Couple’s anguish over council plan to demolish home

Trust, a housing fund set up by James Bond author Ian Fleming. Notices informing residents of the council’s plan to move to compulsory purchase have been posted in the square since February.

The Ferries bought their home for £8,700 — about £40,000 today — and while the council has offered the pair £45,000, plus 10% to cover moving costs, Hilary says it’s not enough.

She added: “When we were looking to buy here they said it was condemned but we were able to sort it out.

“Between that and the costs of replacing carpets and everything else we’re not being offered what it’s worth.

“We only finished paying the mortgage off six years ago and because Right To Buy ended last year we won’t be able to afford to buy somewhere new and we’ll have to rent instead.

“We’ll have nothing to leave to our children.

“Although we don’t know what they’re going to do, I’ll be really sad to let it go. But we’re not leaving yet.”

City councillors are set to approve the £26m housing plan at Derby Street — encapsulating Butterburn Square — at a meeting of the neighbourhood services committee tonight.

A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “Moving to compulsory purchase is the culmination of a long process which involves making arrangements with existing residents.”

Hilary and Jim Ferrie, who have lived in their home since 1979.