Residents express frustration over lack of maintenance and repairs in Tillydrone.

Residents of Tillydrone, a suburb of Aberdeen, are raising their voices in unison, urging the Aberdeen City Council to address critical repairs needed in their community. Many locals feel that their concerns have been overlooked, leading to a growing sense of frustration and neglect.

Neglected infrastructure and deteriorating conditions

Numerous residents have reported that gutters and fascias along tenement blocks are in a state of disrepair, attributed to years of insufficient maintenance. Some fascias have been repaired, but many remain in disarray, with some structures so badly damaged that they have become homes for pigeons.

Additionally, blocked drains have exacerbated flooding issues during heavy rain, further complicating the living conditions for families in the area.

Billy Kidd, a community councillor who has lived in Tillydrone for over five decades, has been vocal about the ongoing issues. He has flagged numerous maintenance concerns to the council, yet he feels that his warnings have largely gone unheeded. “We’ve been doing walkabouts with council officials and councillors pointing things out for at least 10 years,” Billy stated, expressing his disappointment over the lack of action taken by the local authority.

Community efforts and ongoing challenges

During a recent tour of the neighborhood, Billy pointed out that some buildings have been without gutters for over two years. He emphasized the importance of regular maintenance, noting that the accumulation of moss on roofs and leaking gutters contribute to the deterioration of fascias. “When the fascias rot, the gutters fall down; it’s a cycle that needs to be addressed,” he explained.

Moreover, the blocked drains present a significant hazard, particularly on Hayton Road, where children must navigate puddles while waiting to cross the street. Billy’s frustration is palpable as he questions the simplicity of cleaning out a gully, highlighting the community’s urgent need for action.

Calls for investment and community support

Despite the community council’s efforts to engage with the city council, including monthly meetings aimed at fostering positive change, progress has been minimal. Billy noted that many of the flats, some over 60 years old, require substantial investment to prevent further decline. “They need major work and investment, or they might as well be knocked down,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address the structural issues.

While recent investments in Tillydrone, such as the new Riverbank School and housing developments, have been welcomed, residents feel that these improvements do not encompass the broader needs of the community. Billy remarked, “We are getting a new school and new flats, but what about the rest of the community?” He believes that the council must prioritize maintenance and repairs to prevent further deterioration of existing structures.

Councillor Ross Grant, who frequently joins Billy on community walkabouts, shares the residents’ concerns regarding the inadequate condition of Tillydrone’s buildings. He warns that without a commitment to significant investment, many structures may soon reach the end of their lifespan. “The council must work with the community to make more tangible progress on improvement projects for these buildings,” he urged.

As the residents of Tillydrone continue to advocate for their community, they remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that necessary repairs will be made to ensure a safe and thriving environment for all.