturday 25 May 2013

Forthill Sheltered Housing Complex will opening their doors for a Coffee morning on Saturday 25 May 2013 between 10am and 12 noon.

In addition to coffee, there will Bric a Brac, a raffle, tombola and a cake and candy stall.

Admission £1:50 includes coffee and cakes.

Forthill Sheltered Housing Complex

Forthill Drive

Broughty Ferry DD5 3DY

Opening of New West End Primary Schools and Nursery

The opening of the the new West End schools on Thursday morning was a red letter day in the West End as we celebrated the opening of two new primary schools and a nursery on a shared campus on the corner of  Blackness Road and Glenagnes Road.

Looking in from the outside, the new three storey building clearly looks like a school but it's hard to imagine that inside there are three schools: St Joseph's RC Primary School, Victoria Park Primary School and Balgay Hill Nursery School. Each school has their own discrete cluster of classrooms together with shared facilities such as the assembly hall, the playgrounds and the gym.

It was clear from the opening ceremony and our tour of the campus, that teachers and pupils are proud for their new school and appreciate the outstanding facilities that this new campus provides. 

Having been involved in commissioning of these new schools as part of Labour's 2008/2012 Capital Plan, and taken part in the consultation meetings in March 2009, it was good to return to see at first hand how our architects had imaginatively used the space on this site to create 21st century facilities for the pupils in in this Tardis like building.

I know our teachers will do their best to exploit the enhanced possibilities for teaching and learning in their fine new schools. For my part, I shall continue to advocate  for the protection of staffing levels which will deliver the curriculum for excellence.

West End Councillor Richard McCready also commented:

As a local Councillor, local resident and indeed a parent of a child at one of the schools I am delighted to see these schools officially open. This investment is a legacy of the Labour-led Administration. I know that the young people have settled well in to their new school. Staff and pupils are enjoying the improved facilities. I wish Balgay Hill Nursery, St Joseph's Primary and Victoria Park Primary all the very best as they continue to exploit their new facilities. This investment in the West End is to be welcomed and I will campaigning to ensure that investment in education in the city is maintained.

A Warning from History - Tayside House is Being Torn Down

Tayside House is being torn down and its final few floors will soon disappear soon into a heap of rubble.

During a period when the demolition was proceeding at a very slow pace, Dundee's most unloved city centre office block appeared to be hanging on.

It's period of somewhat undignified and lingering demise is however now rapidly coming to a close and we can really believe that this blot on the landscape will be gone forever.

For City Councillors, it should however remain a warning from history. We must take great care when we are asked to grant planning permission for large scale and prominent structures like Tayside House at a gateway into the city because a mistake can lead to decades of negative impressions.

Barnhill Primary School Extension - Planning Permission

Click on image to enlarge

At the Development Management Committee meeting on Monday 13 May, the Committee Approved the planning permission for the extension of Barnhill Primary School. 

This will provide the accommodation for the increased roll in the school to cope with the rising population of pre-school children in the catchment area of the school.

At the committee I welcomed the application but moved that on the grounds of pupil safety, good relations with resident neighbours of the school and respect for those attending burials or tending graves in the adjoining cemetery, the Council should take care when scheduling the construction of the temporary access road to the site from the turning head at the northern end of Aberomby Street. My proposal was accepted and approved by the Committee.

Read/download the Development Management Committee Meeting Papers

Kilmac Put Finishing Touches to Coastal Pathway Improvements

Yesterday, Kilmac staff were putting the finishing touches to the upgrading of the coastal pathway. 

In the picture you can see they were installing the last set of safety railings at the Grassy Beach end.

Kilmac staff began the contract just before Christmas and hope to have finished on site by Friday of this week.

Dundee Library Service Wins 'Library of the Year Award'

Last night, at the national Bookseller award ceremony in London, Dundee Library and Information Service won the UK 'Library of the Year Award'.

The award was jointly shared with the Library Service of Devon.

Judges praised Dundee Library Service's impressive digital participation programme. The award particularly singles out the Central Library for its innovation and the way in which it delivers a uniquely integrated range of services to its customers.  

The Dundee Central Library has been Scotland's busiest library for several years running and its current response to those facing the need for IT support in relation to benefit changes, the programmes it runs for adults with learning difficulties, its open access internet, and its continuing role as an accessible, friendly and welcoming public library, have all contributed.

Broughty Ferry Library is the busiest branch library in Dundee. In addition to lending books, library staff support events for every sector of our community from the youngest at Baby Rhyme Time to reminiscence projects for older residents.  They also act as a community hub hosting meetings of the Community Council, provide access to computers and free WiFi and help with homework.

Congratulations to all of the staff in our Library Service for continuing to make libraries a relevant public service available in every area and to every age group in our city.  

Growing Older in The Ferry - Feedback Event Wednesday 2-4pm 15 May 2013 YMCA

Older people living in Broughty Ferry are invited to the YMCA in Brook Street on Wednesday afternoon to hear what was said about 'Growing Older in The Ferry'. This will be based on views expressed at a consultation event held two months ago in mid March.

This feedback should help identify themes and issues that are important to older people living in Balgillo, Barnhill, Central Broughty Ferry, Panmurefield, Ferryfields and West Ferry. It should also help to identify ways that community organisations in The Ferry might meet those needs and what resources they might need in order to make that provision.

There is no charge for this event. 


Further details please contact: 
Email GillBain@number10.org
Email PatGreenhough@number10.org
Email Philippa@number10.org
Tel     01382 305758

Forthill Art Group Exhibition Open All Week

Click on image to enlarge

Yesterday, I enjoyed going round the Forthill Art Group's Annual Exhibition at the Forthill Complex. Thus show exhibits art works produced by residents living in the dispersed sheltered housing at Forthill. Their creativity and artistry has been nurtured by their art tutor Phyllis Fenton. She has clearly encouraged participants to use a variety of stimuli and media, which is reflected in paintings with a variety of subjects.

One of the most striking works is the joint piece of sixteen panels making up a painting of Magdalen Green by members of Forthill Art Group - see photo above.

Their exhibition demonstrates most powerfully that it is never too late to learn or engage in a new activity.

You can catch the exhibition throughout the remainder of the coming week. Just drop into the complex in Forthill Drive Monday 13 to Friday 17 May 2013 08:00 to 16:00.

Overnight Closure of Gray Street Level Crossing From 11pm Sat 18 - 9am Sunday 19 May

THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

SECTION 14(1)

THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that:

traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of Network Rail inspection works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Gray Street (from Queen Street to Brook Street), Broughty Ferry.

This notice comes into effect on Saturday 18 May 2013 at 11pm until Sunday 19 May at 9am.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Brook Street / St Vincent Street / Queen Street.

For further information contact (01382) 433168.

 

Mike P Galloway

Director of City Development

Dundee City Council

Coastal Pathway Almost Ready for Resurfacing and its Temporary Closure on Friday and Saturday Morning

Coastal pathway almost ready for final surfacing last night

The concrete has been laid and the new blue railings have been erected on the section of the coastal walkway between Grassy Beach and Douglas Terrace. The final major job of the upgrading of this section of the pathway is laying a smooth tarmac finish.

To give Kilmac, the contractors, a clear run at the final surfacing work, the coastal pathway will be closed for today, Friday and up to half of Saturday. A temporary diversion is in place during this period making use of Beach Lane and the footbridge over the railway.

Bearing in mind the comprehensiveness of the upgrading work, which has extended the width of the pathway by 50%, I think the contractors deserve to be congratulated for managing to minimise the number of days they have had to restrict public access to the pathway as they have carried out their work.

Broughty Ferry is a Vibrant and Skilled Community Which is Capably Supported by Community Learning; That's Official

Recently, Education Scotland published their report, 'Inspection of the learning community surrounding Grove Academy'. This was based on inspection by inspectors which ran in parallel with the inspection of Grove Academy whose report was published earlier.

Community Learning Inspectors reported that, 
'Broughty Ferry is a very vibrant community with skilled and influential local people and community organisations playing an important role in shaping, designing and delivering services.'

But the inspectors also also recognised the positive role of Council and other services that work effectively in partnership with the community. Although not named in the report, our capable Communities Officer, Carole Jenkins, is closely involved in making the links between community organisations and council services and supporting the Local Community Planning Partnership (LCPP). So it's official, we are a vibrant and skilled community which is capably supported by community learning and development staff.

Summarising their report, inspectors identified:

'the following key strengths in Community Learning in The Ferry:

• early intervention and prevention programmes to address and meet the needs of local people;
• strong focus on securing and promoting health and well being including very effective peer learning programmes;
• a local community planning structure (LCPP) which is supporting and responding to local needs and aspirations;
• skilled and influential community members and organisations strengthening and empowering the community;
• partnership working which is supporting integration of services and improving outcomes for local people; and
• a strong learning culture and commitment to improving services.'

The HMI also:
'discussed with partners how they might continue to improve their work. This is what HMI agreed with them:

• improve the coordination and capturing of achievement across learning providers;
• build on opportunities for young people to influence local and wider decision making; and
• continue to improve data collection across providers particularly in relation to impact on the local community.'

Read/download the HMIE Report:
Learning Community Surrounding Grove Academy

Broughty Ferry Community Council May Meeting

Here is a copy of my report to the May meeting of Broughty Ferry Community Council:

• I  have called for another initiative to stabilise the sand dunes adjacent to The Esplanade between the car park by Castle Green and junction with Panmure Street. The recent high winds have deposited tons of sand on the dunes and the existing fencing to help stabilise the dunes and restrict entry points to the beach is damaged and unserviceable.

• I have welcomed the cheaper rail fares that will be available from Broughty Ferry with effect from 19 May 2013. Over 1500 "split ticketing" inconsistencies throughout Scotland will end thanks to a £2.28 million grant from Transport Scotland.

• I have welcomed the very positive reports arising from the HMI inspections of Grove Academy and Community Learning in the Grove Cluster. The Head Teacher and our Communities' Officer deserve our commendation too.

• I have called for the upgrading of the triangle of open space on Douglas Terrace by the beginning of the coastal walkway where the contractor doing the upgrading of the walkway has been storing their equipment and building materials. Now it is due to be vacated by Kilmac, the contractors, the flower beds need replanting, the ruts need filling in and the grass needs to be cut.

• I have asked for a crackdown on those that leave their litter on the streets and do not clean up after their dogs. There seems to be an absence of any on the spot fines for these offences in The Ferry.

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.

Douglas Terrace Potholes and Pavements Need Attention

Click on image to enlarge

On Friday, work to upgrade the coastal pathway between Grassy Beach and Douglas Terrace should be completed.

When Kilmac, the contractors, have removed their portacabins and cleaned up the site, I think it will be time for the Council to take action to fill in the potholes in the road surface and attend to some of the broken surfaces on the pavements.

I have written to the Transportation Department and Convener of City Development to raise this with them.

I have already raised the need for the Environment Department to restore the triangle of open space at the end of Douglas Terrace. The flower bed needs to be weeded and replanted, the grass cut and the ruts filled in.

My Viewpoint on the Proposed Biomass Power Station in Dundee

A number of constituents have contacted me to covey their viewpoint about the proposed biomass power station in the Dundee Docks. This is not surprising as this is clearly a major issue that reportedly drew a full house at the Gardyne Theatre for the Courier Debate on Wednesday 1st May.

Perhaps what is surprising for constituents is that I have not publicly made a statement about this. Some may have thought that I was sitting on the fence or disinterested, but neither of these explain my public silence on the issue.

A senior legal officer from the Council has advised me that were I to publicly express a view in favour or against the Biomass Power Station now, I should run the risk of not being allowed to vote when the matter comes before a Council committee next month. This is because the decision on the biomass is considered to be quasi-judicial. Rather like a juror in trial, I should only express a view and make a decision when I have all the evidence in front of me at the meeting.

I trust therefore that my constituents will appreciate that my public silence on this issue displays neither indifference nor disinterest on this most important issue for the city; rather my public silence indicates I am listening to the debate and availing myself of the evidence. Furthermore, I can reassure constituents, and other interested parties, that meanwhile I am carefully reading their representations.

Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association AGM 7pm Tuesday 14 May Grove Academy

Broughty Ferry Education and Recreation Association (BERA) will be holding their Annual Genral Meeting on Tuesday 14 May in the staff room at Grove Academy. The AGM will begin at 7pm.

Further details available from Ms H. Ellison Email: hellison73@yahoo.com

BERA is a charity registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, number SC007245

Council and Police Should Get Tough on Litter

Click on image to enlarge

A person unknown consumed a drink and food from a fast food outlet while on Douglas Terrace earlier in the week. Many people on foot, or in their cars, find this a fine spot to have their lunch and admire the magnificent river view at the same time. No problem! The Ferry welcomes residents and visitors alike who want to enjoy their lunch and the river view.

BUT what we don't appreciate is folk who carelessly discard their rubbish on the road because they can't be bothered to use one of the litter bins or dispose of their rubbish at home.

While the Council and Police don't deserve all the blame for the sloppy habits of a minority of our residents and visitors, they can be more active using their existing powers:

a criminal offence, subject to a maximum fine of £2,500. Either the police or a local council can prosecute litterers. In addition, Fixed Penalty Notices of £50 can be issued by local council staff or the police for littering."

I have written to Councillor Craig Melville, the Convener of Environmental Services and Chief Superintendent Hamish Macpherson of Police Scotland in Dundee, to ask them to step up the action. 

Litter make our streets unsightly and diverts money from other services into more street cleaning. According to Keep Scotland Tidy, the cost of clearing litter across Scottish local authorities currently stands at £65 million per year. Let's get it sorted!

Review of Scottish Planning Policy - Opportunities for Consultation Online and in Dundee

The Main Issues Report for the third National Planning Framework (NPF3) and Draft Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) have been launched for consultation on Wednesday 1st May.

A single web page allows you to proceed to either National Planning Framework 3 or Scottish Planning Policy consultation documents and associated assessments. 
Link to web page documentation

Further supporting information will be placed online including a resource pack to support communities who wish to engage. 

Wednesday 1st May marks the beginning of the main public consultation stage in the preparation of NPF3 and the Scottish Government is seeking views on the emerging strategy and what should be included in the Proposed National Planning Framework when it is laid before the Scottish Parliament.  Similarly this is the main public consultation stage for Scottish Planning Policy, prior to its finalisation.

One element of the engagement strategy is a number of 'drop in' events across Scotland. 
The date and arrangements for the Dundee 'drop in' is as follows:
Dundee Overgate Centre - 9 am – 6 pm on Tuesday 28 May 2013

Name the New Forth Road Bridge - Cast Your Vote Before Midnight 7 June 2013

An independent panel has agreed a shortlist of five names for the new Forth Bridge:

> Caledonia Bridge

> Firth of Forth Crossing

> Queensferry Crossing

> Saltire Crossing

> St Margaret’s Crossing

Make your choice at www.namethebridge.co.uk

 

Cast your vote before midnight on 7th June 2013

 

Early Years Collaborative Workshop Was Thought Provoking

Yesterday I attended the Early Year Collaborative workshop held in the Marryat Hall in Dundee. This brought together over 120 folk from agencies and projects in Dundee which are concerned with services to support children through their early years. Our shared concern was joining up services and making these more effective.

I found the presentation by Educational Psychologist Chris Scott especially thought provoking as he focused on the first 1000 days of life . It is during our very earliest years and even pre-birth - the first thousand days - that a large part of the pattern for our future adult life is set. The early years are therefore a key opportunity to shape a positive future for children in Dundee. 

I thought Chris's plea for 'five a day' parental/carer activities with our children (eg read a bedtime story, give a hug) was particularly sparky and worth promoting.