Latest news with #DundeeCityCouncil
The National
3 days ago
- Politics
- The National
When it comes to femicide in Scotland why don't Women of Colour count?
Her death has sent shockwaves through not only Dundee where she lived but communities of colour across Scotland. While it is right that we refrain from public speculation about the circumstances surrounding her murder, it is no wonder that some communities of colour in Scotland are feeling afraid. I believe Dr Gomo's case highlights legitimate questions about women's safety in Scotland. I have no intention to stir up more anxiety but when listening to politicians and police insist there should be no wider safety concerns following the death of Dr Gomo, I'm unsurprised that few within my community believe them. In part, this is because hate crime in Scotland is at record levels and the threat of far-right racism still looms over us in the wake of last summer's violence. And while the leader of Dundee City Council has insisted the city is safe, I simply don't believe there isn't a strong enough basis of evidence to reassure me that this is true for all, especially women of colour. I don't believe it because we know that on a UK-wide level, women of colour are one of the most vulnerable groups to domestic abuse and femicide, yet we have almost no data in Scotland for us to know the extent of the issue here. The latest stats show 22% of female homicide victims in the UK recorded between 2020 and 2022 were from minority-ethnic groups – a massive overrepresentation compared to their share of the population. Most statistics on domestic abuse, femicide and ethnicity rely on freedom of information (FOI) requests by campaign groups to police, yet in the most recent Femicide Census, police forces only provided the ethnicity of 41% of all victims. When the charity that conducts the census received the pitiful number of responses from their FOIs, blatantly racist terms like 'dark European' and 'oriental' were used to describe the murdered women the census counts. The issue goes beyond criminal justice alone, as an anti-racist activist, I frequently encounter a lack of ethnicity data in my work, and it is at its worst in Scotland. It seems it's routine practice for public bodies paid for by taxpayers to not publish or even record data relating to ethnicity and where it is recorded, we see consistent results. People of colour in Scotland are more vulnerable to violence, poverty and homelessness, and women of colour are even more disadvantaged. By not recording violent crime and femicide by ethnicity, we risk losing vital insights that could help us mitigate harm. Evidence suggests that women of colour are more vulnerable to violence because in part of factors like racism and systemic discrimination by police, yet we cannot tackle an issue we don't count. Scotland already has a poor track record of effective interventions to reduce violence against women and there is a real risk that the interventions we do have will not serve ethnic minority women. This is more than a statistical oversight; it is systemic erasure of women of colour in Scotland. Let's be clear, for a country with a strong reputation for human rights and progressive politics, this is a national disgrace. It feels as if our discourse surrounding feminism in Scotland completely ignores these issues. While women are killed on Scotland's streets, our public debate seems stuck on arguing about who gets to use women's loos. Reactions on social media too have shown just how flippantly violence against women of colour is treated. Every person in Scotland, regardless of their race, deserves to feel equally safe. But if we don't take violence against women of colour equally seriously, communities will continue to live in fear. Dr Fortune Gomo was more than a statistic. She was a talented scientist, a mother, a friend, a human being with hopes, dreams and fears. She mattered. Scotland owes her and her family justice and real work to ensure a crime like this can never happen again. I want to believe that regardless of her race or gender, this will happen, but I am scared the real but too often unrecorded inequality in Scotland could endanger this.
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Perth Swallow Roundabout improvement delays "inexcusable"
There have been several accidents since the new layout was introduced in March with confusing road markings and signs Following several accidents, a Carse of Gowrie ward councillor finds it "inexcusable" recommended changes have not yet been made to make a roundabout safer. In March 2025 a road safety audit highlighted several issues with the new road layout at the Swallow Roundabout next to Invergowrie, on the edge of Dundee and road users have raised a number too. But many have still to be addressed and Cllr Angus Forbes fears it "may just be a matter of time" before someone is injured at the roundabout. Approaching the roundabout from Perth, all three lanes have arrows painted on them pointing straight ahead. It is only when you are actually on the roundabout, the third lane has an arrow pointing right, resulting in some A90 northbound vehicles cutting into the middle lane at the last minute. The traffic lights are equally confusing with "no left turn" and "no right turn" signs on them, giving the impression you can only go straight ahead - despite road signage saying otherwise. As for the signs, they too have caused confusion. Approaching the roundabout from Perth, drivers are told there are two lanes which point straight on. It is only when the third lane appears, there is another sign saying there are three lanes and drivers can turn right towards Dundee/Invergowrie. The signs also warn road users of "new traffic signals ahead" but not of a "new roundabout layout ahead". Cllr Angus Forbes is "astounded that something so simple can take so long to put right". He has asked when the safety audit recommendations will be put into place. The Conservative councillor said: "In regard to the incorrect signage on approach to the roundabout from Perth, I am totally perplexed and pretty angry that such a simple fix which everyone agrees should be made has taken so long and is still not fixed. I am aware that accidents have already happened on this roundabout; thankfully none of them involved injury but it may just be a matter of time. "When a safety audit throws up an issue which is simple to fix, for the changes not to have been made - months after the audit was performed - is simply inexcusable." The Swallow Roundabout layout changes were part of the planning conditions - set by Dundee City Council - for the Western Gateway development, which housebuilder Springfield was asked to make. The developer appointed Luddon Construction Ltd to carry out the works. According to Springfield, the findings of the March safety audit are currently "under review" but have "nearly concluded". A Springfield spokesperson said: "The findings of the safety audit are under review by the roundabout designer and Transport Scotland to decide what measures should be taken to address the findings. We understand this part of the process has nearly concluded and look forward to learning the outcome. " Transport Scotland is hopeful resolution works can be "agreed and implemented soon". A spokesperson for Scotland's national transport agency said: "We are aware of the observations in the independent road safety audit carried out by the developer and any post-construction review observations, including those made by road users regarding road markings and signs. The developer is considering how to address them. The developer and their designer, along with Amey and the roads authorities, are working together to resolve these matters. This process is ongoing, and resolutions will hopefully be agreed and implemented soon. Transport Scotland will continue to work with the developer to help resolve these issues as quickly as possible.' Amey said Western Gateway residents were "strongly supportive" of the measures taken to improve active travel provision at the busy junction. Pedestrians and cyclists can now use the traffic lights to go straight through the middle of the roundabout to cross to the other side. The Amey spokesperson said: "The Western Gateway Community Group is strongly supportive of benefits the roundabout redesign has provided. Bill Batchelor, chair of the group has commented that: 'Prior to the construction of this junction, there was no suitable access for Western Gateway residents into Dundee, with the only route being a secluded, unlit path behind the Swallow and through the underpass. The new infrastructure has significantly improved safety and accessibility. It provides a much needed lifeline for those who walk or wheel'. "Supported by Amey, the operating company for the North East Trunk Road network, Transport Scotland are working with all parties, including Springfield, their design consultant and Dundee City Council to ensure that any changes at Swallow Roundabout identified in the safety audit or reported by members of the public are fully considered. Any changes from the original design is a complex process involving consultation with a range of parties to identify the most effective solution, which will be progressed as quickly as possible. "Adjustments have already been made to the traffic light sequencing and initial monitoring has shown a reduction in journey times on the A90 eastbound approach to the junction. Monitoring will continue, and further adjustments will be made as necessary to optimise the signal phasing."
The Courier
13-06-2025
- The Courier
EXCLUSIVE: Gangland feuds in Dundee behind spate of torched cars
Warring crime gangs are behind the spate of deliberate car fires across Dundee, The Courier can reveal. Vehicles, including motorhomes, have been targeted in several incidents across the city over the last few months. Cars have been set on fire on Cotton Road, Longfield Drive, Finlathen Park and Crathie Place in Douglas, among other locations. Police say many incidents across the city are linked to 'disputes between criminal associates'. It's understood these incidents are not linked to Operation Portaledge, a probe into gang violence across the central belt. Several people have been reported to prosecutors for wilful fire-raising in Dundee, including an 18-year-old, who was charged in connection with four incidents. Chief Inspector Rachael Burns, Local Area Commander, said: 'We are aware of the issue of vehicle fire-raising incidents in Dundee, which understandably are of concern to the public and indeed to ourselves. 'From our investigations, it appears that many of these incidents are linked to disputes between criminal associates. 'A small proportion are connected to acquisitive crime or attempts to destroy forensic evidence. 'Both uniform and CID officers have been investigating the fires, and a number of people are the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal for multiple offences, including a recent case where an 18-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with four incidents of wilful-fire-raising.' The Courier previously revealed that petrol stations were being asked to halt cash fuel sales amid a 'significant spike' in deliberate car fires. A report revealed that between October and December last year, 35 vehicle fire-raisings were recorded in Dundee. CI Burns says the force 'continues to take preventative measures,' which include working in close partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Dundee City Council, and the local authority. She added: 'High visibility patrols and support from Community Wardens have also been increased to reassure the public. 'We remain committed to working with local partners and the wider criminal justice community to ensure thorough investigation, support for victims, and robust action against offenders. 'Again, whilst we totally appreciate the concerns the public may have, we believe the risk to the wider public remains low. 'Our efforts continue to address this complex issue and maintain community safety.' Anyone with any information is asked to phone Police Scotland on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
The Courier
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Dundee golfers could launch bid to reopen Caird Park courses
A group of Dundee golfers could launch a bid to reopen the Caird Park golf courses under a community ownership model. Friends of Cairdy and the Golf Course, made up of players and campaigners who want to see the courses reopened, is exploring the idea of taking the facilities over from the council. If the proposals went through and were financially viable, the courses could then be run as a not-for-profit set-up. The courses were shut down in April in a cost-cutting move by Leisure and Culture Dundee (LCD), ratified by Dundee City Council. The move was designed to save more than £400,000 a year from the LCD budget. The Courier revealed in December how a golf firm had drawn up 'exciting' plans to save the courses. However, these proposals have gone quiet, and the courses are currently being left to overgrow. Paul Johnson is a member of the campaign group and one of those pushing for golf's return to Caird Park. He told The Courier: 'We are confident we can sustain it because there were at least 1,000 season ticket holders when the courses closed. 'We would have at least 20 volunteers, and we would employ greenkeepers who were made unemployed. 'I believe there is still machinery there which can be used. 'Season ticket holders will sustain it, and once we get people playing golf on it again, it will generate money.' However, the group says it needs a breakdown of the finances associated with running the courses to assess whether a community takeover would be viable. Paul said: 'We put a Freedom of Information request into the council at least six months ago asking for the figures, but we've been told they can't give the information and they're holding us up. 'We need the council to give us that information.' Paul says the group wants to bring golf back to Caird Park by April next year. A meeting is being held among members on Thursday afternoon to discuss the proposals. They are also considering whether they could apply for any grants or funding that would help kick-start the takeover. Paul added: 'We just want it to be affordable because it's disgusting how they've treated working-class people. 'Closing the course has caused so much grief. 'I don't want it to become another Camperdown fiasco. 'It should remain a green belt for playing golf on.' In December last year, council leader Mark Flynn told The Courier he would be willing to listen to any proposals to keep golf at Caird Park. He said: 'If anyone is interested in doing something with the council and working with Caird Park to see what can be done in the future, my door is always open.' A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: 'Submissions from interested parties are currently being appraised regarding alternative leisure development of areas within the park and any recommendations would be considered at a future committee.'
The Courier
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Courier
EXCLUSIVE: Council in Dundee aware of Raac issues nearly 50 years ago
Dundee's former local council was aware of structural issues caused by Raac nearly 50 years ago, The Courier can reveal. Documents from the local authority archives reveal that concerns were first raised about Siporex, a brand of Raac, as far back as 1977. The issue was discovered in 34 homes. In 1977, the depute chief architect of City of Dundee District Council – as it was called then – wrote a report called 'Craigie Drive 3rd Development – Defective Ceilings'. The architect stated that the moisture content of Siporex 'was higher than normally would be expected' in units built nine years previously in 1968/69. The architect, Ian M. Dunsire, speaks of the concrete 'blistering'. He reports: 'These blisters are sufficiently loose to be easily removed and leave a small crater on the underside of the ceiling.' Siporex problems were identified in three estates, known then as Craigie Drive 3rd development, and Kirk Street 1st and 2nd developments. The Courier understands they are now called Southampton Place, Kirk Street and Yeamans Lane. All three streets have been found to contain Raac since 2023 through testing by Dundee City Council. In 1978, the director of technical services at the City of Dundee District Council submitted a report detailing the probable costs for 'the repair of Siporex ceilings' at the three developments. £70,000 was set aside in 1978 to address the issue. The Right to Buy scheme, through which many Raac properties were purchased from the council, did not begin until 1980. Nearly 800 homes in Dundee are now known to contain Raac, the highest number of affected residential properties in Scotland. Dundee City Council has repeatedly told homeowners they must pay for their own repairs. A statement on the local authority's website states: 'The council has no ongoing maintenance responsibilities and no liability towards owners who bought their former council properties under the 'Right to Buy' scheme, or any subsequent owners.' As part of our Trapped by Raac campaign, The Courier is asking people to sign this petition to help homeowners affected by the crisis. The Courier asked Dundee City Council if it accepts that Raac was known to be in homes, and that there were issues with the product, before the properties were sold to private homeowners through the Right to Buy Scheme. In response, a spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: 'These are historic records which relate to consideration of work at 34 properties. 'There was no suggestion of wider remedial work being identified across the rest of the development, or in other developments where Siporex might have been used, indicating that this was being treated as a localised issue. 'Defects can happen in properties of all construction types and there was no prior equivalent industry-wide concern about Raac until the issues came to light in schools in England from 2019 onwards.'
