Protect your pipes – be prepared in winter

From Scottish Water :

 

As we come into the colder weather, Scottish Water is advising customers in communities across Scotland to prepare their homes for winter.  

 

Our winter advice encourages anyone with a home, holiday home or business premises to take action to heat, insulate and protect their properties.

 

Visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter where you can find winter information and customers can also find further information online about their pipework responsibilities by visiting www.scottishwater.co.uk/responsibility.

Additional Scottish Water Works – Fyffe Street/Eassons Angle #dundeewestend

From the Corporate Affairs Officer at Scottish Water :

 

I have been made aware from our contractors CWA who are carrying out our water mains upgrade works in Dundee of an additional piece of work to take place within your ward.

 

This work was originally planned previously however due to issues with the proposed backfeed (to reduce amount of customers affected) the work was unable to be completed.

 

I have been informed that the work will now take place from Monday 20th November for approximately 2 weeks.  The work involves the lining of existing water mains in Fyffe Street (near junction with Benvie Road).  

 

There may also be some work required in Easson’s Angle however at this stage nothing has been confirmed.  I will keep you updated when I have confirmation.

 

The work in Fyffe Street will not involve any road closures and access will be maintained at all times.

Scottish Water clarifies additional works in Blackness Road

Scottish Water has now clarified to councillors the details of additional works in Blackness Road, following criticism by me about the fact that the road is being dug up again just months after the original disruption in the street was completed.

 

Scottish Water’s Corporate Affairs Officer has now advised :

 

“As you will be aware we have carried out work in Blackness Road earlier this year.  Unfortunately, following the earlier work, some sections of the water main which were originally flushed have now been identified as requiring to be re-lined as per the other mains in this area.  Unfortunately, this means we will have to return to Blackness Road to carry out this work.

 

There are essentially 3 sections to this work.   Section 1 is from approximately Annfield Road to opposite the Fire Station.  Section 2 is from Rosefield Street to approximately the bus stop opposite Annfield Road.  Section 3 involves a small section of open cut mains replacement at the junction of Glenagnes Road.

Work is scheduled to be carried out starting on the 9th October and is expected to take approximately 2 weeks.  We will be able to carry out these works using temporary traffic lights which will be manned during peak times to ensure the traffic is kept moving as much as possible.  There will be no road closure required.  The section of work at Glenagnes Road will not require traffic lights but will be done under localised give and take traffic management.  These works have also been planned to coincide with local school holidays to try and further reduce any disruption caused.

Some customers will have some disruption to their water supply during these works.  All affected customers will receive notice prior to any planned interruption.

We are fully aware regards the previous disruption caused by the work carried out before and we will do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum.”

 

I have already made clear to Scottish Water how concerned I am at further disruption to the east end of Blackness Road just months after the completion of works by Scottish Water.    The previous works by Scottish Water ended as recently as March and Scottish Water did finish in nearby Blackness Street until last May.   

 

I am also concerned that, in addition to roads disruption, the company has said that some residents and local businesses will have disruption to their water supply.   It should be remembered that its only months since the previous disruption and the local community is seriously asking why Scottish Water failed to do all the work it had to do the first time around.

 

I have sought assurances that the company will do all it can to minimise the effect on the local area and its residents.

Scottish Water works – Blackness Street – an update

Scottish Water is writing to residents in Blackness Street to unfortunately advise of a further delay in completing infrastructure works in the street.

 

This is due to the deteriorated condition of the existing water main which meant a requirement to change the method of mains upgrade to open cut replacement.    This has meant progress has been much slower than anticipated as it is necessary to lift, clean and relay the old cobble stones to ensure the area is reinstated correctly after the new pipe is installed. 

 

Open cut which means full replacement of pipes and is a longer process than sliplining.

 

Scottish Water’s update to residents reads :

 

“As you will be aware we are currently working in Blackness Street upgrading the water pipes to ensure you continue to enjoy clear, fresh drinking water, and reduce the chance of pipes bursting. 

 

Due to the condition of the existing water main we have been required to change the method of mains upgrade to Open cut replacement.  This has meant progress has been much slower than anticipated as it is necessary to lift, clean and relay the old cobble stones to ensure the area is reinstated correctly after the new pipe is installed.

 

Work will continue in Blackness Street for a further 4 – 6 weeks : 

 

• There will be some roadworks during the dates above. This will include the use of temporary traffic management.  There will be NO road closures during these works.  Please follow all signs put in place. Local access will be maintained wherever possible. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

• There will be parking restrictions in place however access will be maintained at all times.

• We may need to turn off your water supply. If we do, we will send you further information 

at least 48 hours in advance, detailing the dates and times that your supply will be affected and what to do. 

• During the works you may experience a change in water pressure and/or discoloured water. If this happens don’t be alarmed, turn on the cold water tap in your kitchen, let the water flow slowly until it runs clear. 

• Please note that this is part of a wider programme of work and dates maybe subject to change depending on progress.

 

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding while we complete this essential work and see below for details of how to keep up to date with what we are doing in your area.”

Blackness Road area – roadworks clarification

Residents will have noted that the temporary traffic lights on Blackness Road at the Glamis Road/Glamis Drive roundabout (see right) have disappeared.     However, this is unfortunately not because the works by Scotland Gas Networks (SGN) are completed.

 

I have been updated by Scotland Gas Networks’ Team Manager as follows :

 

“Unfortunately our work at the Glamis Road roundabout is well behind schedule due to the ground conditions we are encountering.   However, as Scottish Water (SW) is programmed to start in Blackness Road shortly which would conflict with our work, we are lifting the traffic management at the roundabout before they start and will return to complete our work here after SW have finished.  

 

In the meantime we will be continuing on Glamis Road itself as this won’t disrupt traffic, and will also be returning to Perth Road to complete the service works and mains abandonment which we had to abort previously.

 

Scottish Water is starting Blackness Road 20th February for approximately 2 weeks so we’ll be back at the roundabout probably mid March for about 2 weeks.”

 

The Scottish Water work is further east on Blackness Road.   The City Council has further updated me as follows : 

 

“The SW work will start 20 February at Glenagnes Road junction.    The second week they will move south to Rosefield Street for the second week.

Once SW is complete on their section of Blackness Road, SGN will return to Blackness Road Glamis with their original set up to complete works there. 

As SGN intimated, it will utilise the two weeks of 20/27 February, when SW are in Blackness Road, to complete the remaining services connections left behind in Perth Road at Arnhall Drive area.”

Getting things done – Annfield Street

Residents have expressed concern to me that the temporary barriers round Scottish Water’s contractor’s works in Annfield Street have fallen over, partially blocking the road – see below :

I have drawn this to the attention of Scottish Water and requested these be reinstated and properly secured as soon as possible.

Peddie Street – Scottish Water works

Last week, following complaints from residents that the Scottish Water works (and excavations) were running over their planned finish date, I received an assurance from the company that the road would be returned to normal by close of play last Friday.

 

However, this did not happen as the photo (above right) taken at the weekend highlights.

 

I contacted Scottish Water over the weekend and their Community Manager has responded :

 

“Sorry to hear this as we were informed this would be completed and removed on Friday.  

 

I will pick up with the project team and establish why this has not happened.”

 

I am anxious this is resolved ASAP given the disruption to residents, including loss of parking.

Scottish Water further proposed works – minor change

Further to my update yesterday about the works planned for Blackness/City Road/Lochee Road and surrounding areas, at the drop-in event at the Mitchell Street Centre on Thursday, I discussed the timetable and, in particular, trying to minimise inconvenience to residents as far as possible – including the schools at the West End campus – St Joseph’s Primary, Victoria Park Primary and Balgay Hill Nursery.

 

I now give below a further update from Scottish Water that makes a minor change :

 

As the next phase of a £5 million project to upgrade water mains and secure the supply and high quality of drinking water in Dundee begins this month, Scottish Water is advising of a minor change to the work schedule.

 

Work is currently on-going and on schedule in the Perth Road area of the city and the next stage, which is due to begin next week, will see work in the Blackness Road/City Road and Lochee Road areas.

 

This phase of the upgrade is expected to take 10-12 weeks in total and there will be traffic management measures in place on a rolling programme.

 

Following a successful information event in the city and after consultation with customers, Scottish Water are adjusting the timetable for some of the work to minimise any inconvenience to pupils starting back at local schools in the Blackness Road area.

 

Work in and around this area will now be done at a more convenient time, which will be confirmed at a later date.

 

Changes to the schedule mean as it stands now, work starts on August 9th in the following streets:

 

• Abbotsford Street

• Annfield Street – Road Closure

• Blackness Street – Road Closure

• Ure Street – Road Closure

 

The work due to start on this date which would see the closure of Peddie Street in this phase has been put back to minimise disruption as schools return.

 

The rolling programme of work was due to move on to the Blackness Road area with an estimated start date of 15th August, but to minimise disruption to pupils returning to school most of this work will be put back to a later date. 

 

Work scheduled for Blackness Road and Rosefield Street will now go ahead at a later date, to be confirmed, but the work estimated to start on this date that sees the closure of Rosefield Place will still go ahead as planned.

 

The rolling programme of works then continues as scheduled on the following streets with an estimated date of 22nd August:

 

• City Road/Milnbank Road – Road Closure with diversions in place.

 

The work also moves on to the Lochee Road section with this split into four phases to minimise disruption in the area, with an estimated start date of 22nd August:

 

• Logie Street: Loons Road to City Road. South bound closure between these two junctions with associated lane width restrictions at Logie Street/Loons Road signalised junction. Rankine Street closed north bound. Associated side street closure of Muirton Road. Diversions will be in place.

 

• Lochee Road: City Road to Tullideph Road. Two way traffic flow maintained. No road closure required. The Lochee Road rolling section has an estimated start date of 29th August.

 

• Lochee Road: Tullideph Road to Dudhope Terrace. Closed south bound between these two junctions. Associated side street closures of Cleghorn Street and Rankine Street. Associated lane width restrictions at Lochee Road/Rankine Street junction. Diversions will be in place.

 

• Lochee Road: Dudhope Terrace to Park Street. Closed south bound between these two junctions. Associated side street closure of Lower Pleasance. Associated lane width restriction at Lochee Road/Polepark Road signalised junction. Diversions will be in place.

 

The next stage of rolling work in this phase then takes place in the following streets with an estimated start date of 12th September:

 

• St Mary’s Place 

• Mitchell Street

• Benvie Road – Road Closure

• Fyffe Street – Road Closure/Parking Restrictions

• Eassons Angle

 

Local access will be maintained wherever possible on affected roads.

 

The exact timing of each part of the work will be confirmed as the rolling progresses, and updates will be posted on the Scottish Water website.

 

Work on Peddie Street, Blackness Road and Rosefield Street will now go ahead at a more convenient date and notice of the work will be given to customers well in advance.

 

I also give below the City Council’s Temporary Traffic Order covering these works :

 

Dundee City Council proposes to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating Scottish Water mains renewal works.  The Order is expected to be in force for 22 weeks from 8 August 2016.  Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.


The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in (1) Annfield Road between Annfield Row and Blackness Road, (2) Annfield Street, (3) Blackness Road between Glenagnes Road and Forest Park Road, (4) Blyth Street between City Road and Fleuchar Street, (5) Benvie Road between Cleghorn Street and Fyffe Street, (6) Fyffe Street between Eassons Angle and Lawrence Street, (7) Fleuchar Street between Eassons Angle and Blyth Street, (8) City Road between Baxter Street and Rosefield Street, (9) City Road between Logie Street and Tullideph Road, (10) Peddie Street between Corso Street and Blackness Road, (11) Rosefield Street and (12) Ure Street.


The closures are planned to run in the advertised order but this may be subject to change and more than one road may be closed at any one time.  The one-way order relating to Blackness Street will be rescinded during that phase of the works.


Alternative routes will be available via (1) Annfield Road/Peddie Street/Blackness Road, (2) Peddie Street/Blackness Road/Annfield Road, (3) Bellfield Street/Hawkhill/Blackness Avenue, (4) Milnbank Road/Eassons Angle/Fleuchar Street, (5) Fyffe Street/Polepark Road/Lochee Road/Cleghorn Street, (6) Eassons Angle/Milnbank Road/Polepark Road, (7) Eassons Angle/Milnbank Road/City Road/Blyth Street, (8) Rosefield Street/Blackness Road/Glenagnes Road/Scott Street, (9) Tullideph Road/Lochee Road/Logie Street, (10) Corso Street/Blackness Avenue/Seymour Street, (11) Blackness Road/Glenagnes Road/Scott Street/City Road and (12) Bellfield Street/Ure Street.


If you have any queries please contact the Network Management Team on 433082.

Scottish Water information event at Mitchell Street Centre

Yesterday, I attended a Scottish Water information event at the Mitchell Street Centre about the next phase of the water mains upgrade in the West End, which will follow on from the current work in Perth Road/Nethergate, which is thankfully thus far on schedule, meaning a return to roads normality in the Nethergate and Perth Road shopping area later this month.

 

The well-attended event updated residents on this next stage, which is due to begin next week, and will see work in the Blackness Road/City Road and Lochee Road areas.

 

This phase of the upgrade is expected to take 10-12 weeks in total and there will be traffic management measures in place on a rolling programme.

 

Work starts on 9th August, in the following streets initially:

 

• Abbotsford Street

• Peddie Street – Road Closure

• Annfield Street – Road Closure

• Blackness Street – Road Closure

• Ure Street – Road Closure

 

The rolling programme then moves onto the following streets with an estimated start date of 15th August:

 

• Blackness Road: closed in both directions between Glenagnes Road and Bellfield Street. Diversions will be in place.

 

• Rosefield Place – Road Closure

 

• Rosefield Street – Road Closure

 

The rolling programme of works then continues on the following streets with an estimated date of 22nd August:

 

• City Road/Milnbank Road – Road Closure with diversions in place.

 

The work also moves on to the Lochee Road section with this split into four phases to minimise disruption in the area, with an estimated start date of 22nd August:

 

• Logie Street: Loons Road to City Road. South bound closure between these two junctions with associated lane width restrictions at Logie Street/Loons Road signalised junction. Rankine Street closed north bound. Associated side street closure of Muirton Road. Diversions will be in place.

 

• Lochee Road: City Road to Tullideph Road. Two way traffic flow maintained. No road closure required. The Lochee Road rolling section has an estimated start date of 29th August.

 

• Lochee Road: Tullideph Road to Dudhope Terrace. Closed south bound between these two junctions. Associated side street closures of Cleghorn Street and Rankine Street. Associated lane width restrictions at Lochee Road/Rankine Street junction. Diversions will be in place.

 

• Lochee Road: Dudhope Terrace to Park Street. Closed south bound between these two junctions. Associated side street closure of Lower Pleasance. Associated lane width restriction at Lochee Road/Polepark Road signalised junction. Diversions will be in place.

 

The final stage of work in this phase then takes place in the following streets with an estimated start date of 12th September:

 

• St Mary’s Place 

• Mitchell Street

• Benvie Road – Road Closure

• Fyffe Street – Road Closure/Parking Restrictions

• Eassons Angle

 

The exact timing of each part of the work will be confirmed as the rolling progresses, and updates will be posted on the Scottish Water website.

 

Local access will be maintained wherever possible on affected roads.

 

The work involves the lining and flushing of existing water mains, as well as some open cut mains replacement – so some temporary disruption to water supply will occur and all customers affected will be given notice of any disruption in advance.

 

A couple of photos from yesterday’s drop-in event are below :

 

Perth Road/Nethergate Scottish Water Work starts tomorrow

Further to my previous updates on the Scottish Water work planned for Perth Road (east of Sinderins) and Nethergate (west of Marketgait) – including the notice I published on 30th June about the bus arrangements – the notices below are a reminder from Scottish Water that the work starts tomorrow :

 

Water supply improvements in the West End

From the Regional Communities Team Manager at Scottish Water :

 

“I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of a Scottish Water project to improve the water supply in the Perth Road/City Road area of the city.

 

This project has been promoted to reduce the levels of iron in the drinking water in that area.    The work consists of approximately 10km of unlined cast iron mains which will be spray lined with a polyurethane lining and 10km of other mains which will be flushed or swabbed as appropriate. The work will proceed in sections of up to 150m per day.    Most properties will only experience one interruption to supply, for up to 12 hours.   Customers will be notified in advance to allow them to make alternative arrangements prior to the shut.    Businesses in the area will also be visited to discuss particular needs.    In exceptional circumstances some properties may experience more than one interruption but we will make every effort to avoid this. 

 

We plan to begin with the Perth Road section, starting at the Sinderins junction and working our way down to the West Marketgait junction.  This is currently programmed to start on site the 5th October and will last for approximately 6 weeks.    For the first 3-4 weeks we will be lining the water mains in Perth Road itself. In the interests of speed and safety,    DCC Roads Department has agreed to an eastbound lane closure of this section of Perth Road for the duration of this phase.

 

Once we have completed the works on Perth Road itself, the lane closure will be lifted and we will carry out lining works in some of the side streets (Shepherds Loan, Mid and West Wynd, St Peter St, etc) and elsewhere in the area (such as South Tay Street, West Port, Artillery Lane).”

Roseangle flooding tackled – News Release from Scottish Water @ScotWaterNews

News release

 

For immediate release

 

21st July 2014

 

FLOODING RISK REDUCED FOR ROSEANGLE RESIDENTS

 

Scottish Water has invested over £780,000 to investigate and resolve historic flooding issues, which have affected around 43 properties in Roseangle, Dundee.

 

Flooding had affected residents living in the area, largely due to blocked drains, however there had been a few occasions when the flooding occurred during heavy rain, with no blockage found, potentially due to a surcharging of the sewer.

 

West End Dundee City Councillor Fraser Macpherson said: “I am extremely pleased that this work has been carried out and grateful to Scottish Water for tackling the issue.

 

“It is very good news indeed for the local community that these flooding issues have been addressed which will hopefully ensure that residents are protected against flooding risk in the future.”

 

The work to alleviate the flooding was carried out by Gontmij, on behalf of Scottish Water. This involved carrying out a CCTV and manhole survey on the network in the immediate surroundings, to identify the main issues.

 

Following a series of investigations it was decided to install a new valve which will protect the affected properties by preventing further flooding from occurring.

 

Scottish Water’s Project Manager, James Weir, said: “The completion of this particular project in Roseangle has been welcomed by local residents, who are delighted with the work we have been able to carry out.

 

“Scottish Water is working incredibly hard to achieve further reductions in flooding and protect the surrounding environment. We are well aware the consequences of flooding can cause much misery and it’s vital we continue to work with our customers to reduce the number of incidents occurring.

 

“With over 80% of flooding from sewers caused by inappropriate items being disposed of in toilets and drains, we must encourage everyone to dispose of waste items properly, preventing needless flooding and in return help improve the environment. 

 

 “Scottish Water is committed to doing everything we can to help communities and customers by playing our part in tackling flooding and dealing with the impact of heavy rainfall. Since 2010 we have removed 260 properties from the internal and external flooding registers.

 

“Customers wishing to learn more about how they can play their part in protecting the water cycle should visit http://www.scottishwater.co.uk/cycle.”

 

Since forming in 2002, Scottish Water has invested £43.3m in the Dundee area. Scottish Water is continuing this work by investing heavily in Dundee in the 2010-15 investment period to improve water and waste water services across the region.

Scottish Water – Be Prepared For Winter Campaign

With the clocks change earlier today, it is an opportune moment to highlight Scottish Water’s “Be prepared for winter” campaign:

Follow Scottish Water’s winter code and be prepared for winter!

 

Scottish Water has launched its winter campaign to encourage customers in communities across Scotland to follow their winter code – protect your pipes, be prepared and heat, insulate and protect your home.

 

We are also urging holiday homeowners, businesses, agents and landlords to take steps to heat, insulate and protect properties and any vacant commercial let properties.

Sean Batty from STV weather (pictured above) supports the launch of our winter 2013 campaign for the fifth year running.

 

Visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter where you can find winter information, films and advice. If you would like hard copies of our leaflet and poster, please feel free to email customermarketing@scottishwater.co.uk details of your request.

 

Further information can be found online about your pipework responsibilities, visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/responsibility.

 

Follow us on @scottish_water and www.facebook.com/scottishwater.

 

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and happy winter season.

 

Scottish Water Team

Water supply restored to DD2 area

I have been advised by Scottish water’s Regional Community Manager that households in DD2 affected by water loss today have now had their supplies restored.   Scottish Water advised:

 

“I can confirm that supplies have been restored. Storage tanks in higher parts of the zone may take a little more time to replenish, but repairs have been carried out and supplies restored.”

 

I am grateful to Scottish Water for its prompt response to this matter.

Getting things done … Manhole cover repairs on Perth Road

I have had complaints from constituents about the noise of loose manhole covers on Perth Road (junction with Pennycook Lane/Step Row in middle of Perth Road) and also at the junction with Ryehill Lane (again in the middle of Perth Road).   

 

It was particularly noticeable when an HGV went over them early morning or late at night.

 

I raised the matter with Scottish Water, who promised repairs to take place last Thursday so this problem is hopefully now resolved. 

Be prepared for winter

As in past years, I am highlighting Scottish Water’s Winter Campaign – here’s an update from Scottish Water’s Regional Community Manager to local councillors:

 

Dear Councillors

Scottish Water is launching its 2012 winter campaign to encourage our customers to be prepared and ensure homes and businesses across Scotland are protected and prepared for the winter.  Communities across the country are being urged to follow Scottish Water’s winter code – a set of simple steps to protect your pipes, be prepared and heat, insulate and protect your home and business.

 

The campaign, which is being supported for the fourth year running by Sean Batty, the STV weather forecaster, will be communicated through a range of channels including advertising, our winter leaflet and poster, videos, social media channels and partnerships with a range of organisations, such as the Scottish Government, landlord and housing associations and plumbers’ federation SNIPEF.

 

Scottish Water is also ensuring that we are well equipped and can continue to deliver the best service to our customers in whatever weather the winter months may bring.

Follow Scottish Water’s winter code and be prepared for winter

Scottish Water has launched its winter campaign to encourage customers in communities across Scotland to follow their winter code – protect your pipes, be prepared and heat,insulate and protect your home.

We are also urging holiday homeowners, businesses, agents and landlords to take steps to heat, insulate and protect properties and any vacant commercial let properties.

Sean Batty from STV weather (pictured above) supports the launch of our winter 2012 campaign.

Visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter where you can find winter information, films and advice. If would like hard copies of our leaflet and poster, please feel free to email customermarketing@scottishwater.co.uk details of your request. 

Further information can be found online about your pipework responsibilities, visit  www.scottishwater.co.uk/responsibility

Follow us on  www.twitter.com/scottish_water and www.facebook.com/scottishwater

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and happy winter season.

Scottish Water Team

Getting things done … Perth Road water leak

Opposite Blackness Library on Perth Road, there has been a very noticeable water leak over the past few days.   See photo – right.    A number of residents have contacted me about it.

Scottish Water’s Community Manager has advised me :

“I can confirm we attended on 10 January and are arranging to repair a faulty valve located outside 336 Perth Road.  My colleague will confirm on Monday a date for the repair and I will let you know.”

Protect your pipes – be prepared

From Scottish Water’s Regional Community Manager to local councillors :

Scottish Water is launching its new campaign to encourage our customers to ensure homes and businesses across Scotland are protected and prepared for the winter.  Communities throughout the country are being urged to follow Scottish Water’s winter code – a set of simple steps to protect your pipes, be prepared and heat, insulate and protect your home and business.

The campaign, which is being supported by Sean Batty, the STV weather forecaster, is being spread through a range of measures including advertising, leaflets, videos, social media channels and partnerships with a range of bodies, such as landlord and housing associations and plumbers’ federation SNIPEF.

Scottish Water is also implementing various initiatives to ensure it is well equipped to continue to deliver the best service it can in the event of another severe winter.  

Sean Batty from STV weather (pictured above) supports the launch of Scottish Water’s winter 2011 campaign.

Scottish Water news release :

Follow Scottish Water’s winter code and be prepared for winter!

We’re launching our winter campaign to encourage customers in communities across Scotland to follow our winter code – protect your pipes,  be prepared and heat, insulate and protect your home.   We are also urging holiday homeowners, businesses, agents and landlords to take steps to heat, insulate and protect properties and any vacant commercial properties.


Visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter where you can find winter information, films and advice. If you would like hard copies of our leaflet and poster, please feel free to email customermarketing@scottishwater.co.uk details of your request.

Further information can be found online about your pipework responsibilities, visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/responsibility 

Follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/scottishwaterpr and facebook www.facebook.com/scottishwater

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and happy winter season. 

Scottish Water Team

Ninewells Avenue – blocked drain issue resolved

I have recently received complaints about foul smelling water flowing down Ninewells Avenue from beside the former Wimberley flats.

Scottish Water advised me earlier this week that :

“I can confirm our leakage detection team has attended and confirmed the source of water is coming from a blocked drain at the flats opposite.  We have now arranged for our squad to attend to clear the blockage.”

I am pleased to advise that the drain blockage is now attended to and a clean up of the area has been undertaken.

Sewer problem in City Road

Following residents’ raising with me concerns about problems with the sewer in City Road (between Blyth Street and Milnbank Road), I immediately raised the matter with Scottish Water. Waste water appeared to be pouring from the ground.

Scottish Water has responded very promptly and advised me :

“I can confirm we will be attending tonight to remove a large ball of rags which is causing the sewer to choke. We will also carry out a clean up of the area.

I can confirm the sewer has not collapsed.”

Waste water spillage – an update

Further to the update on the waste water spillage concern on Riverside Drive I highlighted earlier this week, I have now received the following update from Scottish Water :

“Subject: RE: Riverside Drive – waste water spillage concern

Dear Fraser

I am writing with an update regarding the flooding at Riverside Drive, Dundee.

During heavy rainfall and high tides, we believe the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) in this area is unable to spill to the nearby watercourse and as a result backs up the system and discharges at Riverside Drive. A CSO is a relief point when it is raining and allows a controlled discharge to a suitable watercourse to prevent flooding. We are currently arranging for the CSO to be jetted to ensure it is able to operate at full capacity.

Once this work is carried out we will continue to monitor the flooding at this location to determine if any further work is required. It is also very important that customers phone our customer helpline on 0845 601 8855 whenever there is any sewage spilling from the sewers as we can arrange for the area to be cleaned up as quickly as possible, This will also help us monitor the extent and frequency of the problem at this location.

I will update you again once a date for this work is known. If you have any questions regarding the above work please do not hesitate to contact me.”

Waste water spillage problem

At the start of last month, I raised with Scottish Water the mess around the Riverside Drive/Riverside Avenue junction (pictured above) where waste water has blown through the manhole cover.

At the time, Scottish Water responded, but this has since happened again, and I have again raised this recurring problem with Scottish Water.

Thomson Street – latest

Further to my update last month on the impending gas and water work that will start next week in Thomson Street, I have received the following update from Scottish Water today :

Our contractors, Morrisons, will begin a short programme of work to replace more than 300 metres of ageing water mains in Thomson Street, Dundee. Work is planned to start on 23 August and last for approximately 4 weeks.

Our engineers will use the latest slip-lining method, in order to keep disruption to a minimum. Slip-lining involves easing the new durable, plastic pipe into the existing water main, which in itself provides a robust outer protection.

In order to keep traffic disruption to a minimum, we will only be working one section at a time. The letter below has been sent to local residents and further notices will be sent regarding the planned interruptions to supply :

Dear Customer,

Further to my letter dated 29th July 2010, I am writing to you as promised with an update on the work to replace the water mains in Thomson Street.

How this affects you
Work is planned to start on 23rd August and last for approximately 4 weeks. During this time it will be necessary to close Thomson Street to allow all work to be carried out as safely as possible. Work will be carried out in 3 sections and access will be maintained for 2 of the 3 sections of Thomson Street at any one time.

Work at section 1 will start on 23rd August followed by sections 2 and 3. Details of each of the 3 sections are as follows:

• Section 1 – Top of Thomson Street to 22/24a Thomson Street
• Section 2 – 22/24a Thomson Street to 46d Thomson Street
• Section 3 – 46d Thomson Street to Bottom of Thomson Street

Each section will take approximately 10 days to complete and an interruption to your water supply is required to connect your property to the new water main. Please be aware that the duration of each section may change depending on the progress of the work.

What do you need to know
Due to the nature of the water network, some properties will require more than 1 interruption. You will be given 48hrs notice of any supply interruptions.

Working hours will be Monday to Friday 07.30 to 18.00 hrs. No weekend working is anticipated at this stage.

Our contractor Morrison Construction will also assist with bin collections for each section when it is closed for our work. Bins should be taken out as normal where Morrison Construction will assist with moving bins to appropriate areas for collection.

Ally Mitchell from Morrison Construction will be available during working hours to provide assistance and can be contacted on 07809 530642. Any out of hours issues, please call our Customer Helpline detailed below.

We will make all reasonable efforts to minimise disruption.

We would like to thank you for your understanding and cooperation while we complete these essential works. If you have any questions or requirements about Scottish Water or the project, please call our Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855 quoting reference “Capital/400797/MRN”

Temporary Traffic Order – Thomson Street

The City Council published the following Temporary Traffic Order today :

Dundee City Council propose to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating water and gas mains replacement works . The Order is expected to be in force for eighteen weeks from 23 August 2010 . Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in Thomson Street from Perth Road to Magdalen Yard Road.

Access for residents will be maintained where possible.

An alternative route will be available via Perth Road , Windsor Street and Magdalen Yard Road.

Please forward any comments you may have regarding this proposal to the Network Management Team, City Development Department, Tayside House, Crichton Street , Dundee , no later than five working days prior to the commencement date. If you have any queries please contact the City Council on 433082.

I have had various discussions with the City Council regarding this work being undertaken by Scottish Water (a new water main – this works will be undertaken first – starting 23rd August and likely to take until around 19th September) and then Scotland Gas Networks (a gas renewal scheme, to start immediately Scottish Water complete their work. SGN’s gas renewal scheme is likely to take until 14th November).

 

My main areas of discussion have surrounded assurances about access for residents during the work, particularly those with mobility difficulties, and about proper reinstatement of the road thereafter.

Speaking to the City Council again this morning, I am assured that the utility companies will be writing to residents shortly and I will be pleased, as always, to raise any concerns residents highlight during what will be significant gas and water works in Thomson Street in the coming months.

Riverside Drive – waste water spillage concern

Following concerns from residents about what appears to be waste water spillage on the north side of Riverside Drive just east of the Riverside Drive/Riverside Avenue junction, I have raised this matter with Scottish Water.

This follows on from similar concerns in May and I have asked Scottish Water to ensure there are necessary repairs to drainage and a permanent solution achieved.

Water problems – update

I recently mentioned concerns about the discoloured water supply that occurred during part of last week in part of the West End, including Abbotsford Place – the matter was covered in today’s “Courier” including my comments about the issue.

I have now had the following feedback from the Regional Community Manager at Scottish Water, to whom I have given residents’ feedback :

“I understand there were operational problems with a service reservoir supplying the Logie area of Dundee. This issue was resolved on Thursday however as the supply returned to normal, it stirred up the sediment that is normally present in the main.

I appreciate the obvious inconvenience caused to customers and during such incidents we advise customers to run their kitchen tap for a couple of minutes until the water runs clear.”

Abbotsford Place and surrounding area

I have expressed concern that householders in part of the West End suffered a poor quality water supply for three days towards the end of last week. The area concerned included Abbotsford Place where many of the properties are sheltered housing for elderly people.

I received concerns from residents in the area that water in their kitchens and bathrooms was running discoloured brown for three days and I have contacted Scottish Water’s Community Manager about this as I am anxious to ensure that the problem is permanently resolved.

Wednesday activities …

Updates for Wednesday:

* I managed to attend most of today’s workshop on Improving Children’s Services in Dundee. I asked a question of the City Council’s Assistant Chief Executive about aligned/shared budgets. You can read more on Dundee children’s services at http://www.everybodysjob.co.uk/.

* Later, I attended a briefing on Fairtrade in Dundee. I am raising Fairtrade issues with the City Council’s Chief Executive.

* I attended a site visit with residents, Scottish Water representatives and the City Council’s engineers, about damaged and noisy manhole covers on Perth Road. This was a very productive meeting and repairs are promised.

* I met with the City Council’s Public Safety Officer about three derelict buildings in Roseangle – I raised residents’ concerns about their condition.

* The Chief Executive of Dundee City Council e-mailed me late today as follows :

“I am writing to advise you, as a matter of courtesy, that after careful consideration of a wide variety of factors , I have decided as Returning Officer that the count for the 2010 General Election shall occur immediately after the poll closes, with the declaration as soon as practicable thereafter.”

I am one of a (probable minority) group of people who think a Friday count makes far more sense … Less tired council staff and party representatives = a more efficient and fair count.

Scottish Water work completed

As residents have noted, the work by Scottish Water at the west end of Magdalen Green – to hopefully resolve flooding concerns in the Richmond Terrace area – was completed at the end of last week.

Scottish Water has now updated me as follows :

“Work finished on site on Friday, 2 weeks ahead of schedule. We have met with the council to discuss reinstatement works to the park area and they will provide a quotation to carry out these works when the weather permits. The contractor has now removed everything from site apart from the fencing around the area disturbed with the construction works as this section of the park is very soft underfoot.”

Warm Pipes Campaign 2009

Scottish Water has very useful Regional Community Managers who are helpful at assisting elected representatives with constituents’ concerns on matters affecting Scottish Water’s operations and Anne-Marie Dewar, our local Regional Community Manager, is very approachable.

 

Anne-Marie has recently updated local councillors about the 2009 Warm Pipes campaign – here’s the details she sent below :

“Beat the cold, wrap up this winter

Scottish Water’s Warm Pipes campaign has been a great success in the last few years and you will see this being re-launched for winter 2009 in early December.

The key message of our campaign is to ensure that all householders are aware of how they can take steps to heat, insulate and protect their homes in this colder weather. Our Warm Pipes campaign offers a number of easy steps to help people beat the cold and wrap up their homes this winter.

Scottish Water’s Customer Service Delivery Director, Peter Farrer (pictured below with Anne-Marie) is calling on customers to protect their home this winter in order to avoid the misery caused by burst pipes:

“With Christmas around the corner, we are encouraging householders to wrap up their pipes as well as their presents. Winters have been milder of late, but there’s no telling when temperatures could suddenly plummet.

“The real problems start when temperatures begin to rise again after a cold snap. This can lead to pipes expanding and bursting. That’s why we want customers to get prepared now so that they can enjoy the festive season.

“There can be nothing more chilling than coming home to find your home ankle deep in freezing water and your furniture, carpets and beds all ruined because of a burst pipe. If people follow our simple steps now to heat, insulate and protect their homes, then they can enjoy peace of mind that their home is wrapped up for winter, which in turn will help to reduce the risk of any repair bills for burst pipes.”

For copies of our Warm Pipes leaflet, poster and contact card, which each provide advice and tips on how to protect your home visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/warmpipes.

Members of your community will also have the chance to receive a free fridge thermometer magnet, if they are one of the first to request warm pipes information from Scottish Water direct.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your community a safe and happy festive season. “

 Anne-Marie Dewar, Regional Community Manager and Peter Farrer, Customer Service Delivery Director