If Dundee is named European Capital of Culture in 2023 then the benefits for the city will be huge.
The title would put the seal on the transformation of Dundee from a city many saw in a negative light to one of the most vibrant, exciting places in the UK.
Dundee’s reputation is already growing thanks to the V&A and the wider waterfront development, while events like this summer’s three Slessor Gardens concerts have brought new life into the city centre.
But make no mistake, winning the European Capital of Culture title would be huge and not just for the economic windfall the anticipated surge in visitor numbers promises.
It would change perceptions of Dundee completely – for visitors and residents alike.
Sadly, despite the excitement surrounding the bid people living in Dundee are currently exercised by something far more mundane – the bins.
Dundee City Council’s new recycling programme has got off to what can only be described as a disastrous start.
Even when things start going right, something seems to go wrong. There was no better example this week when the lorry collecting glass in Ullapool Crescent started depositing piles of crushed glass at 50-yard intervals along the middle of the road.
Meanwhile, waste has gone uncollected for weeks in some streets..
It’s little surprise some councillors have set up a hotline for disgruntled residents to raise their complaints. Uncollected waste is not the only issue agitating residents though.
The new Eurobins have proved about as popular as Tony Blair at a Jeremy Corbyn rally. There have been complaints they take up too much room or are too difficult for some elderly residents to walk to.
On Clepington Road, they’ve even been left on double yellow lines on the Arklay Street junction, blocking the view of drivers trying to pull out onto the busy street.
Recycling is hugely important but reliable bin collections are the very least expected by council tax payers.
The roll-out of the new system began in March and had the same problems occurred then the local government election results may have looked a lot different.
The City Council is taking action to iron out the problems – it has recruited temporary agency drivers to help out – but action is not happening fast enough for many people.
Dundee might be pulling itself up by its bootstraps and that ambition is to be applauded and encouraged.
But right now it’s time to clean up the streets.
