West End Community Council

Tonight I attended the December meeting of the West End Community Council.  The meeting was the AGM of the Community Council and I was pleased to chair the part of the meeting where the committee was elected.  Congratulations to those re-elected.

The main item for discussion was a presentation from the Principal of the University of Dundee Professor Pete Downes on the relationship between the university and the local community.  It is important that the university is a good neighbour to the West End and it was good to hear Professor Downes recognise this.  It was good to hear about the progress which the university is making and how it is world-leading in areas like life sciences, and about the excellent work being done at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, as well as the good work in departments like history.

A few local residents raised issues about the impact of the university on housing and car parking across the West End.  Professor Downes was clear that the university is not responsible for the behaviour of students who are adults and how they behave outside the university.  He did, however, say that the university is keen to ensure that students behave well in West End. 

I think that the university should look for ways in which it can engage with residents in the West End in a regular way.  One way would be through representation on the Local Community Planning Partnership.

I was really pleased to see the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University (in effect the Chief Executive)  come and speak at the Community Council.  I think that this is a very welcome step by the university.