We are now into Winter, past Aberdeen City Council’s Budget and the General Election. I am as busy as ever in The Town House representing the good people of Torry and am looking forward to another year of representing you.
I hope that this Winter report will give you an insight into some of the activities that I have been involved with over the last year. Your views matter to me. I am here to fight your corner; I am elected to represent you. So, if there is any issue you would like me to take to the heart of the Council, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC)
RAAC hit the news with over 500 properties affected in Balnagask. The Council has offered limited support for homeowners.
Shockingly, The Scottish Government has yet to provide any financial support to Aberdeen City Council to help us deal with RAAC.
In July the final decision was made to ‘demolish and rebuild’ these properties. I moved to get homeowners a value for their property BEFORE knowledge of RAAC, not a lesser current value. We cannot demolish houses and also demolish lives. I have written to two First Ministers raising this issue on behalf of residents.
Tullos
I was heartened that the numerous potholes in the Tullos Swimming Pool carpark have been filled in as it is a well-used pool.
It is sad however to see the nearby pavilion and janitor’s lodge in a state of disrepair. I asked Council Officers what their plans are to bring them back into use. The Council is considering the potential disposal of the pavilion by way of a Community Asset Transfer.
They have several groups who have expressed an interest in taking it on. The janitor’s lodge is not being marketed for sale at present. There are planned works to build an undertrack crossing - that carries cables/pipes - which is near to the lodge.
Palmerston Place Bridge
Anti-roost netting had been removed from Palmerston Place Bridge for an unknown reason. Naturally this caused seagulls to roost under the bridge and make the area, newly renovated after the long South College Street Junction Improvement Works, look unappealing.
I reached out to Network Rail, explained the situation and how this was negatively affecting residents getting to work and making the area less attractive for businesses. I previously asked the Council to look further at supporting businesses at The Arches negatively impacted by the Improvement Works.
Network Rail agreed to replace the netting, and the street was also cleaned up by the Council. A positive result that makes the area look better and prevents any nasty surprises on your travels.
Bon Accord & Crown Street
The Council is proposing not to implement Scottish Government changes that would make it easier for individuals to change their windows. For once, I agree with the Scottish Government. We need to make it easier for people to improve their insulation and make their homes warmer, especially during the cold winter months. I have written to all residents to alert them to this, having attended Committee to make the case for implementing the change.
You can read Cllr Kusznir's leaflets below.
