Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
‘Eyesore’ flats set to be demolished
BLOCKS of flats in Dundee which have been labelled an “eyesore” are set to be demolished next month.
The former residential flats i n Murrayfield Drive and Whitfield Avenue in Whitfield were vacated last year.
An array of items, including disused carpets, have been left beside a former bin storage area at the flats.
There was also a bin set on fire last week.
Anne Rendall, depute convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood services, said tenders for the pending demolition are being considered.
She said: “This type of behaviour is very disappointing.
“Flytipping and starting fires blights the community and is completely unacceptable.
“Tenders for the demolition of these particular properties are due to be considered by the neighbourhood services committee.”
George Roberts, chairman of the Whitfield Development Group, said he hoped that the matter would be dealt with sooner rather than later.
Mr Roberts said: “It is obviously disappointing to hear that these properties have been targeted in this way over recent weeks.
“I’m sure safety wardens and officers working in the area will do their best to keep an eye on the properties.
“Given that tenders for the demolition are being considered, it sounds like wheels are in motion to deal with the properties sooner rather than later. “
Residents today welcomed the news that the flats are set to be knocked down.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “We got a letter last week telling us they will be coming down in November. They have been lying empty for at least a year and have become a bit of an eyesore so it will be great when they are gone.
“When the high-rise flats on the other side were knocked down, a lot of the trouble stopped so hopefully the area will quieten down even more.”
Another resident who lives near the flats said she has contacted the police on a number of occasions.
She added: “When the flats first became empty a lot of kids came down and broke their way into them.
“I phoned the police numerous times but they didn’t do much. Just last week fires were set in the flats, so I will be glad when they are gone, to stop that trouble.
“One block of the flats has been sitting empty for a number of years but the other hasn’t been quite as long.
“I have lived in my house for more than 30 years and am very comfortable where I am, so it will be great when they are gone and it is even quieter around here.”