A massive 88,000 tonnes of debris from Dundee’s Waterfront has been recycled as part of the ongoing redevelopment work.
That’s the equivalent of an aircraft carrier’s weight in soil, debris and other materials.
And by re-using the excavated materials the city council has saved almost half a million pounds.
Leader of the council’s SNP administration, Councillor Ken Guild, said the 88,000 tonnes represented 99% of all the debris from the Waterfront site.
Debris from the demolition of the Hilltown multis was also included.
He said: “To have been able to recycle that amount back into the redevelopment of the Waterfront is amazing.
“Not only has it had a massive beneficial environmental impact, it has saved the council £445,000.
“It’s great to think that debris from former Dundee buildings has been included in the redevelopment of the Waterfront.”
Mr Guild said Dundee had a long history of re-using and not wasting material.
He added: “Debris from the former Royal Arch, after it was demolished, was included in re-building work at Dundee Port.
“Since the contractors started on this phase of works in February 2014 their focus hasn’t just been on delivering high quality work on time and within budget.
“It’s also been on doing everything they can to minimise waste.
“Around 53,000 tonnes of material has been crushed and reused on the site or in other council projects, while the remaining amount was recycled and reused in other local projects.
“This is tangible evidence that not only are we determined to deliver a breathtaking project which will transform the city and people’s lives, but we are determined to do so in a way that does not waste or needlessly consume precious resources.”
Nuclear powered aircraft carrier the USS George Washington is 24-storeys high and weighs 88,000 tonnes.
A retired painter told of his struggle to win compensation of up to £15,000 after claiming he was exposed to asbestos.
Peter Yeaman, from the Perth Road area, worked for the now defunct PT Roberts company from 1961 to 1996, which included a 11-year spell on sites where he believes he was exposed to asbestos.
Now aged 71, Peter has been diagnosed with pleural plaques, a thickening on the lining of the lungs which can cause discomfort and pain to sufferers.
Because the company he worked for went bust, Peter now has to attempt to claim compensation from the insurers of staff at the time.
But Royal Insurance, now part of the RSA Insurance Group, is understood to be saying PT Roberts did not have insurance for their site workers during between 1961 and 1972.
Now, Peter is appealing to any PT Roberts employees — who worked during the 11-year period and who have proof of insurance — to get in touch to help him win money he could be due.
Peter, who went on to become chairman and chief executive of his former company, told how he came to discover he was suffering from pleural plaques.
He said: “I think it came about two years ago now, but the doctors thought it was lung cancer at the time because there was something on my lung.
“They tested me and scanned me and said I would have to have half of my lung out. But I felt completely fine.
“I asked for antibiotics and the problem got smaller and smaller. Eventually they realised it was pleural plaques.”
Peter thinks he was exposed to asbestos in the 1960s, which was a time when asbestos was not thought to be a danger to health.
He insists there would have been insurance covering his health as he was working on Ministry of Defence sites, such as RAF Kinloss and RAF Leuchars, which would have had strict protocols.
Those living in England and Wales are unable to claim compensation for pleural plaques but under the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Act 2009, people north of the border can claim money back.
Peter believes he could be entitled to a sum between £10,000 and £15,000 if he or his solicitors can prove PT Roberts had insurance.
He thinks people suffering from pleural plaques, who worked at companies which have gone bankrupt, could be missing out on compensation, with one source, from the legal system, saying Peter’s struggle was common.
Peter added: “I know my lawyers have been able to trace insurance back to 1972, but my exposure was mainly between 1961 and 1972 when I was out on the sites before moving into the office. It’s not a massive amount I could win, but it’s an issue that could be affecting others.”
If anyone can help Peter, call him on 07796 264 910.
An RSA spokeswoman said: “We are aware of Mr Yeaman’s claim and are working with him to understand more about his claim and the levels of cover in place during the various time periods.”
A 21-year-old man allegedly struck a man on the face with a knife and held a knife to his own partner’s throat, injuring them both.
Derek Alland, who appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court, is also accused of grabbing his partner Danielle McCallum by the hair.
He is further accused of hitting her face off the ground on a separate occasion.
Alland, who is a prisoner at Perth, will stand trial at Dundee Sheriff Court after denying six charges against him.
The first three offences allegedly took place on Sunday November 23 at South Tay Street.
Alland denies behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.
It is alleged that he acted aggressively by brandishing a knife, uttering threats of violence toward his partner Danielle McCallum, Graeme Grubb and Margaret McCallum.
He also denies having threatened to stab them.
Alland further denies assaulting Graeme Grubb by striking him on the face with a knife to his injury.
The alleged attack is said to have led to the permanent disfigurement of Mr Grubb.
Alland also denies assaulting his partner Danielle McCallum by grabbing her by the hair and proceeding to repeatedly headbutt her.
He is also said to have brandished a knife at her before holding the weapon against her throat and gesturing to slit her throat, to her injury. The final three offences allegedly took place on Tuesday November 25, at a property on Aboyne Avenue.
On this occasion, Alland denies behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing and acting abusively within the property.
And he denies assaulting Danielle McCallum by grabbing her by the hair and throwing her to the ground, punching and headbutting her on the face.
Alland is also said to have grabbed her by the back of the head and struck her face against the ground, to Ms McCallum’s injury.
He further denies destroying or damaging the property of another by throwing items around the room and damaging a coffee table.
The trial is set to take place at Dundee Sheriff Court on October 12.
They work tirelessly to keep the community safe and to educate young people about crime.
The Dundee branch of Police Scotland Youth Volunteers has been in high demand since winning the Tele’s Community Spirit Awards in February.
From helping at national charity events, to peer education, they’ve been kept busy in the city.
The Community Spirit Awards are back and now is the time to nominate a deserving person or group.
PC Ryan MacDonald said: “Winning helped publicise our group and we’ve had a lot of requests, such as helping out with events.
“We’re now recognised by Police Scotland as the leaders in peer education, which involves workshops with groups, such as the Scouts and Guides.”
The awards ceremony will be held on February 5 in the Caird Hall, a venue provided by Leisure and Culture Dundee, who are one of the event’s sponsors.
A Leisure and Culture spokesman said: “As an organisation, we welcome more than three million visitors to our wide range of venues across the city.
“We recognise the importance of providing an opportunity to thank the people of Dundee, who do so much to support and mirror our own aims of improving the quality of life for all, and who continue to make Dundee a great place to live, work and visit.”
The categories for this year’s awards are: Spirit of Dundee, Good Neighbour, Courage, Lord Provost Award, Changing Face of Dundee, Sport, Senior, Health and Wellbeing, Young, Uniform Services Team, Public Services Team, Safer Streets.
The Changing Face of Dundee category is sponsored by the Alliance Trust.
Andrew Killean, chairman of the organisation’s Investing for Generations Group, said: “We at Alliance Trust encourage our own people to drive ideas forward with passion, energy and commitment and so we eagerly anticipate learning more about nominees for this and other awards.”
This is your chance to honour the people you think help make Dundee great.
If you know an individual or group with a remarkable or inspiring story and feel that they should be honoured at the Evening Telegraph Community Spirit Awards 2016, then visit etcommunityspiritawards.com for more information on how to nominate.
He issued an emotional appeal in the Tele to get it back.
And the prized item — which was awarded to Brian’s great uncle, Richard King, during the First World War when he was part of the Royal Scots regiment — has now been found at the Seagate bus station.
“I asked a few people who I work with if they had heard anything about a lost medal and they had seen an appeal in the Tele with an email address.
“I went and bought a copy and emailed Brian with my contact details, and he gave me a call.
“You could hear how grateful he was on the end of the phone. It’s a great feeling to be able to make someone’s day.
“I have arranged to meet his granddaughter to give it back.”
Brian — who is originally from Berwick but now lives in Darlington — said he was feeling down in the dumps after losing the medal, which was awarded to his great uncle for service during the First World War.
But he has now spoken of his joy. He said: “I received an email from a man from Dundee who said he had my medal.
“He found it outside the bus station — I must have dropped it on the way to the hotel.
“He had been trying to track me down with the name on the medal but I have a different name from my great uncle.
“I am over the moon about it. I was feeling totally down in the dumps after losing it. I am feeling great now.
“The digital age is something special — back in the day you could never have got word out so fast.
“I am lucky that the man who found it was decent enough to get in touch with me. I would like to shake his hand but it is a bit far to travel from Darlington.
“The next time I am in the city I will be meeting him to say thank you.
“He could have sold it in a pawn shop — it’s great to know that there are still people with goodness in their hearts.”
Despite nearly losing the medal, Brian is still set on wearing it for a remembrance parade in London, but says he’ll be more careful this time.
He added: “I will be getting my wife to sew it on with 100 stitches this time — I am not taking any chances.”
More than £420,000 worth of items have been stolen from NHS Tayside hospitals in the past five years — including wheelchairs, bins and 1,500 baby gowns.
The Tele can today reveal that the health service has seen a whopping 1,562 examples of stolen items since 2010, which were worth a total of £421,505.69.
The extensive list of items, which have been stolen include a satellite navigation system, two wheelchairs, and even 11 sanitary bins that were taken from female toilets.
Another nine sanitary bins, with their location unspecified, were also taken during the last five years.
Even paper embossed with NHS headings was stolen while a tap was also taken from an NHS Tayside hospital.
Plumbing works seem to be popular, with four shower heads and shower hoses stolen.
A large number of electrical goods have also been stolen from hospitals in the last five years, including three laptops, a projector, a tablet computer, a satellite navigation system, a wireless phone and a headset for a wireless phone.
The most expensive thefts have come in the shape of metal roof materials — costing NHS Tayside £404,467.
This includes one theft, in the 2013/14 period, where metal valued at £315,575 was stolen.
Health Secretary Shona Robison slammed the culprits, who she said were stealing from some of the “most vulnerable people in our society”.
She said: “We’re clear that boards must have the right security policies, procedures and systems in place to minimise thefts as much as possible.
“We’ve provided comprehensive security guidance to NHS boards, including Tayside, to ensure a safe and secure environment for patients, staff, personal property, equipment and data.”
In 2014/15, cash sums totalling £1,805 were taken from NHS Tayside premises, including £775 in accommodation income, £1,000 in catering income and £30 worth of patients’ own funds.
Along with items that have been stolen from NHS Tayside, a significant number of articles have been declared lost.
A total of 16 USB sticks have been lost in the last five years, valued at between £22.74 and £41.36 each.
Two instances of a fake £5 note being paid into NHS Tayside funds were also recorded in the last five years and on five occasions other cash sums belonging to petty cash, totalling £161.92, were lost.
A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said that the issue of items being stolen from their premises is one that can impact the care they provide to the community.
She said: “We take thefts very seriously as any theft from NHS Tayside can potentially have an impact on frontline healthcare services. NHS Tayside regularly promotes the message that ‘security is everyone’s responsibility’ and both staff and members of the public can all play their part in reducing theft.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said that officers work closely with NHS Tayside to improve security at all of their sites.
They added patients receive leaflets about the security of their property and a police officer is based at Ninewells Hospital.
The spokesman said: “We are committed to tackling thefts from any and all establishments throughout the Tayside region.
“As a result of the hard work of local officers, crimes of dishonesty and housebreakings have fallen, with detections for such crimes being on the rise.
“Our officers will continue to work with local establishments and our partners to improve security, prevent further thefts in the area and apprehend the minority of individuals whose actions continue to be a detriment to society.”
More than a third of people living in Dundee are earning less than the living wage.
New figures reveal that there are almost twice as many Dundonians earning less than the living wage as throughout the whole of the rest of Scotland.
A report from Dundee’s Fairness Commission shows that a total of 34.7% of people living in the city are earning less than the £7.85 an hour — the figure for Scotland is 18.4%.
The report adds: “In 2014, almost 23% of people living in Dundee East were earning less than the living wage.
“This is higher than the Scottish figure of 18.4%, but a slight drop from the previous year.”
The report adds that in Dundee West, 11.8% of people were earning less than the living wage.
It continues: “Dundee has lower gross weekly pay levels across full and part time workers than in Scotland overall.
“The gross weekly pay for a full-time worker in Dundee is £467, compared to £518 for Scotland.”
It added that women were more likely than men to be in jobs where they earn less than the living wage.
Responding to the figures Dundee City Council’s chief executive, David Martin, said the local authority was committed to the policy of securing a living wage for city workers.
Speaking at a meeting of the Fairness Commission, Mr Martin said there was “no lack of willingness” at the local authority to adopt the living wage.
He added: “We want to be able to get to a place where we can get businesses accredited to pay that amount, but there are challenges and issues we have to deal with.
“We are on that journey now and talking with other groups to see how we can address these issues.
“We are completely committed to the policy and we are currently just wrestling with the contents.”
He said the council had already agreed to have an integrated approach to adopting a living wage policy and added: “We aim to work through the problem and come back with as much of a commitment as we can to this.”
Being able to express thoughts and feelings is something most people take for granted.
But for those with a learning disability, something as vital as communicating can prove difficult.
For the past 18 years, Dundee charity Advocating Together, which works with people with learning disabilities and those on the autistic spectrum, has been working to change this.
And this month, they’re holding a masquerade ball to celebrate their work and raise funds.
The Tele caught up with four Dundee members of the group.
Roddy Nicol, 63, is a former patient of Strathmartine Hospital, where he spent 26 years.
But after the facility shut its doors in the 1990s, Roddy found himself bored at home.
He said: “I had nothing to do in the house. Someone asked me to come to Advocating Together.
“I went out to the group and made some new friends. Advocating Together helped get me out of the house and I learned to talk about what I like and what I don’t like.”
Heather Blair is another member of the group who had trouble speaking her mind before joining.
Now she is a SAY rep at Advocating Together, which sees her consult with other people with learning disabilities.
She is also a lay assessor for the Care Inspectorate, which involves going out to speak to people with learning disabilities throughout Scotland about their experiences.
Heather said: “They tell me things they won’t tell other people — I check they are happy and that the staff are kind.
“I used to be quiet but now I can speak for myself.
“Advocating Together has made me more confident and now I can tell people what I want and not be bossed about.”
Like Heather, fellow group member Ali Davidson has found his voice thanks to the meetings and now has a job.
He said: “Being here has helped me gain confidence, work with good people, go to lots of meetings and go places like the disability roadshow, self-advocacy groups, training and talks.”
Ali is now Advocating Together’s Safe Place ambassador.
The aim of the Safe Place initiative is to provide locations across Dundee where vulnerable people can go if they’re are out and about and begin to feel unsafe or distressed.
Last but not least is Bobby Heron, 55, who has been a member of Advocating Together for 15 years.
His role as a SAY rep involves speaking to people with learning disabilities and autism and then bringing their views back to planning groups.
He said: “I meet new people and lots of new friends.
“I am a SAY rep and this gets my brain going.”
Advocating Together will hold their masquerade ball at the Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa on Saturday October 24.
The theme — Voices Unmasked — reflects the work they carry out to developing people’s communication skills and confidence.
Tickets are £40, including entertainment, drinks reception and a three course meal.
This event is being organised by the community interest company Along Came Kirsty CIC.
The company’s spokeswoman Fiona Harper said: “Local businesses are being encouraged to help sponsor this event, as we’re still looking for raffle prizes.
“We’d like to thank the Apex and Yu Spa for their help.”
Dundee schoolgirl Megan Fletcher has told the Tele she can’t believe the response to our Bald is Beautiful campaign.
As she headed off for a “normal” day at St John’s High School, 14-year-old Megan said she had been completely blown away by the support she has received from people all over Dundee.
She said: “Everyone has been absolutely amazing.
“So many people have been in touch with messages of support and encouragement.
“And many others are offering to raise money for the campaign.”
Megan became the face of the campaign after it was launched jointly last week by the Tele and Dundee charity fundraiser Charlie Kean.
The brave schoolgirl was diagnosed earlier this month with Hodgkin lymphoma but immediately announced that she wanted her illness to result in something positive.
She said she wanted to help other city children and their families who were facing a battle with cancer.
She decided to have her head shaved prior to chemotherapy treatment to launch the campaign.
She added: “I thought if I shaved my head it would highlight the campaign.
“I also thought it would stop people bullying me when my hair began to fall out because of the treatment.”
Megan has now undergone several courses of chemotherapy — the last one was on Tuesday.
She returned to Dundee from the Sick Kid’s Hospital in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
She said: “I’m excited to be having a few normal days at school.
“I am feeling really well — much better than I expected to be at this stage and that has come as a welcome surprise.
“I thought that at this stage I would be pretty sick and feeling awful and it’s a really pleasant surprise for me that I am feeling well enough to go to school.”
Megan said she hopes to have a few days at school, joining her friends in third year who have already pledged to organise fundraiser events.
She added: “I return to Edinburgh on October 15 for six hours of chemotherapy. I was initially a bit worried about how I would feel while undergoing the chemo but it’s not that bad.
“The last time I had a lengthy session I managed to fall asleep during it much to everyone’s surprise.”
Megan will have to keep attending the hospital in Edinburgh for the next six months before she is then reassessed.
A Dundee dad has told of the terrifying moment his young son was “nearly killed” on a Dundee street — before being saved by his eight-year-old sister.
Little Jayden Carling, four, was walking across Charleston Drive’s pedestrian crossing with the help of his big sister Taylor, when a car came hurtling towards them.
She managed to pull Jayden, who goes to Tiddlywinks Nursery, back just as the vehicle came to a screeching halt — right where the boy had been a second before.
Their dad Darren Constable, 30, told of his anger.
He said: “My partner Michelle Carling and I were in our car with the kids on Monday evening and we stopped on Charleston Drive so I could go to the shops.
“After I’d gone in, the kids wanted to come in too, so my partner let them out of the car.
“She was watching them the whole time.
“Taylor pressed the button and when the green man and buzzer came on she put her foot out to cross.
“She was holding Jayden’s hand and he was already walking ahead of her, when a dark car, either black or dark blue, sped towards them.
“Normally Taylor would freeze but this time she acted really fast.
“Maybe it was because the tyres screeched and that made her act.
“She pulled Jayden back by the arm just in time — if she hadn’t done that they would both have been run over.
“The lunatic driver slammed on the brakes and came to a skidding stop in the middle of the crossing.
“They could have been killed, especially Jayden who was already out on the road.”
Darren explained that after the children were safely back on the pavement, the car drove off and neither he nor Michelle managed to get the registration number.
Neither of the children were hurt, but Taylor, a pupil at Birkhill Primary, was left “shaken” by the incident.
Darren added: “Jayden didn’t really know what had happened but you could see the fear in Taylor’s eyes.
“She hugged Michelle and kept saying ‘mummy, we nearly got run over’.
“We went through a mixture of emotions — at first we were shocked, then we were relieved the kids were OK.
“After that we started to feel really angry.
“We’re lucky that Taylor is very aware of road safety and always waits for the green man and the buzzer.
She did everything right but drivers should be paying attention too.”
Dundonians are proving you can have your cake and eat it — as the popularity of baking takes off.
TV fans may be mourning the loss of the Great British Bake Off from screens for another year, but businesses in the city are keeping a smile on their faces as they roll in the dough from amateur cooks desperate to sweeten up their lives.
The resurgence in interest has gathered momentum over the past five years, helped along by the BBC programme that has captured the imagination of the nation.
Wendy Fraser, owner of baking and cake decorating supply shop The Cake Guru, said: “Baking has become a very fashionable thing to do.”
The former air traffic controller, from Argyll, opened her Broughty Ferry business six years ago, as she spotted a rise in the cake decorating market. The famous baking show was introduced a year later, something Wendy thinks demonstrates that small screen bosses spotted the same changing landscape that she did.
“My job was very high stress and when I first started as an amateur baker, it was such a release. I think Bake Off has introduced a whole load of people to baking that need that same release,” she said.
Jonathan Clark, manager of Clark’s Bakery, in Dundee, says the TV show has helped baking become a “craft”.
He said: “Bake Off has been crucial to getting baking into that category.
“The programme has been great for the industry and getting people to bake at home as well as thinking about baking. There is so much more knowledge and appreciation of what it takes to make a great quality cake.”
Wendy added that baking used to be reserved to the competitions of summer fetes — but it has now become more accessible, creative and “cool”.
“People are certainly more enthused about baking than ever and my business has seen the result of that. I’m very grateful to Bake Off presenter Mary Berry,” she said.
“Although we’re doing well, I think supermarkets have still cashed in on the success of Bake Off more than local businesses.”
Sainsbury’s saw a surge of 246% in online searches for iced buns following their appearance in the show’s final, as well as increases in carrot (21%) and lemon drizzle cakes (45%).
The supermarket also experienced a rise in sales of baking ingredients used on the show shortly after an episode aired. During “Cake Week”, walnut sales rose by 27%, butter by 11.1% and eggs by 14.1%.
Wendy noted that equipment used in the show also flew off the shelves shortly after an episode. The Cake Guru stocks a lot of the same products as used on the show and this, she said, can help sales.
“Often, people are quite attached to the same product”, she said.
“But, and this is where we majorly differ from supermarkets, we can also offer advice and expert knowledge.”
She says that her staff help train bakers at various levels, as more and more customers attempt ambitious and adventurous recipes.
“The days of the boring Victoria Sponge are gone”, she added.
“The technical decoration has become just as important and I think it is the Great British Bake Off that has done that. People see the incredible designs and want to try the same.”
Jonathan is thankful for the programme which, he believes, has had a big impact on the baking industry.
“It is something we needed very badly,” he said. “Clark’s Bakery had to make the decision years ago to move away from just baking and start selling hot food, just to stay open. Ten years ago it was all about going to the supermarket and buying five doughnuts for £1.
“We couldn’t even buy the ingredients as cheaply as the finished product in a shop.”
More than 14 million people tuned in to the final of the show last week, which saw Nadiya Hussain, from Luton, crowned the winner.
Twelve people started the show before they were whittled down over the weeks.
Refugees in Calais are set to benefit from up to 20 new shelters in the next week, courtesy of a Tayside couple and their group of volunteers.
Gemma Chapman, 32, and husband Craig, 28, have assembled a group of 10 people from Dundee and Glasgow, and set off on a ferry from Dover to Calais.
The group will spend a week at the refugee camp, which has featured heavily in the global media, with the aim of building 20 new shelters.
Each shelter is expected to hold around five people.
The couple, from Monifieth, have arranged for £2,500 worth of materials to be delivered to the site. As well as building the shelters, the pair will be teaching in the camp’s schools and distributing aid.
Gemma, an assisted learning teacher at Monifieth High School, said: “We were following the crisis in the news and, as Craig has a construction firm, we initially wanted to donate a van to help with supplies but then we saw the photo that emerged of the drowned Syrian toddler, Aylan Kurdi.
“I have a two-year-old daughter, and that really struck us both. We realised we had to do more to help.
“I knew the October holidays were coming up and began looking at charities working on the ground as I knew that Dundee Refugee Support had the donations side of things covered.
“The camp is on a flood plain and recently a big storm caused a lot of people’s temporary homes and possessions to be washed away, so we decided to try to prevent that happening again.”
Gemma outlined the importance of researching the specific issues so that people wanting to help know what they need to do.
She added: “The camp has been receiving lots of aid donations, which are critical, but they do not have the manpower on the ground to distribute the volumes coming in.
“Between that and the animal-like living conditions, with only 1,500 hot meals a day being distributed among 4,000 people, we decided that we needed to be building homes and helping to get the aid to the people.”
Gemma added: “We spoke to charities on the ground and asked what they needed to make sure that we wouldn’t be a burden.”
The group will be documenting what happens during their week in Calais with the help of a photographer in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of the refugees.
Mess left at a site that had been occupied by Travellers in Dundee has been labelled “a disgrace” by a community leader.
Items left at Jack Martin Way, near Fintry, included burst rubbish bags, discarded soiled nappies and gravel.
A burnt-out caravan, which appeared to have been torched, was also left behind.
Ron Neave, chairman of Fintry Community Council, said the health of the people who were tasked with cleaning up the site was being put at risk.
He said: “The rubbish that has been left at the Jack Martin Way site is a disgrace — it has got to the stage where it is affecting the community and impacting their lives.
“I hate to think if you go back over the last three years just how many thousands have been spent on the clean-up, fixing damage and moving Travellers on.”
He said that the city couldn’t afford to keep picking up the bill every time a site was left in a mess like this in Dundee.
He added: “It is putting people at risk and the people that have to clean up after them are at risk of becoming ill — especially because of the human waste that we are seeing being left behind at the sites.
“It is about time the Scottish Government took action because the council’s efforts are not working.
“We have got to get it through to them — it is impacting local people’s lives.”
The city’s housing convenor, Councillor John Alexander, said he “shares everyone’s frustration” about the site at Jack Martin Way.
The area has been used regularly by Travellers and the most recent group moved on in the last few days.
He said: “Clearly any debris that is left or any rubbish that isn’t being picked up is unacceptable.
“I don’t care whether it’s a Traveller or if it is someone who lives in a house — everyone should be tidying up after themselves.
“They should be respecting our land and respecting our city and that is the bottom line.
“We have been trying to work with groups in the city to the benefit of the taxpayer. It has had some success, but it hasn’t been as successful in some areas — it is a work in progress.
“The current method of just moving the Travellers from area to area isn’t working.
“I think what we need to do is to find a solution that everyone can get on board with and one that everyone is happy with.
“That includes the Travelling community because they need somewhere that is suitable for them.
“If someone is leaving rubbish we will chase them and charge them, although it is very difficult to do because we need to identify the person who is responsible for the rubbish and then take action.
“I share everyone’s frustration with the situation because people should be cleaning up their mess — that is the bottom line.”
Two groups who had opposing views on boundary changes in Broughty Ferry have put their differences aside —in a bid to halt the plans completely.
Residents at Ferryfields are writing in support of West Ferry Residents’ Action Group’s campaign to stop that area becoming part of the East End ward.
Officials are planning to make West Ferry part of the East End ward, but a counter-proposal was revealed by West Ferry residents last week, saying that — should any changes go ahead — residents living north of the A92 should become part of the East End instead.
Those living at Ferryfields had been unhappy with that suggestion, but it’s now been agreed that the groups will work together in a bid to ensure neither area is removed from The Ferry council ward.
Brian Cunningham, spokesman for West Ferry Residents’ Action Group, said it was important to debate everyone’s point of view, and is happy there is a new unity.
He said: “Our key concern is making sure ward eight is left alone, and everybody coming together and supporting Broughty Ferry Community Council’s stance of no change is the best way of doing that, and I think most of us were convinced of that.
“I think it is a happier situation than what could’ve been, and a happier situation than the start of last week. We have held out our hand to the residents north of the A92, and I think we are all now getting behind the community council’s response.”
Brian added that a meeting held last week was key to bringing about a level of solidarity.
He said: “I think people thought we were going to go ahead with the proposal which saw the area north of the A92 being involved in the boundary change instead of us.
“At Tuesday’s meeting, there was an opportunity for clarification, and we were able to discuss and answer questions, and make it clear that it was a worst case scenario if it became apparent our objections were going to be ignored and changes were going to be made.
“The level of objection is so high, it should not be ignored and the very least that should be done is the local authority carrying out a fact-finding mission to find out why this is the case.”
Dundee market trader Marilyn Forbes plans to stop at nothing to help us reach the Tele’s target of £20,000 for the Bald is Beautiful campaign.
In fact the 61-year-old even plans to shave her hair off in support of 14-year-old Megan Fletcher, who inspired and is the figurehead of our campaign, launched jointly with city charity fund-raiser Charlie Kean.
Marilyn, who has run a market stall in Dundee for almost 20 years, said: “When I read Megan’s story and saw her pictures I decided I had to do something.
“I aim to raise as much money as I can but I’m also going to support Megan by having my head shaved.
“People are saying I’m brave by shaving off my hair, but I’m definitely not.
“Megan is the brave one.
“Raising awareness about childhood cancers is an incredible thing for a girl her age to do.”
Marilyn, who lives in St Mary’s, said she had already had friends and family pledge her around £1,500 to shave her head, and she hopes her efforts will net her even more.
She added: “If people support me with as much money as they can I will have my hair shaved off before the end of the month and the Tele can come and watch.”
Marilyn said she also has a few other fundraising ideas up her sleeve and she and a friend now plan to go round city businesses asking them to get involved or donate for the campaign.
She added she was aware that other stall holders at Hilltown Indoor Market, where she has her stall, also had fundraising activities planned.
She added: “I am aware that all the money raised is to be used in Dundee for city families and I am going all out to do my bit.
“This isn’t about me — it’s about Megan and this campaign has just got to me, so I want to do my bit.”
Meanwhile, Derek Reilly, of Kingsway Farm, has revealed plans for the two eight-foot teddy bears donated by Harry Styles of One Direction.
The teddies have arrived at the restaurant and a barrel for donations has been placed beside them.
He has also agreed that for every slice of banoffee cheesecake sold, 20p will go towards the campaign and is hopeful that, along with another few fundraising ideas, the restaurant can raise a minimum of £5,000.
Michael, above, is 47 and for the past two years has slept in a doorway only yards from the regeneration work at Dundee’s Waterfront.
He has had a birdseye view of the progress of the £1 billion redevelopment and has his own thoughts on it from the perspective of his doorway — the only home he knows.
He said: “I wouldn’t say the Waterfront is a waste of money but it’s costing an awful lot.
“And in the meantime there are people like me sleeping rough in Dundee.
“And there are others who are regularly cold and hungry but that’s just the way it is.”
Michael said he wasn’t complaining and is content with his lot, for the time being. Although he does admit that he doesn’t want to live like this forever.
The Tele met Michael recently after a night time drive around the city and were joined by Gareth Norman from the Night Ministry charity.
During our journey, we witnessed tears, laughter, despair, hope, rejection — and also incredible kindness.
In just a few hours travelling with Gareth in the charity’s converted ambulance, it showed a side to the city that not too many people have witnessed.
Hunger, poverty and homelessness were only too obvious.
But on the positive side, the efforts of fellow Dundonians who are tackling the social deprivation issues faced by many are inspirational and heart-warming.
Earlier this year, Dundee was described by the Fairness Commission as being a city that presented two faces to the world; one to the people who live here and one that the rest of the world sees.
A report by the commission said Dundee was “a modern vibrant city which has undergone a remarkable transformation”.
It added: “At the same time there is another Dundee where levels of poverty and deprivation make every day life a struggle for individuals, families and communities across the city.”
Michael is a very glaring example of this contrast.
By day, he begs at the railway station and by night he sleeps outside, whatever the elements throw at him.
However, Michael has chosen to sleep rough. He prefers his quiet doorstep to sleeping in hostels, which he says can be frightening places.
He added: “Hostels can be noisy, hostile and scary, with people trying to steal your belongings or getting involved in arguments over drugs.”
And in his two years in the doorway, which is also in the shadow of a top city hotel, Michael has made some surprising friends.
On the day we met him, just as the nights are drawing colder, a regular passerby presented him with a camp bed, a new sleeping bag and a cosy new jacket.
He added: “People can be incredibly kind and so many bring me food, hot drinks and warm clothing on a regular basis.”
Then there’s Gareth Norman himself, described by many of the people we met as their guardian angel.
When we first met up with him he was handing out hot chocolate, duvets and warm clothing. He also offered practical help, advice and words of support and encouragement.
Due to a lack of volunteers, a regular soup kitchen didn’t make it on to the streets the night we were out, leaving around a dozen hungry people desperate for something to eat.
Nicky, 37, was in tears and completely at her wits end when Gareth handed her a hot drink, a new duvet and warm clothing and she said: “I came here tonight because I am so hungry.
“I haven’t eaten properly for two weeks and have now used up the number of times I can turn to the foodbank for help for this period.”
Nicky said she was recently sanctioned by the benefits agency for missing an appointment and not filling a job centre form properly.
She added: “I’m really desperate now and have even considered begging or shoplifting food but I really don’t want to have to do that.
“People who commit a crime and are jailed have a better time than me with regular meals and a warm bed every night.”
James and Frankie were sitting begging in the city centre when Gareth approached them.
Both were planning to sleep rough.
Thanks to Gareth and his gifts of a duvet and a sleeping bag, their night was going to be a little more comfortable.
Gareth added: “Anyone could end up in this situation and we try to do what we can.
“A close family member of mine was shown incredible kindness by a stranger when he had a serious heroin addiction. This is my way of paying back that back.”
A teenager with an unknown cancer gene has slammed thieves who stole fundraising donations at a party.
Dundee University student Megan Cassidy, of Old Hawkhill, had placed a tip jar on top of the fridge in her communal kitchen in a bid to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
The 17-year-old, who has been advised to have her ovaries removed to avoid developing cancer — was distraught when she found £40 had been taken out of the jar.
Instead, partygoers filled it up with vodka and bottle caps on Tuesday night.
The first-year geography and environmental science student had been hoping to use the money to reach her £1,500 target for the Cancer Research Stand Up To Cancer campaign.
Megan said: “One of my flatmates had a few friends around for pre-drinks and it turned into a full-on flat party.
“I came back at about 10pm and the kitchen was heaving. The party finished at about 2am and that’s when I noticed what had happened.
“At first I thought ‘oh good, more people have donated’, but then I saw the Stand Up To Cancer poster had been ripped.
“The platypus bank, which I was using for the donations to go into, wasn’t on top of the fridge anymore. When I found it, it was filled up with vodka and had bottle caps inside.
“I didn’t think people would stoop that low, to steal money that was for Cancer Research.
“I thought with people being drunk, they might actually be more generous.”
Megan believes there was no way anyone could mistake the funds for anything else but fundraising.
She said: “I had the poster up which had ‘raise cash to beat cancer’ written on it and the platypus bank had ‘stand up to cancer’ all over it.”
Megan, originally from Irvine, said she was passionate about raising awareness about cancer after losing her gran to the disease.
She has been told by doctors to try to have children at a young age so she can have her ovaries removed as early as possible because she carries an unknown cancer gene.
She said: “I was doing the fundraising because we’ve got a genetic problem in the family, so it’s an issue close to my heart. My gran died two years ago aged 60 and her sisters suffered too, so I do fundraising all the time.
“Angelina Jolie had a BRCA1 gene, but they don’t know what ours is, so me, my sister, mum and aunties have regular tests.
“I can have children, but I’ve been told to try to have them young so I can have my ovaries removed. This is why I was so angry at what happened — I didn’t think people could be so heartless.”
The work will provide 122 construction jobs each year of the two-year project, which is expected to generate more than £11m for the local economy.
In addition, once the station opens, a further 75 jobs will be created thanks to a number of new facilities.
Dundee City Council leader Ken Guild welcomed the start of the latest project in the city’s £1bn Waterfront development.
He said: “After the preparation work clearing away the outdated concourse and tired 1970s structures it is good to see our contractors Balfour Beatty on site and the new buildings getting underway.
“They are committed to providing a lasting benefit for the local community and their winning bid included a detailed community engagement plan.”
“In total the work will bring more than 120 construction jobs per year for the two years of the build; £11.6m of gross added value to the local economy; and knock on benefits to the local supply chain, which all add up to make the concourse project a key economic driver for the city while it is being built.
“In addition when the new railway station concourse opens it will create jobs in the associated hotel and retail development.
“Dundee was, for far too long, a stagnating city but is now moving forward in leaps and bounds.”
Hector MacAulay, Balfour Beatty managing director for east of Scotland, said: “This is a key project in the exciting programme to regenerate the Waterfront in Dundee.
“We are particularly pleased to be able to work with the council to generate significant community involvement in the construction phase through local employment and apprenticeships, which will deliver sustainable benefit to the city in the long term.”
A police hunt has been launched after a 9ft snake went missing in Broughty Ferry.
The giant reptile was reported missing at around 6pm today, but could have escaped any time after 8am.
Police said tonight that the snake had gone missing in residential Portree Avenue.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We are advising members of the public of a pet snake that has gone missing from the Portree Avenue area of Broughty Ferry, Dundee.
“The snake is described as 9ft in length and the thickness of an arm.
“However, it is said to be very docile and not thought to be any danger to the public.
“Police Scotland and SSPCA are working to trace the animal and are appealing for anyone with information to call 101.”
