Hundreds of RAAC affected Balnagask residents to be moved out

Hundreds of residents in the Balnagask area of Aberdeen are to be moved out "as soon as possible" following identification of RAAC.

Last year, Aberdeen City Council found the potentially dangerous concrete in 500 homes, including 364 council properties.

Around 299 of the affected properties are occupied by council tenants.

A structural report recommended for council tenants to be relocated to alternative accommodation as soon as possible.

The local authority has now written to all affected residents with the offer of meeting with a housing and support officer.

Erica Mitchell has lived in her home for ten years and says the news hit her like a "tonne of bricks".

The Balnagask resident said: "I'm just a bit stressed by it all. I'm used to coming and going from my house where I currently am and I just don't know if I'm coming or going right now.

"It's quite disheartening really, I don't want to move from here.

"I'm upset and just stressed - everybody is now.

"The housing officer is coming to see me next Wednesday but I'll probably have a million questions. Right now, I don't know where I stand."

£3 million has been set aside to find permanent new homes for those affected.

Councillor Miranda Radley, Convener of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee, said: “This is an incredibly difficult situation for everyone living in a RAAC affected property, but the Council will be doing everything we can to support our tenants during this hugely challenging time.

"These are people's homes and we need to ensure we support our tenants, but also engage with owners and privately rented tenants, to keep them informed on this matter.”

The council are currently exploring options for the buildings which include repairing the buildings or demolition.

Tenants will be supported by officers with individual needs throughout the process.