Potholes? Mend them yourselves, council tells residents

FOR centuries it has been a public road in the historic heart of a Scottish city.

But residents in one of Aberdeen’s oldest streets have been told they must fix their own potholes because The Chanonry is not owned by the council.

Aberdeen City Council officials have offered to provide materials but say the Old Aberdeen residents must arrange to carry out the repairs themselves.

Now furious householders in the area are demanding that the local authority finally take responsibility for the 300-yearold cobbled street leading to St Machar Cathedral.

The historic street has become riddled with potholes in recent years.

However, Aberdeen City Council insists that it is not obliged to

‘Something now needs to be done’

do or pay anything towards the thoroughfare’s upkeep.

A spokesman said: ‘The particular stretch of road is privately maintained, although it is a public road.

‘It is not a road adopted by the city council and therefore, like many others within the city, we will not be maintaining it.’

Old Aberdeen Community Council group chairman Dewi Morgan has questioned if the ‘stalemate’ was an acceptable state of affairs.

And last night Anne and Andrew Louden, who live on the potholed street, accused the council of being ‘unwilling’ to help repair the ‘appalling’ road.

Mrs Louden said: ‘As it is a major street for tourism in the area, something needs to be done.’

Her husband added: ‘The council charges people to park here, and have contributed to the upkeep in the past, yet seemingly are unwilling to now.’