BSC – update on North East Ward LCPP

17/4/14

North East Ward Presentation
Mike circulated a newly produced map of the North East Ward showing a number of schools, churches, centres and recycling points. He then provided some background on the area before covering some of the achievements and challenges experienced in the Ward;
  • There are around 17,000 residents in the Ward, which is split into two distinct areas. Balumbie / Emmock Woods are fairly prosperous whereas other parts of the Ward experience deprivation
  • Six datazones are in the 15% worst ranked by the Scottish Index of Deprivation - five of these are actually in the worst 5%
  • In Whitfield, the third round of regeneration is underway, with The Crescent providing a new hub. the area has a lot of space for development of properties
  • Fintry is a popular, stable area with a number of shops providing infrastructure
  • Mill O'Mains is changing at the moment with 300 new homes being built
Local Achievements
  • The Crescent is now open. The area in front of it has been designed to be suitable for gala days and civic events. There is also a locally designed community art installation outside the building
  • Local celebrations have proved to be very popular, including Christmas events and volunteer celebrations
  • The North East Now newsletter has been produced and will be circulated to around 7,000 homes. Included in the latest issue is an insert highlighting the grants awarded through the local forum
  • Link Up is a community development project active locally. It runs various events and a regular film club
  • There have been a number of positive environmental developments including Mill O'Mains Tenants & Residents Association receiving trust funding along with Big Lottery and Dundee Partnership funds to develop the local play area. Additional play facilities have also been developed in Fintry North, and bollards put in place to prevent people parking and blocking dropped kerbs in the Fintry shopping precinct. tree planting has also taken place at a number of sites
  • A new Foodbank distribution point will open in the area soon
  • Timebank was piloted in the area and funds have been secured to continue this, from Cash 4 Communities and the Dundee Partnership
  • To date, 48% of the Local Community Plan actions have been achieved, with a further 49% on schedule
Challenges
  • Dealing with the impact of Welfare Reform
  • Supporting people with mental health issues
  • Increasing the aspirations of people
  • Teenage families
  • Improving the state of the car park at Cheviot Crescent (which borders businesses that are largely privately owned)
Future Developments
  • Whitfield Green - developments are almost ready to be started
  • Community Engagement continues to be a priority