Cloverhill: Disabled granddad vindicated as council admits faults in 'gold standard' estate heating

A disabled granddad who has gone two years without central heating says he feels vindicated after the council finally admitted to faults in his estate’s heating system.

Patrick Malone, who has multiple health conditions, was originally told the eco-friendly air source heat pumps at Cloverhill development in Bridge of Don were “gold standard”, but was left relying on an oil-filled radiator to stay warm.

Residents at the estate claimed that the heating systems in their properties left some relying on alternative heating sources, while others said they have lost confidence in the local authority.

Due to the system’s inefficiencies, some tenants reported receiving energy bills of up to £800.

A letter seen by STV News has revealed that Aberdeen City Council now acknowledges “a number of issues” with the heating systems following a technical review earlier this year.

The local authority says it’s treating the problem as a priority.

Patrick relies on a plug-in radiator to keep warm STV News

For 60-year-old Patrick, it’s been a long time coming.

“I’ve been telling them for the last two years; it’s fallen on deaf ears. Every time I complained, they kept saying I didn’t know how to use the system. They kept blaming the tenants.”

When he first moved in, Patrick was told the eco-friendly heating system would result in cheaper bills. Instead, they soared to up to £250 a month.

He switched to an oil-filled radiator, which brought costs down to between £50 and £70.

He says the system is fundamentally flawed.

“The unit itself won’t be powerful enough to heat the big radiators at the standard you need to heat your home.

“You also can’t run the hot water and the heating at the same time. If you’ve got no hot water, it’s three to four hours to heat back up, meaning you’re left three to four hours longer without any heating.

“You’d need to leave it on all the time. It costs a fortune.”

He added: “I feel sorry for the mums and dads who have children who can’t even afford to have a bath. Bathe one child and three hours to bathe another. In this day and age, it’s not on.”

The council stated a ‘sustainable solution’ for this winter is a top priority, and Cloverhill residents should reach out with any concerns.

Tenants received letters from Aberdeen City Council STV News

Patrick is doubtful the council will have the issue resolved before winter.

“I hope they do learn from this,” he said. “I hope they take from it that they need to listen to their tenants when their tenant is complaining for two years solid, and nothing is done.

“In this day and age, no one should be worrying, ‘Am I putting food on my plate and paying my heating?’ Folk that are vulnerable get a lot worse of it.”

Tenants have been told “discussions are ongoing” to determine if changes in design are required.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: “The Council is treating this as a priority and is taking steps to ensure the heating systems at Cloverhill are meeting the required standard. Residents are being kept informed, and anyone with any concerns is encouraged to contact us directly. We are unable to comment further at this stage.”

A spokesperson for Bancon Homes said: “We are in discussion with Aberdeen City Council and it would not be appropriate for us to make any comment while those conversations are ongoing.”