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.
