Aberdeen residents in limbo over RAAC relocation as homes in Balnagask area now 'worthless'

Residents in Aberdeen affected by the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in their homes said they are “devastated” to be told their homes are “worthless”.

Around 500 properties in the Balnagask area of Torry were identified as being at risk of collapse by Aberdeen City Council who sent a letter to residents in late February.

Residents carried out a protest outside the city council building calling for more financial and mental health support during the relocation process.

The relocation is said to affect around 350 homes occupied by council tenants, as well as around 150 homeowners.

Homeowner Carol Lawrie told STV News: “It’s just devastating, a house you’ve lived in 20 odd years now to be told it’s worthless.

“I’ve worked hard to pay my mortgage, working two jobs at one point just to pay the mortgage to be told it’s going to be worth nothing.”

Hannah Chowdhry added: “It has taken a mental toll on me, as it has with everyone.

“They’ve got family and jobs too, and just that impending fear of your roof collapsing, potentially harming you, killing you, one could say, it’s just so awful.”

Lynn Winstanley said: “Homeowners don’t even know what they are doing because the decision hasn’t been made whether the properties will be demolished or repaired.

“Until that decision is made, we are completely in limbo.

“We have been told that a decision won’t be made until August. That’s another two months yet.”

The city council said it would aim to complete all of the rehoming by the end of the year.

Councillor Christian Allard, co-leader of the council said: “We have made a big call with the third sector organisations to make sure we have as much mental health support for the people concerned and not only the people concerned but all of the people of Torry who are going to need that support.”