Barnhill Rock Garden Wins Prestigious Green Flag Award Again

Earlier this week Barnhill Rock Garden was awarded one of the prestigious 2013 Green Flag Award from Keep Scotland Beautiful. It was one of four parks in Dundee to receive this award.

On Monday, I had rather bemoaned the fact that Broughty Ferry had apparently missed out on an award. This conclusion was on the basis of an error in the Press Release distributed by Keep Scotland Beautiful that had referred erroneously to Baxter Rock Garden and Baxter Park.

This award for our Rock Garden is in no small part a recognition of the sterling work of the Friends of Barnhill Rock Garden in partnership with staff from the Environment Department of Dundee City Council.

Parks are assessed by volunteer judges who usually have a background in parks management, conservation or ecology. They judge against eight criteria testing whether the park or green space is:

• welcoming;
• healthy,
• safe and secure;
• clean and well-maintained;
• sustainable;
• manages conservation and heritage;
• has community involvement;
• markets itself, and
• has good management.

Barnhill Rock Garden was first Awarded a Green Flag Award in 2007.

Barnhill Rock Garden is a public park extending to more than two hectares, owned and maintained by Dundee City Council with significant support from the Friends of the Barnhill Rock Garden. It is situated on part of a former nine-hole golf course which was laid out when the Dundee to Aberdeen railway line was built. It is on the Visit Scotland tourist trail and is open to the public at all times.

 

Temporary Road Closure in Hill Street Broughty Ferry on Tuesday 6 August 2013

Public Notice

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  manhole repair works being carried out 

HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Hill Street 

(from Forthill Road to Hill Road), Broughty Ferry.

This notice comes into effect on Tuesday 6 August 2013 for 1 day

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via  Forthill 
Road / Fort Street / Queen Street / Camphill Road / 

For further information contact (01382) 433082

Mike Galloway
Director of City Development, Dundee City Council

Four Dundee Parks Receive Prestigious Green Flag Awards 2013

Four parks in Dundee – Baxter Rock Garden, Baxter Park, Templeton Woods and Trottick – will fly the prestigious Green Flag this year.

The Green Flag Award is the benchmark for a quality green space. They are administered in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful, the independent environmental charity.

Parks are assessed by volunteer judges who usually have a background in parks management, conservation or ecology. They judge against eight criteria testing whether the park or green space is: welcoming; healthy, safe and secure; clean and well-maintained; sustainable; manages conservation and heritage; has community involvement; markets itself, and has good management.

This is great news with four of our city parks rightly being awarded for their quality and for what they give their communities. We should be proud of our park managers, their staff and particularly the local volunteers who work all year round in rain or shine to make these parks beautifulI.

While these awards are admirable, I do wonder why none of the parks in Broughty Ferry were apparently not worthy of an award?

CORRECTION
Subsequently, I have been informed about an error in the Press Release from Keep Scotland Beautiful. 'Baxter Rock Garden', should have read 'Barnhill Rock Garden'. I have written more about this in a subsequent posting.

Temporary Closure of Grove Road from Dundee Road to Albany Road from Monday 29 July 2013

PUBLIC NOTICE
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 Scottish Water sewer repair works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in Grove Road (from Dundee Road to Albany Road), Broughty Ferry.
This notice comes into effect on Monday 29 July 2013 for 5 working days.

Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained.

Alternative routes for vehicles are available via Dundee Road / Balmyle Road / Albany Road.

For further information contact (01382) 433082.

Mike P Galloway
Director of City Development
Dundee City Council

United with Labour Campaigning in The Ferry

United with Labour Campaigning in Forthill Drive

Yesterday, United with Labour was campaigning in The Ferry. 

Jim McGovern MP, Cllr Richard McCreadie, Cllr Norma McGovern and I were on the doorsteps in Forthill Drive and Nursery Road. We were delivering Scottish Labour's case for keeping Scotland within the UK.

There was lively interest in the forthcoming referendum and many declarations of support for Scotland not seeking separation from the other UK nations.

Broughty Lifeboat Open Day Sunday 4 August 12:30-16:00

Lifeboat Open Day

The Broughty Ferry Lifeboat station will hold an open day on Sunday August 4th from 12.30-4pm. 

Visitors will be able to see round the lifeboat and have questions answered by crewmen. There will also be stalls and refreshments available. All welcome.

Concern About Maintaining Numbers of Crossing Patrollers for School Children

Lollipop Sign for School Crossing Patrollers

Yesterday, I received two email letters from constituents who were concerned that the City Council should maintain spending on School Crossing Patrollers; aka Lollipop men and women. In the last few years I have followed up a number of issues about School Crossing Patrollers including the provision of relief patrollers to cover sickness and other absences and the filling of vacancies. I think parents and carers are right to be concerned and vigilant about these vital jobs. Though they are clearly important for pupil safety, there is little in statute to specify the minimum number of patrollers on our city streets.

I have written to the Education Direcor and Education Convener about this to ask for reassurance that, in next year's budget, they are not planning to reduce the number of School Crossing Patrollers.

The letter is self-explanatory:

Dear Councillor Bidwell,

I am writing to ask you to save our lollipop ladies and men and maintain spending on road safety by the council to enable children to make a safe journey to school.

Research conducted by Living Streets shows that in 66% of local authority areas the number ds of lollipop people helping children safely across the road has reduced. While road safety budgets have been cut in 67% of local authorities.

This is of a concern in the context of the latest figures which highlight a 63% rise over a year in the number of children killed and seriously injured whilst walking to or from school.

Good quality crossings and local lollipop ladies and men are important for all pedestrians and particularly children on their way to and from school. Our local lollipop ladies and men provide an excellent service helping children across my area to cross the road safely supporting them to develop road safety and independence skills. They provide extra eyes and ears on the road to help children lead an active lifestyle.

Lollipop ladies and men have a role to play in encouraging parents to allow their children to walk to school independently.

5?

Please make sure that lollipop ladies and men are protected so that we can safeguard children's journeys to school.

Sincerely,

New Stretch of One Way Traffic Restriction in Seafield Road Broughty Ferry

New Section of One Way Traffic in Seafield Road

Earlier this week Broughty Ferry's latest stretch of one way street was introduced on the southern end of Seafield Road between Grove Academy and Davidson Street. This narrow section of Seafield Road now only permits traffic driving north.

Traffic driving south down Seafield Road from Balgillo Road will find that at the cross roads with Davidson Street their path direct ahead is now "No Entry" and they need to turn right or left down Davidson Street.

Temporarily, there is also no turn available along Davidson Street heading west as this leads to Claypotts Road which is currently closed for complete resurfacing work.

As my photograph taken at twilight shows, the new short section of one way traffic begins by the back entrance to Grove Academy.

This traffic change came from recommendations made by a short life working group. This was formed to address concerns about pupil safety in anticipation of the move of Eastern Primary School to the refurbished old Grove building next door to the new Grove Academy. Chaired by the Chief Executive David Dorward, this group involved Head Teachers and members of the Parent Councils of Grove Academy and Eastern Primary Schools, senior members of staff from the Council's Education and Transportation Departments and Tayside Police and Ferry Councillors.

It is hoped that this measure will divert traffic towards the front entrance of the school on Claypotts Road and reduce the number of vehicles exiting Church Street onto Queen Street. The one way was deliberately introduced during the summer vacation so that residents could get used to this before the school runs resume on Tuesday 12 August.

Jessie's Kitchen Scoop Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013

Click on image to enlarge

Congratulations to the staff of Jessie's Kitchen for scooping a tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013 based on recommendations from their customers.

This latest award and the customer reviews that lead to this show that Jessie's Kitchen previous award of Scottish Homebaker of the Year Award 2012, was no flash in the mixing pan; they have clearly maintained their standards and continue to please their expanding number of customers.

Jessie's Kitchen are another shining example of the innovative and award winning businesses in The Ferry.

Link to Jessie's Kitchen page of reviews on tripadvisor

Jessie's Kitchen
3 Albert Road, Broughty Ferry
Dundee DD5 1AY
Tel 01382 778 488
Facebook

National Performance Centre for Sport at Camperdown - Drop In Public Event Wed 24 July Landmark Hotel 4-8pm

Next Wednesday, 24 July, there will be an opportunity for members of the public to attend a drop in event and see at first hand the planning proposals for the National Performance Centre for Sport and Hotel with associated access, parking, landscaping and miscellaneous development. This event is being organised by Keppie Design prior to any formal planning application being submitted to the City Council. The event will run on Wednesday 24 July at the Landmark Hotel, Kingsway West from 4pm to 8 pm.

Last week the Dundee bid for the National Performance Centre for Sport was submitted by Dundee City Council in partnership with the University of Dundee; University of Abertay, Dundee; Dundee College; Dundee United Football Club; Dundee Football Club; NHS Tayside and Leisure & Culture Dundee. Dundee is in competition with consortia in Stirling and Edinburgh for the National Performance Centre for Sport.

Dundee City Council has approved, in principle, £5 million of local authority capital funding to the project. This would help to provide the capital costs of the centre and its facilities in addition to the £25 million grant that has already been pledged by the Scottish Government to the winning bid city. The South East corner of Camperdown Country Park is Dundee’s chosen site to host the National Performance Centre for Sport.

One of Britian's Best Bike Rides on Our Doorstep - Dundee to Arbroath

In May 2012 the Guardian newspaper featured the Dundee to Arbroath cycle route as one of 'Britian's Best Bike Rides'. It's right on our doorstep and I can confirm it is a real gem. Last week I took advantage of the warm weather and cycled the roads and miles from Broughty Ferry to Arbroath and back. 

The fact that most of the route is off road on shared paths for walkers and cyclists, makes this a relaxed ride and easy to appreciate the sea views. While there is little motorised traffic to worry about, on the sections between Broughty Ferry and Monifieth you do need to be really alert for pedestrians and dogs and of course other cyclists.

I particularly enjoyed the section from East Haven to Arbroath that has most recently been opened. The new route runs between the railway line and the beach. Note on the Sustrans map below, this part of the route is described as 'proposed'.

Congratulations to Dundee City Council and Angus Council for their joined up work with financial support from Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity.

Click on Map to enlarge

Here is how the Guardian describe the ride:
"This popular Scottish route is a lovely, flat, mainly traffic-free ride along the Tay estuary. Start from under the Tay road bridge (you'll need photo ID to get through the dock area, so if you don't have it, start from the east of the port). The route heads to Broughty Ferry, before hugging the sea to Monifieth. The route continues on a traffic-free path over Barry Links, with its low sand dunes (great for wildlife) and on to Carnoustie with superb views of the bay. The route finishes by Arbroath's historic harbour, famed for its Arbroath smokies (haddock smoked over burning woodchips)."

Read/download the Sustrans Leaflet Dundee to Arbroath

Breeding Bollards - A Helpful Answer and Solution

Earlier in this week, I wrote to the Council about the apparent duplication of bollards installed at the beginning of the coastal pathway at the Douglas Terrace end.

I have received a very helpful and detailed response to my email about this addressed to the Transportation Department: 

"There is a Prohibition of Driving Order 1992 for Douglas Terrace to Grassy Beach Walkway, Broughty Ferry with Article 2 of the order states no person shall drive any motor vehicle in or upon the length of the Douglas Terrace to Grassy Beach Walkway, Broughty Ferry, with exemptions for emergency services, maintenance by DCC Parks Department and HM Coastguard.

There has been reported incidents of other vehicles driving along a section of Grassy Beach and therefore there is the requirement for a removable bollard to be placed. 

The bollard nearest Douglas Terrace was damaged and there is evidence of vehicle over run on the grassed area adjacent to the footway of vehicles driving past the bollard.

To prevent vehicles driving down to Grassy Beach a new bollard was installed further south between the small walls without the temporary removal of the bollard."

The Transportation Department have also confirmed that unfortunately the Contractor did not remove the old existing bollard as instructed and arrangements have been made for the Contractor to remove the damaged 'original' bollard and reinstate the surface.

ASDA New Dundee West Store in Advanced Readiness to Open on Monday 15 July

Yesterday evening I attended the Official Preview at the new ASDA Dundee West Superstore in Myrekirk Road. It was a real privelege to get a peek into the new store before it opens for shoppers on Monday.

Graham Nelson, the General Store Manager showed me round what will be ASDA's third store in the city. Graham spoke very positively about his team of locally recruited new staff who had worked very effectively to get the store provisioned for the opening to the public on Monday morning 15 July.

On the evidence of my visit, I think that shopping in Dundee West is about to be appreciably enhanced.

Asda Dundee West Superstore - Open 24 hours

61 Myrekirk Road Dundee, DD2 4WB

Tel: 01382 339308

Dundee Revised House Letting Policy - Have Your Say During the Public Consultation

This is your chance to have an influence in the review of Dundee’s Common Allocation Policy. This Policy will be used by Dundee City Council and Housing Associations in the City who may decide to join a Common Housing Register. The policy will be used to decide who receives the offer of a house based on their housing needs.

The aim of the consultation is to ensure that the policy accurately reflects the housing issues facing people in the City. We are therefore looking to seek the views of both individuals and organisations on the content of this draft policy.

Please read through the draft policy and then complete the online survey to respond to the questions posed in the draft along with any other observations you may have.

If you have any queries or need further information, please contact Brian Shaw, Tel: 01382 307415.

The closing date for this consultation is 16th September 2013.

Hole in Rossie Avenue Reported and Sorted

On Tuesday last week, while cycling along Rossie Avenue, I had to dodge riding into a hole beside the gully at the side of the road. While the hole in the road surface appeared to be  small, it was quite deep and more extensive under the crust of the road surface.

I took a picture on my phone and sent it to the Roads' Maintenance Partnership with a request that the hole was filled in.

On Monday this week, I received confirmation that my inquiry had been investigated and as a result an order has been raised to repair the gully at this particular location in Rossie Avenue.

Another job reported and sorted!

Bollards Breeding in Broughty Ferry?

Additional new bollard in the foreground
Click on image to enlarge

A second bollard has been inserted on the coastal pathway near the Douglas Terrace end. A bollard is required to block motorised traffic entering the pathway but quite why we need two in a row is beyond me.

A couple of months ago, I pointed out to the Transportation Department that there was a missing bollard at the Grassy Beach end of the upgraded section of the pathway but I was not aware of any reason why we should need to replace or duplicate the one at the Douglas Terrace end. 

I have written to the Transportation Department to ask for an explanation.

Well Attended AGM of Forthill Tenants' Group

Iain Flett City Archivist delivering his talk

Yesterday afternoon Forthill Tenants' Association held their Annual General Meeting at the Sheltered Housing Complex in Forthill Drive. The meeting was well attended by tenants and residents living in the dispersed sheltered housing in the Forthill area. 

They heard and approved the annual report by the Chairperson, Morag Hutchison and the annual accounts from Treasurer Anne MacDonald. It was reported that the tenants' group had had another positive year with numerous improvements negotiated on behalf of the residents. Some, such as the enhanced emergency exit and the upgraded fire alarms in the complex, were evident to all the regular participants in the programme of activities organised at the centre. From my observation attending the monthly committee meetings, the Committee members are highly committed and effective at robustly representing the interests of Forthill tenants and residents.

After the election of the new Committee, Rita Smart was re-elected Secretary and Morag Hutchison, Chairperson for the coming year.

Following the formal part of the meeting, Iain Flett the City Archivist delivered a talk about the history of Forthill and Broughty Ferry. He also emphasised some of the ways that residents might make use of the archives if they wished to take part in the 'Memories' programme of events connected with marking the centenary of Broughty Ferry becoming part of Dundee.

Proposed Longer Opening Hours for Night Clubs, Licensed Premises with Substantial Entertainment and Pubs

The Licensing Board of the City Council are inviting public responses to their consultation about proposed later closing times for clubs and pubs in Dundee.

In brief they are proposing  to introduce three categories of licensed premises, each with different entitlements as far as opening hours are concerned. This would involve formally recognising the category of "licensed premises with substantial entertainment" and allow extensions until 2.30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. In order to maintain a distinction between these premises and dedicated nightclub/discotheque premises, it is suggested that the latter be allowed to open until 4.00 am on the same two nights of the week. As far as other licensed premises are concerned (what were public houses under the 1976 Act), the suggestion is that these be allowed to open until 1.00 am, on Fridays/Saturdays. Premises providing restaurant facilities would not be affected and would still be permitted to open beyond midnight with the approval of the Board as under the current policy.

While members of the public and the licensed trade can respond to the idea of the three categories of licensed premises and their proposed later opening hours, there are a number of questions that are not directly posed in the consultation. Firstly, do we think that the later opening hours should apply in each and every location in the city or should we distinguish between the city centre and other parts of Dundee.

Secondly, what are the costs from these proposed changes? For example, what will be the additional cost of policing later opening hours? I know that the night time economy already commandeers a significant chunk of the policing budget. I think many folk who would prefer to see more police officers on the beat in their neighbourhood, rather than focusing on curbing rowdy behaviour in the city centre.

I know many residents live close to existing licensed premises in central Broughty Ferry. I hope that they take this opportunity to respond to the Council's consultation because these proposed changes could have a significant and lasting effect on life in The Ferry.
Closing date for responses Wednesday 31 July 2013

Click on this link for details of where to send you views on this consultation.

Dundee Road West Road Traffic Sign Concealed by Shrubs and Trees

Unsuspecting drivers approaching The Ferry driving along Dundee Road West will find that it is easy to miss the road sign warning of the 'hidden accesses' just over the rise in the road ahead.

As you can see its well concealed behind overgrown shrubs and trees. 

I have contacted the Environment and Transportation Department to draw attention to this and to request some early pruning by the householder or the Council.

Call for More Integrated Consultation and Policy Development for Late Night Opening of Clubs, Pubs and Takeaways

On Thursday I wrote to Councillor David Bowes, Convener of the Licensing Board, and Councillor Stewart Hunter, the Convener of the Licensing Committee about my concerns about the disconnected public consultations about proposed changes to the licensing hours of pubs, bars and take away food establishments.
"Dear David and Stewart,
I am writing to you in your respective capacities as Convener of the Licensing Board and Convener of the Licensing Committee. As you will be aware both committees are undertaking consultations about Licensing hours. The consultation on potential extension of hours for licensed clubs and pubs has already been put out for consultation. In the covering note to that consultation, we are informed that:
'It is intended to report back to the Board at its meeting on Thursday, 22nd August 2013 and, if any of the above proposals are to be adopted, these would be incorporated in a supplementary statement to the existing licensing policy. The Board would welcome your views on the above proposals and these can be submitted to me in writing by letter to the above address or, alternative, by email to licensing.board@dundeecity.gov.uk by no later than Wednesday, 31st July 2013.'

At the Licensing Committee on Thursday 27 June, the Committee agreed to conduct a parallel consultation about licensing hours for take away food establishments. It seems unlikely that that survey can be reported until the September meeting of the Licensing Committee as understandably it is yet to be issued. At our June meeting of the Licensing Committee I asked, and it was agreed, that the eight Local Community Planning Partnerships as well as Community Councils and other local representative bodies could also be included in that consultation.

Given the obvious overlap between both consultations, I think it would be mistaken to consider them separately. In fact there is a danger that if the Licensing Board meet and make policy decisions on extending licensing hours for pubs and night clubs at their August meeting that this might then pre-empt the policy decisions of the Licensing Committee in September about opening hours for takeaways.

I suggest that we invite the Licensing staff to prepare a consolidated report on all both consultations and then provide a single report with the respective recommendations to both committees meeting in September. I understand in the early 1990s such a procedure was used and the Licensing Board met one day and the Licensing Committee met the next day.

Postponing the reporting to the Licensing Board on their policy consultation from August to September would also allow time to refer the Licensing Board consultation to the cycle of meeting of our Local Community Planning Partnerships in August.

Hopefully, this sure ensure that we have an opportunity to create and adopt an integrated set of licensing policies that work for the public and licensees."
End of letter.

I think we need a good public debate about these proposed changes to licensing hours and the consultation should not be rushed. I believe that my suggestions would not only provide an opportunity for the results of the two consultations to be brought together but also provide more time for the public to be involved.

I know many residents live close to licensed premises in central Broughty Ferry. I hope that they take this opportunity to respond to the Council's consultations about potential extended hours opening for pubs, clubs and takeaways because these proposed changes could have a significant effect on life in The Ferry.

The NHS is 65 Today

5th July 1948 was the launch day for the then brave new world of the National Health Service throughout the UK. 

Aneurin Bevan MP, the Health and Housing Minister in Labour's ground breaking post war government, is pictured above left on the founding day in a hospital. 65 years later the NHS is uniquely appreciated as British creation and a uniquely powerful engine of social justice; one of the most enduring reforms from that period.

My maternal grandmother told me that, before the advent of the NHS, she tried to keep a ten shilling bank note (50p) in an envelope behind the clock on her mantelpiece to cover the cost of calling the Doctor. Of course pre 1948, ten shillings was a very significant sum of money and if you didn't have it a barrier to accessing healthcare.

Interestingly, Bevan's vision for the National Health Service contains a recognition of the importance of early intervention and preventative spend which remains a priority of significance nationally and locally. He was also was clearly aware of the compromises to health and welfare from health care that was not free at the point of use.

"Preventable pain is a blot on any society. Much sickness and often permanent disability arise from failure to take early action, and this in its turn is due to high costs and the fear of the effects of heavy bills on the family. The records show that it is the mother in the average family who suffers most from the absence of a free health service. In trying to balance her domestic budget she puts her own needs last.

Society becomes more wholesome, more serene, and spiritually healthier, if it knows that its citizens have at the back of their consciousness the knowledge that not only themselves, but all their fellows, have access, when ill, to the best that medical skill can provide. But private charity and endowment, although inescapably essential at one time, cannot meet the cost of all this. If the job is to be done, the state must accept financial responsibility." 
(Extracted from Bevan 1953 In Place of Fear, Chapter 5)

Claypotts Road (Strathern Road to Queen Street) Temporary Road Closure for Road Resurfacing Work

On Monday 15 July 2013, carriageway resurfacing work will begin in Claypotts Road between Strathern Road and Queen Street. These roadworks will last for approximately 2 weeks. The Contractor for the works is Tayside Contracts.

In the interest of public safety, a road closure commencing on the above date will be implemented and through traffic will be diverted via Victoria Road, Dundee Road, West Queen Street and reverse. 

On-street parking will not be allowed on the section of carriageway being worked on. Access to properties with driveways will be maintained, though delays will be experienced. The Council, however, asks that vehicular traffic movements be kept to a minimum during the works, in the interest of public safety.

Please note that pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained throughout the works.

Unfortunately, major road maintenance work is unavoidable and necessitates a degree of inconvenience to road users. 

Further information please contact Mr R MacKenzie, Senior Engineer, Road Maintenance by telephoning 01382 834135.

Broughty Ferry Community Council Meeting 2 July 2013

On Tuesday night 2 July, I attended the monthly meeting of Broughty Ferry Community Council. 

Here are some extracts from my report to the Community Council:

Reduction in Support for Learning Teachers at Grove Academy 
In a recent review of the number of Support for Learning Posts in every Dundee School, Grove Academy had its allocation of Support for Learning teachers reduced with effect from August 2013. The Support for Learning staffing levels at Grove for 2012/13 was 5.8 teachers and the allocation for 2013/14 is 4 posts. This comes into effect at a time when the school's roll is growing and the number of children entering our schools with additional support needs is increasing.

Scottish Water Short Term Repair to Leak near Douglas Terrace
On Monday 24 June Scottish Water repaired the leak to the sewage pipe on the stony beach close to to the Douglas Terrace end of the coastal pathway. Given the history of difficulties with this particular stretch of sewer, it is important that the pipe and the concrete junction buried in the beach is replaced. When Scottish Water briefed me about the long term replacement last November, they had predicted they needed a period of 6-8 months for undertaking the preparatory work. I have written to Scottish Water again to seek assurances that they plan to do this work before the winter.

Licensing Board and Licensing Committee Consultations
The Council's Licensing Board and the Licensing Committee are both undertaking consultations over the summer. For clarification, the Licensing Board deals with liquor licensing matters and the Licensing Committee deals with almost all other licenses including takeaway food, houses in multiple occupation and taxis and taxi drivers. In addition to the consultation from the Licensing Board about  amending its existing policy on trading hours for On-Sale Premises Licences granted under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, I wanted to give you notice that the Licensing Committee will also be consulting the Community Council about the licensing hours for take away restaurants including those hours that might operate outside the city centre in locations such as central Broughty Ferry. 

Dundee Alcohol and Drug Partnership Survey
There is also a community survey on alcohol survey being undertaken under the auspices of the Dundee Alcohol and Drug Partnership. The aim of their survey is to gauge community views on alcohol availability and get a sense of the factors that influence alcohol purchasing locally along with other associated attitudes in Dundee. Any member of the public can complete this survey online up to and including 31st July 2013.

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.

Follow the Secret Garden Trail in The Ferry this Sunday

Map Card front view
Click on map to enlarge

On Sunday afternoon, 7 July 2013, you can follow the Secret Garden Trail around Broughty Ferry. This is has been arranged by the Broughty Ferry in Bloom group as part of the Gala week programme. 

Between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday you can wander round and see these 'secret' gardens with some more secret than others. Some are private gardens open for the afternoon while others are public but well hidden behind gates or a wall but all are worth a visit.

Click on image to enlarge

Map cards are available from the issue desk at Broughty Ferry Community Library in Queen Street.

Further information from:
Broughty Ferry in Bloom
telephone 01382 436882

All the Fun of The Ferry Gala Fete

Yesterday, the Gala Fete attracted a good number of folk to Castle Green for the Gala Fete.

Central Broughty Ferry was busy too. The increase in visitor numbers was reflected in the jostle for parking spots, especially in the streets around  Castle Green.

The threatening clouds in the sky, never delivered the down pour which at one point seemed imminent. Despite quite a fierce wind, the queue at the ice cream van was pretty consistent.


Thanks to Gerry Stewart and her organising committee for another memorable and enjoyable Gala Fete.

Well done!