Living Streets Torry 2017

Street Audit Report for ‘The Hen Hooses’, Torry, Aberdeen Aberdeen City Council February 2017

We are Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking. We want to create a walking nation where people of all generations enjoy the benefits of streets fit for walking.

Contents Executive Summary ………………………………………..page 3 Living Streets ……………………………………………….page 4 Walkable Communities ……………………………………page 4 Introduction …………………………………………………page 5 Community Street Audit & School Route Audit process..page 7 Map of area …………………………………………………page 8 Area context ………………………………………………...page 9 Residents survey – key findings …………………………..page 11 Street Audits – key findings………………………………...page 12 Recommendations …………………………………………page 26 Conclusion …………………………………………………..page 39 Contacts ……………………………………………………..page 40

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

2

Executive Summary The Locality Manager for Torry approached Living Streets Scotland for support to take forward a Community Street Audit to underpin improvements to local streets and spaces. An area of housing between Balnagask Road and Gridleness Road was identified as a useful focus for street audit activities; Living Street Scotland facilitated two Community Street Audits, both taken forward on February 6th.

The Community Street Audits were informed by a Residents Survey, which was undertaken by Living Streets Scotland and Aberdeen City Council staff , and pupils, staff and parents/carers from Tullos Primary School participated in a workshop and School Route Audit. In total, the programme of street audit activities engaged 51 participants, including local residents, members of the school community, and officers working in the Torry area.

Street audit activities identified assets valued by residents within the street audit area.  Play park at Abbey Place  Crossing facilities on Balnagask Road A number of themes emerged from the street audit activity that residents feel adversely affect the quality of local streets and spaces.  Lack of maintenance of local streets and spaces, including: green spaces; pavement surfaces; stairways; and street furniture  Lack of amenities for play and socialising for young people and children  Increase in anti-social behaviour, including: drinking and drug taking in outdoor spaces; dog fouling; and issues with fly tipping/litter Specific issues uncovered by the street audit activity include: 

  

Issues with accessibility, including: a lack of drop kerbs at crossing points; stepped access to pavements and footways; and parking bays intersecting footways across from Tullos Primary School Issues with the cleanliness and aesthetic quality of local streets and spaces, including: issues with overflowing bins; and dog fouling Issues with the poor condition and lack of maintenance of pavement and path surfaces, stairs, and handrails in several locations Issues with the location of a zebra crossing on Girdleness Road providing access to Tullos Primary School, and the condition of crossing facilities on Victoria Road providing access to Abbey Place play park.

The street audits provided an opportunity for local residents and community partners to highlight assets and barriers to walking on local streets and to work with officers to develop appropriate responses to the opportunities and challenges these represent. This report includes recommendations thought to have the potential to address issues identified by residents as impacting on the quality of streets and spaces.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

3

Living Streets We are Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking.

We want to create a walking nation, in Scotland and the UK, free from congested roads and pollution, reducing the risk of preventable illness and social isolation and making walking the natural choice. We believe that a walking nation means progress for everyone.

Our ambition is to get people of all generations to enjoy the benefits that this simple act brings and to ensure all our streets are fit for walking.

For more than 85 years, we’ve been a beacon for walking. In our early days, our campaigning led to the UK’s first zebra crossings and speed limits. Now, our campaigns and local projects deliver real change to overcome barriers to walking and our ground-breaking initiatives such as the world’s biggest Walk to School campaign encourage millions of people to walk.

Progress starts here: one street, one school, one step at a time.

Walkable Communities Project Living Streets Walkable Communities 2016/17 supports local authority and community partners to work together to achieve better quality street environments, and to encourage and enable people of all ages and abilities to walk more often for every day journeys.

Funded by the Scottish Government and Paths for All, the project can employ Community Street Audits, awareness raising and capacity building activities, and events and activities designed to promote walking form a focus for delivery and provide the mechanism through which positive and lasting working relationships can be formed between partners to deliver the aims of the Scottish Government National Walking Strategy aims1i.

Let’s Get Scotland Walking – National Walking Strategy http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2014/06/5743 LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND 11

4

Introduction Within the context of developing and enacting the Torry Neighbourhood Plan, the Locality Manager for Torry approached Living Streets Scotland for support to take forward a Community Street Audit to underpin improvements to local streets and spaces.

A programme of improvement works to council owned housing stock known locally as ‘The Hen Hooses’ is currently being delivered within Torry. An area of housing between Balnagask Road and Gridleness Road has been identified by the Principle Architect at Aberdeen City Council as a useful focus for street audit activities, with the intention that some improvements identified as priorities by local residents can then be addressed via this programme. After discussion with the Locality Manager, Principle Architect, Development Manager (Neighbourhood Planning) and Capacity Building Officer for Torry, Living Streets Scotland agreed to support partners in taking forward a Community Street Audit and a School Route Audit linking the primary school, residential streets, and local shops and bus stops.

Living Street Scotland facilitated two Community Street Audits, both taken forward on February 6th.

The street audits provided an opportunity for local residents and community partners to highlight assets and barriers to walking on local streets and to work with officers to develop appropriate responses to the opportunities and challenges these represent. Participants in the Community Street Audit activities included residents of the Torry area, Torry Community Council members and members of the Old Torry Community Centre board. Local residents unable to attend the event were able to provide feedback on specific issues via email and through telephone interviews conducted by Living Streets Scotland staff. Additional participants in the street audits included the local MSP, local councillors, and officers from Aberdeen Council teams including Housing, Road Safety and Management, Environment, and City Wardens. 17 officers and residents attended the morning Community Street Audit session, and a further 8 attended the afternoon session, with comments from an additional 5 residents via email.

The Community Street Audit was informed by a Residents Survey, which was undertaken by Living Streets Scotland and Aberdeen City Council staff on November 28th. The survey focused on residents living in the ‘Hen Hooses’ between Balnagask Road and Girdleness Road, including both council tenants and owner occupiers/private tenants. Residents were canvassed on the street and in their homes. In total, 18 residents participated, providing comment on a range of issues affecting their enjoyment and use of outdoor space.

In addition to the Community Street Audit and Residents Survey, Living Streets Scotland facilitated a short workshop with officers from various council teams including Road Safety and Management, Community Planning, Housing, Waste and Recycling, and City Wardens. Also attending was NHS Grampian Health Improvement Officer. The session brought various stakeholders working in Torry and the ‘Hen Hooses’ area together to gain a better understanding of the Community Street Audit process, and discuss actions to address various issues emerging from the street audit process.

Pupils, staff and parents/carers from Tullos Primary School participated in a School Route Audit, facilitated by Living Streets staff. Pupils living in the ‘Hen Hooses’ area were selected by the school LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

5

to attend a workshop on January 18th. Pupils used maps to identify the things they liked and disliked about local streets, paths and green spaces, concerning their school journeys and for playing out. The following week, pupils and staff, and members of the Parent Council, attended a short ‘School Route Audit’ activity, walking an agreed ‘route to school’ and recording assets and barriers for walking and play. 18 pupils, staff and parents attended these activities.

In total, the programme of street audit activities engaged 51 participants, including local residents, members of the school community, and officers working in the Torry area.

Street Audit activity taken forward in Torry as part of the Walkable Communities 2016/17 programme builds upon previous work undertaken by Living Streets Scotland. In 2005, Living Streets Scotland facilitated a workshop and street audit session with Aberdeen City Council officers, including the Disability Access Officer, Community Wardens, and officers from planning and transportation teams. The street audit activity focused on Victoria Road, from Victoria Bridge to the junction with Grampian Road. The audit took place in the context of a wider comprehensive route assessment by Aberdeen City Council, and consideration of improvements to Victoria Road along its length. The activity identified maintenance and parking and traffic enforcement issues, and the layout of junctions and quality of crossing provision for pedestrians as being of greatest concern to participants. Following the street audit, some improvements to the layout and crossing provision at Walker Road and Crombie Road were delivered.

In 2011, Living Streets Scotland facilitated a Community Street Audit for residents of St. Peters Court, also located on Victoria Road. St. Peters Court is a sheltered housing facility providing accommodation across 30 apartments for older persons requiring some additional support.

Residents had identified issues presenting a barrier to walking on Victoria Road and in the vicinity of the sheltered housing facility that were impeding their ability to make short, every day journeys on foot, including to reach local bus stops and shops. Specifically, residents raised the issue of the volume and speed of traffic on Victoria Road, and a lack of appropriate crossing facilities, as of significant concern. A further concern was the condition of pavement surfaces along Victoria Road, which residents felt increased a risk of a slip, trip or fall. A short Community Street Audit report was compiled and submitted to Aberdeen City Council in 2012. Limited action has since been taken to address larger scale issues, however some improvements to pavement surfaces at specific locations have been delivered since 2012.

This Street Audit Report details the findings of all of the street audit activities undertaken through Walkable Communities 2016/17 and provides recommendations for improvements generated by participants, considered by them to have the potential to improve outdoor spaces for walking, socialising and outdoor play. The report focuses on the ‘Hen Hooses’ area, however residents participating in the activity have highlighted on going issues on Victoria Road, including the general condition of pavements, crossing facilities, and the impact of traffic, as being of concern. Copies of the 2005 and 2011 Community Street Audit reports are available from Living Streets on request.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

6

Community Street Audit & School Route Audit process A Community Street Audit is a well-recognised Living Streets branded product that has become synonymous with Living Streets’ expertise in creating better streets for pedestrians since 2000.

Streets and public spaces are most successful when residents have the opportunity to influence decisions about them, and effective involvement is a necessary to reap the benefits of a good community relationship. The Community Street Audit is a facilitated approach to understanding how streets work for the people who use them every day, rather than those that manage them.

Our audits are of use to transport and highways teams, public health, regeneration, planning, parks, housing, as well as local communities and stakeholders. Street audit reports and the recommendations they contain can help inform forward planning for an area by identifying the priorities local people feel are most important, with walking and local streets and spaces in mind.

We aim to engage with a cross section of a community and include the views of different street users with differing needs of the local environment – including older people, people with disabilities, young people, schools, parents and children, as well as other important local stakeholders including businesses, local residents and people working in an area.

A route or routes are selected, with the participation of local residents and stakeholders wherever possible. Routes should take people where they would like to go, for example linking residential streets to a local school or shops, or linking the town centre to a rail station or bus links. Once the route has been agreed, participants walk the route, identifying assets and barriers for walking, and discussing recommendations for improvements. Wider consultation can include focus groups, interviews, and surveys, ensuring the needs of local people who may not be able to as easily participate in the walk about are included. Finally, a brief report including the street audit findings and recommendations is produced.

A School Route Audit focuses on the area around a school. School Route Audits are designed to enable school communities and local authorities to create local streets fit for the walk to school; streets conducive to socialising; and streets providing opportunities for outdoor play.

When looking at school routes, it is important to identify issues on the route in exceptional circumstances: for example when a large number of young families and potentially other pedestrians are walking along them all at once. It is also important to recognise that parents, carers and children will arrive at school having taken a number of different routes. Working closely with children and parents from an early stage is essential to identifying the key routes to consider, and to understand the assets and barriers on these routes at these exceptional times.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

7

Map of the area

Map provided by Aberdeen City Council, and showing ‘Hen Hooses’ area considered by the Community Street Audit.

This area is currently undergoing a programme of improvements works to council owned properties. Through this work, there is leeway to upgrade outside spaces, including stairs, handrails, path and pavement surfaces, green spaces and drying greens.

The area describes the focus of the Residents Survey activity.

Tullos Primary School is off the photographed area, to the bottom left.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

8

Copyright to Openstreetmaps Contributors.

The map shows the route considered by the Community Street Audit activity and the School Route Audit activity.

In addition to walking the circular route indicated in red, participants in the community and school route audit activities also walked the eastern end of Farquar Road, Burnbank Terrace, and lanes and steps to the rear and between houses within this area.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

9

Area context

The Torry area lies to the south east of the city centre, separated from the city by the River Dee and linked to the city centre via 3 bridges. Land use is a mix of residential and some industrial. The area includes ‘Old Torry’ to the north and along the waterfront, with newer housing constructed in the 1960’s and 1970’s located between the railway line and Victoria Road to the north, and south of the railway line to the west. The ‘Hen Hooses’ includes housing built to alleviate overcrowding in the city centre, and consists of semi-detached mono-pitch housing, and multi-storey flats. Figures for the Torry area indicated approximately 42% of residents rent from the local authority, with the majority of homes within the ‘Hen Hooses’ area owned and maintained by Aberdeen City Council2.

Data zones located within Torry score within the most deprived 15% on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation across categories including income, employment, and health. Over 50% of Torry residents do not have access to a car or van, meaning that a majority of residents are reliant on walking and public transport for local journeys and for journeys in and out of the city centre.

The impact of the development of the new harbour at Nigg Bay can be anticipated to be significant.

Development of the harbour will commence in the coming year, and some increase in traffic volumes through Torry and potentially the area considered by the Community Street Audit is likely.

In particular, consideration should be given to actions to mitigate any increase in traffic in the vicinity of the Hen Hooses, including assessment of current crossing facilities on Victoria Road, Girdleness Road, and potentially Balnagask Road.

2

Torry Neighbourhood Profile, Research and Information, Aberdeen City Council, 2016

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

10

Residents Survey – Key findings The Residents Survey was designed to guide conversation with local residents of the ‘Hen Hooses’ and streets identified as the focus of the street audit activity. Survey questions were based on the themes included within the Health Scotland Place Standard3 tool, drawing on themes and questions pertaining to the physical elements of place, and leaving aside themes and questions pertaining to social aspects of place. Survey questions were presented in an informal, conversational manner, encouraging residents to discuss the issues and topics of most importance to them. A range of issues was identified by participants as being of concern, with the following themes emerging as key: 

Maintenance – including: poor condition of path and pavement surfaces; inadequate clearing of leaf litter from stairs and paths; poor condition of stair ways and handrails; littering and generally poor condition of green areas and drying greens; maintenance and care of planting and trees; in sufficient bin collections and littering/fly tipping.



A lack of amenities/activities and ‘places to go’ for young people – including: impact locally of a reduction in youth worker led services and activities and community centre based activities.



Safety, and an increase in anti-social behaviour – including: issues with increased drinking and drug taking and disposal of paraphernalia, including needles; fly tipping and littering; motorbikes on common ground; vandalism including setting fire to communal bins.



A lack of amenities/activities and services for young children/parents and carers – including: Tullos toddler group ending; lack of alternative groups locally.



A sense that Torry has not been ‘well served’ in decision making and service provision – for example: planning permission for a new energy from waste facility; secondary school closure; reduction in services Torry i.e. youth services



Under promotion of local natural/heritage assets – including: Torry Battery; Bay of Nigg/beach; green spaces and playing fields

‘Maintenance. Everywhere you look – bins overflowing, and it’s a regular occurrence.’

‘Kids have nothing to do now. Community centres don’t have enough on and there are no youth centres and things. ’There’s more drinking and drugs than before’ ‘Anti-social behaviour is getting worse’ ‘Torry as a whole is poorly served. We got the incinerator and we didn’t want it. The school closing, didn’t want that.’ http://www.placestandard.scot/#/home LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND 3

11

Street Audits - Key findings Assets Participants in the various street audit activities were able to identify a number of ‘assets’ for walking, social interaction, and play within the area considered.

Play park on Abbey Place: Street audit participants noted that there were very few play parks with play equipment in the vicinity of the ‘Hen Hooses’ area, and that this park was therefore well used by families with young children. The park was noted to be generally well maintained and to be a pleasant space, with a bench, range of play equipment, and planting. Participants note that some of the play equipment is old and in need of upgrading, and that the park could be enhanced with more equipment for a larger range of ages.

Crossing facilities on Balnagask Road: Crossing facilities are provided at regular intervals along Balnagask Road, and include drop kerbs and tactile paving, and pedestrian islands. A zebra crossing is provided at the multi storey flats west of the entrance to Farquar Road. Crossing facilities are located prior to the entrances to side streets on the pedestrian desire line, and therefore facilitate every day journeys including to local shops at Abbey Square, onwards journeys to shops and amenities on Victoria Road, Tullos Primary school, and local bus stops. The provision of places to cross at regular intervals prevents the Hen Hooses from feeling cut off from other residential streets and local amenities to the north. Participants in school route audit activities note that the provision of a zebra crossing in the vicinity of the multi storey flats and local shops is especially useful, as this allows parents to ‘park and stride’ from Balnagask Road, helping to reduce traffic congestion on Girdleness Road in the vicinity of the primary school at busy times.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

12

Issues Drawing on findings collated from the Residents Survey, and community and school route audit activities, it is possible to identify specific issues that affect the quality of streets and spaces across the street audit area. Residents and street audit participants have been able to provide some specific locations where an intervention or improvement would be welcome and would have an impact on the quality of streets and spaces for walking, social interaction and play.

Issue 1: Accessibility 1.1 Drop kerbs and pavement access Although drop kerbs are provided at crossing points on pedestrian desire lines at many locations, the quality and accessibility of these facilities varies. For pedestrians using mobility aids (including wheelchairs, electric chairs, mobility scooters, rollators and walking frames), and those walking with prams and pushchairs, the height of the up-stand at the ‘dropped’ section of kerb can be a barrier to accessing the pavement if this is too high to navigate easily. In some cases, this can mean that an individual must walk on the road amongst traffic. Drop kerbs can also present a barrier to access where the width of the ‘dropped’ area is inadequate; or when the condition on kerbs, road and pavement surfaces increase the risk of a trip or slip. Missing drop kerbs at crossing points on the pedestrian desire line (for example, at the entrance to side roads or parking bays) can prevent pedestrians using mobility aids from being able to access a pavement all together.

Tactile paving, including at drop kerbs and formal crossing facilities such as pedestrian islands and signalised crossings, is useful to pedestrians with impaired vision as they identify a place to cross and signal to the pedestrian that they have reached the end of the pavement. Tactile paving is provided at zebra and other formal crossing facilities across the street audit area, however there are some locations where it was felt provision could be improved. A list of locations where improved drop kerb access would be welcome is included in the Recommendations section.

Missing drop kerbs and tactile paving at entrance to Rockall Place from Rockall Road, and again at parking to the front of Multi-storey flats on Balnagask Road

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

13

1.2 Condition of stairs and handrails Mono-pitch housing running west/east along Farquar Road, Burnbank Terrace and Lochnaggar place, and including lanes and paths to the rear of properties, is permeated by sets of stairs running north/south at several locations.

Most of these stairs are noted to be on a steep gradient, with narrow steps. This makes them inaccessible to anyone using most types of mobility aid, and to those walking with prams and pushchairs, necessitating a lengthy detour for some to reach Tullos Primary School and amenities on Girdleness Road.

Handrails are provided at each set of steps; however, the condition of these is noted to be generally poor. Most are rusty, and many require being re-set as they are unstable and therefore unsafe to lean on. Improved handrails may make use of the stairs safer for some pedestrians, including those with limited mobility and balance issues.

Street audit participants note that stairs themselves are in poor condition, often having cracked or damaged surfaces, and also being slippery as a result of drainage issues and uncleaned leaf-litter.

These additional hazards particularly affect older pedestrians, children and other vulnerable pedestrians.

Participants in school route audit activities note that, although a zebra crossing is provided on Girdleness Road linking to the Girdleness Steps (opposite the entrance to Ladywell Place), these are not well used by those walking to Tullos Primary School from the north. Parents, staff and pupils suggest that, in fact, more people walk along Rockall Road, preferring this as it is step-free.

Many of those making the school journey are walking with small children and pushchairs, and find the steps inaccessible for that reason.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

14

1.3 Step access to pavements or footways The street audit activity identified 3 locations where stepped access to pavements presents a barrier to access for pedestrians reliant on mobility aids, and those walking with pushchairs and prams.

Girdleness Road and Rockall Road. Access to the junction and on to Rockall Road from the east pavement of Girdleness Road is via a set of 3 steps and no ramp or alternative access is available. Pedestrians using mobility aids or walking with pushchairs and traveling from the east have to leave the pavement on Girdleness Road and negotiate the corner on the road rather than pavement. Street audit participants note this is a busy junction, especially at school drop off and collection times, and that it is not unusual to see pedestrians walking on the road in this location at this time.

A hand rail is provided at one side of steps but is loose in its setting and therefore unsafe, and it is in poor condition. No handrail is provided on the opposite side at the retaining wall. Pavement surfaces at the head of the steps are noted to be degraded with holes in the surfacing and loose material increasing the risk to vulnerable pedestrians of a trip or slip. Copingstones are noted to be missing from retaining wall.

Rockall Road, at junction with Farquar Road.

Pavement is only provided on the west side of Rockall Road. At the north end of the street, access to Farquar Road at the junction is by a set of steps, essentially blocking access for users of most mobility aids and those walking with a pushchair or pram.

Balnagask Road to North Balnagask Road, RSMcolls and NESCU office. Although a ramp is provided that allows direct access to the shops, Community Warden Office, and NESCU from Balnagask Road, street audit participants note that this is potentially on too steep a gradient for users of some mobility aids to negotiate.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

15

1.4 Missing or discontinuous footways For the most part, footways and pavements across the street audit area are continuous and allow pedestrians to make the journeys they would like to make. Improving drop kerb access in some locations, and providing non-stepped access to footways in others, will enhance this connectivity further. There are 4 specific locations where missing or discontinuous footways are noted to create difficulties for pedestrians. These are: Girdleness Road, north pavement, to the east of the zebra crossing and then onwards to just before Rockall Road. The pavement here is intersected by a parking bay, and no footway is provided to the rear of the parking bay at the retaining wall. Consequently, drivers park vehicles against the retaining wall, meaning pedestrians have to walk on the outside of parked cars and often on the road. This area of missing pavement is directly in front of the primary school, and links the zebra crossing to the entrance to Rockall Road.

Girdleness Road, parking bay at No. 191. A parking bay at this location has a pavement running to the rear at the retaining wall. The wall appears to be damaged and has been fenced off, with the fence blocking the pavement. In this location again, pedestrians have to walk across the parking bay or into the road to pass.

Participants in street audit activities indicate that the fence has been in place for some time, with one participant stating the site had been abandoned ‘for a couple of years at least’.

Rockall Road. A pavement is provided on the west side of Rockall Road, but not on the east. A worn-in path on the east side at the southern section indicates a clear desire line. Street audit participants note that, in the mornings and afternoons when people are making the journey to school, additional pavement space would be welcome.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

16

Issue 2: Cleanliness, Aesthetics and anti-social behaviour 2.1 Dog fouling and disposal of dog waste Dog fouling was the most commented on issue by participants in all activities.

Key locations include grassed areas adjacent to mono-pitch houses across the street audit area. Pupils participating in the school route audit in particular noted that these are spaces where they like to play.

Pavements along Girdleness Road and Rockall Road are noted to be particularly bad, and form a key part of the route to school.

Local residents from outside the street audit area report dog fouling as an issue across all of Torry, identifying Oscar Road and Grampian Road as locations where this is a particular problem.

Street audit participants note a lack of dog bins in the area considered by the street audit, however dog waste can be bagged and disposed of in communal residential bins or litterbins, of which there are many. Officers from waste Services have had success in the past using stickers on residential bins and litterbins that indicate they can be used for the disposal of dog waste. It is thought that this approach might be helpful in some locations, where dog owners are leaving bagged waste behind.

In the vicinity of Tullos Primary School, and in other locations, dog waste has not been bagged, and no effort has been made to dispose of the waste hygienically.

A redundant post located on Rockall Road at Cliff Place is thought to have once hosted a dog bin.

A replacement bin here would be welcome.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

17

2. 2 Communal residential bins, bin collection and fly tipping Feedback from street audit participants identifies issues with littering, fly tipping and overflowing communal residential bins as impacting on the amenity of green spaces, streets and outdoor space across the ‘Hen Hooses’ area and further afield in Torry. Participants living locally suggest that some of the litter collecting in green spaces, doorways and stairs may result from over flowing communal residential bins rather than because of littering by residents.

Bins at the multi storey flats on Balnagask Road, at flats on Abbey Place, along Girdleness Road and those located on Burnbank Terrace were identified during the street audit as being a particular issue.

An additional problem in the vicinity of communal bins are piles of discarded furniture, appliances and other items suitable for bulk uplift. Street audit participants were unclear whether these items had been fly-tipped, or whether they had been placed out for bulk uplift, noting that it could take two weeks from booking an uplift before bulky items were collected.

One location identified by local residents as being a locus for fly-tipping is the area to the rear of the Deeside Family Centre on Balnagask Circle. Items left in this location can include tyres, furniture and pallets.

Green space on Burnbank Terrace is a particular black-spot for flytipping, with pallets and other waste recorded on the day of the Community Street Audit. This, coupled with storage of a trailer filled with additional waste wood, detracted significantly from the amenity of the space.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

18

Issue 3: Condition of path and pavement surfaces, and general maintenance 3.1 Path and pavement surfaces The general condition and a lack of maintenance of path and pavement surfaces was identified by street audit participants as being a significant issue, particularly for older residents and those with a disability. One resident participating in the Residents Survey, who relies on use of a mobility scooter and rollator to get about, noted that the condition of path surfaces and the location of stairs across the ‘Hen Hooses’ area means she is unable to go out locally without assistance. For vulnerable pedestrians, including older pedestrians who may have balance issues or health conditions that limit mobility, pedestrians with a sensory impairment, and pedestrians walking with young children, the condition of pavement and path surfaces is very important. A perception that pavements and paths are dangerous or that their condition increases a risk of falling can keep a vulnerable person indoors, affecting their sense of independence and confidence, and increasing isolation. A lack of opportunities to walk outside can also have a detrimental effect on physical health and mental wellbeing. In an area where health inequalities are known to be high, improving opportunities for residents of all ages and physical abilities to walk, socialise and play outdoors is important.

Locations where path and pavement surfaces require repair or resurfacing include: Damaged and uneven paving slabs, and damaged caused by multiple track repairs on Abbey Place from Victoria Road, both sides.

An additional hazard is the presence of loose and upstanding metal drain covers intersecting the footway in several locations.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

19

Lane to the rear of multi-storey flats (No.11) Burnbank Terrace, providing access to steps to Girdleness Road - Footway surfaces are in very poor condition, with residents commenting that this has been the case for a long time.

Paving slabs are missing leaving a large pothole to the rear of multi-storey flats, and the general amenity of the space at the building is poor.

Drying greens under the building have been boarded up to prevent the use of the space by people taking drugs, and disturbing residents.

Large communal residential bins are overflowing and litter has collected at the entrance to the building and along the path at the bins.

Lane providing access to flats and steps from Balnagask Road just west of the junction with Girdleness Road - The footway is very degraded, with loose materials on the surface and numerous small potholes. Moss ingress increases the possibility of a trip or slip for more vulnerable pedestrians and residents of the block.

Railing along the path edge is in poor condition and is broken in places.

North Blanagask Road/Finnan Place at Credit Union/RSMcalls – Pavement surfaces on North Balnagask Road adjacent to shops and credit union are in poor condition. The space is currently underutilised, and is sometimes a gathering place for young people, who can sometimes disturb neighbours and create a noise nuisance. There is a feeling from some residents that the space could be enhanced with improved planting and the provision of benches, however other residents have expressed concern that this could encourage further anti-social behaviour at the location.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

20

Locations that are dangerous in winter due to leaf litter and ice are: Abbey Place and Victoria Road at the phone box - Residents and staff at Marine Laboratories note that in winter, this corner is very slippery and is not often gritted.

Rockall Road at Cliff Place/Burnbank Terrace - Residents note blocked drains in this vicinity, with water on surfaces freezing during cold spells, increasing a risk of slip/fall at these times for vulnerable pedestrians.

Girdleness Road at the entrance to Tullos Primary School - Steps are not cleared of leaves, creating a possible slip hazard.

3.2 Maintenance of council flats, paths and gardens, Abbey Place Common ground and grassed areas at the front of flats on the west side of Abbey Place are noted to be in poor condition, with weed spraying at the pavement edge killing grass and leaving earth exposed. Copingstones are noted to be missing from retaining walls at front entrances, and path surfaces are noted to be in a poor state of repair. Building fronts are in need of repainting. Leaf litter was noted to be collecting in doorways and common grassed areas, along with litter possibly blown in from overfilled communal bins. Coupled with the poor condition of pavement surfaces, the general amenity of the street could be improved for pedestrians and those using the park and local green space.

3.3 Missing copingstones, ‘Hen Hooses’ and elsewhere Officers report that copingstones are regularly removed from walls, and that this is a recurring problem across the area

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

21

Issue 4: Crossings and desire lines, and the impact of traffic 4.1 Abbey Place at community centre A traffic island is located at the foot of Abbey Place adjacent to the entrance to The Old Torry Community Centre. This provides a convenient 2 stage-crossing, however there are no drop kerbs or tactile paving provided at this location.

Redundant rusted metal bollards in the vicinity of the community centre present a possible hazard to pedestrians with a visual impairment, and could be removed.

4.2 Victoria Street, including the junction with Abbey Place The junction of Abbey Place and Victoria Road is on the pedestrian desire line for those walking to the Old Torry Community Centre and play park. Overall, provision for pedestrians crossing at this junction is poor. Where drop kerbs are provided on 3 arms of the junction, they are not consistent, some having tactile paving and others not. Kerb stones at drops are uneven, and pavement surfaces in some locations are sunken at the kerb. Up stands at drop kerbs are high enough to potentially cause difficulties for pedestrians using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or rollators. No drop kerbs or other crossing facilities are provided on the east arm of the junction on Victoria Road. Street audit participants note the speed of traffic along Victoria Road, with some noting concern about children crossing near the park. ‘Children crossing’ signage was not observed on the approach to the park along Victoria Road by street audit participants.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

22

4.3 Improving access to Tullos primary School: Girdleness Road at existing zebra crossing and at Rockall Road Pupils and parents from Tullos Primary School suggest the provision of a zebra crossing on Girdleness Road is helpful. However, the location of the zebra is problematic. The facility provides access to the school from the foot of the Girdleness Steps, but parents and pupils suggest that in fact, most walks to school from the ‘Hen Hooses’ area via Rockall Road.

Between the zebra and the entrance to Rockall Road, pavement is not continuous, due to the location of a parking bay on the north side of the road in this location. Parents and pupils walking between the two often have to walk in or alongside the road as cars are most often parked along the retaining wall. No further facilities for crossing near the school are provided along Girdleness Road, meaning that those that are reliant on drop kerbs and other facilities to make a safe crossing and to access the footway must negotiate the parking bay to access an suitable place to cross.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

23

Issue 5: Maintenance and use of green space, play space and social space 5.1 Maintenance of planted areas Street audit participants note that shrubs and trees planted near blocks of flats on Balnagask Road, as well as planted areas on Farquar Road and Farquar Avenue, are neglected and require attention. Shrubs and trees appear to be dead; grassed areas are unkempt and spraying at the road and pavement edge has left tracks of exposed earth; and in some areas planting has died back leaving exposed earth. Street audit participants note that replanting, and an improvement in general maintenance, could have a significant effect on the amenity of these spaces, which would enhance the quality of the area more generally.

Grassed area at Balnagask Road/Farquar Avenue, showing worn grass and poor condition of railings

Green space on Burnbank Terrace is used as parking and storage for trailers, and is a loci for fly tipping

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

24

5.2 Use of green space, and improving play and social space Green spaces and planted areas are common around the ‘Hen Hooses’ and on surrounding streets. In addition to these spaces, there are some play facilities within a short distance of the ‘Hen Hooses’, including the park on Abbey Place, and football pitches and playing fields adjacent to Tullos Primary School.

Although green space is not in short supply, the maintenance and condition of much of it is variable, and there is a lack of facilities including benches or seating provided to encourage social use of space. Additional seating would also be valued by older members of the community who may find the opportunity to sit and rest helps them make short local journeys on foot more easily.

Residents note that there is very little in the way of play equipment provided across the green areas, and especially equipment suitable for use by younger children. Provision of a variety of play equipment and benches in some locations i.e. green space at Burnbank Terrace may encourage use of the space for play and social activities, and help discourage anti-social behaviour including fly tipping. The use of green spaces as extra parking on Burnbank Terrace was highlighted by street audit participants as having damaged the grassed area, and to be very unsightly.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

25

Recommendations 1. Accessibility – Drop Kerbs, tactile paving, and pavement access Location

Description of issue

Recommendation

Abbey Place at the entrance to Abbey Square Abbey Place from Victoria Road to Abbey Road and Old Torry Community Centre Abbey Place, lanes to the rear of Abbey Square and Glenbevie Road Balnagask Road at entrance to Balnagask Circle

No drop kerbs or tactile paving.

Provide drop kerbs, and tactile paving as appropriate

Quick win, Long Term Long term

Stakeholder Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Pavement on this stretch of Abbey Place is Provide drop kerbs, and tactile paving as intersected in a number of places by entryways to appropriate car parking. Drop kerbs and tactile paving are not provided at these locations.

Long term

No drop kerbs or tactile paving at the entrance to service lanes.

Long term

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Provide drop kerbs, and tactile paving as appropriate

Tactile paving and pavement surfaces are noted Undertake repairs to damaged tactile paving. to be worn/cracked. The gradient at tactile paving is noted to present a potential barrier to access for some users and especially those using Replace/upgrade drop kerbs and tactile paving a mobility aid. Kerbstones at drop are uneven and at an appropriate juncture kerb up-stands are at a height likely to cause difficulty for pedestrians using mobility aids.

Long term

Balnagask Road at Finnan Brae junction

Balnagask Road at the entrance to Abbey Square

Farquar Avenue

Girdleness Rd at entrance, at junction with Blanagask Road Girdleness Road at entrance to Rockall Road

Drop kerbs are provided at this location however up stands at drop kerb are high and are likely to be a barrier to access to pedestrians using some mobility aids. No tactile paving provided.

Kerbstones uneven at drops.

Drop kerb and tactile paving provided on the west side of the entrance to Abbey Place.

Although a drop kerb is provided on the east side, the height of the kerb up stand is such that it would present a barrier to pedestrians using some mobility aids. No tactile paving on this side.

No drop kerbs or tactile paving at entrance to car parking and footways along Farquar Avenue.

Replace/upgrade drop kerbs and tactile paving at an appropriate juncture

Long term

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Replace/upgrade drop kerbs and tactile paving at an appropriate juncture

Long term

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Provide drop kerbs, and tactile paving as appropriate

Long term

Drop kerbs are provided at this location however up stands at drop kerb are high and are likely to be a barrier to access to pedestrians using some mobility aids. No tactile paving provided. Kerb stones uneven at drops.

Drop kerbs are provided on the west side of the junction, with pavement and road surfaces on the east side at a level. Height of the up stand at the drop is such that it would present a barrier to access for pedestrians using some mobility aids.

Replace/upgrade drop kerbs and tactile paving at an appropriate juncture

Long term

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Replace/upgrade drop kerbs and tactile paving at an appropriate juncture

Long term

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

27

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Girdleness Road at junction at entrance to Balnagask Circle Girdleness Road at Ladywell Place junction Girdleness Road south at entrance to parking area adjacent to school Rockall Road at Farquar Road

Drop kerbs are provided at this location however up stands at drop kerb are high and are likely to be a barrier to access to pedestrians using some mobility aids. No tactile paving provided. Kerb stones uneven at drops.

Lack of drop kerb and tactile paving at junction.

There is a school crossing patrol at this location, and this is a crossing point adjacent to the school.

Drop kerbs are provided here but kerbs are uneven in places and up stands are at a height that could be a barrier to access for pedestrians using some mobility aids. No tactile paving provided in this location.

No drop kerbs or tactile paving provided at the entrance to Rockall Road from Farquar Road.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

Replace/upgrade drop kerbs and tactile paving at an appropriate juncture

Long term

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Provide drop kerbs, and tactile paving as appropriate

Long term

Consider providing a raised-table crossing at the entrance to parking areas, to re-prioritise pedestrians and ensure a continuous footway.

Long term

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Provide drop kerbs, and tactile paving as appropriate

Long term

28

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

2. Accessibility – Stairs and handrails Location

Description of issue

Recommendation

Girdleness Road at stepped entrance o Tullos Primary School Girdleness Road Steps

Steps at entrance to primary school are not cleared of leaves, creating a possible slip hazard

Clear steps of leaf litter and increase frequency of clearance in autumn

Pupils / parents participating in the SRA and CSA comment they do not use the steps but rather walk along Rockall Road.

Fencing, railing and handrails across the CSA area are noted to be in a state of disrepair and in the case of handrails at steps to be unsafe for use.

Condition of steps is variable, with damaged steps and surfaces at stairs, uneven treads, and loose materials and leaf litter on step surfaces increasing a risk of slip or fall.

‘Hen Hooses’ area

Steps from Girdleness Road onto Rockall Road Rockall Road

Railing at steps is noted to be in a state of disrepair.

Street audit participants note that a handrail affixed to the retaining wall along Rockall Road may be welcomed by older pedestrians as the street is on a steep incline.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

Quick win, Long Term Quick win

Stakeholder

No action

n/a

n/a

Undertake a programme of repairs to stairs, handrails across ‘Hen Hooses’.

Long term

Aberdeen City Council – Housing

Some stairs may not be in use and could be closed off. Further engagement with residents should be undertaken to identify the stairs that are a loci for anti-social behaviour/that residents do not use.

Repair/replace handrails at this location

Long term

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

Provide a handrail along the retaining wall on Rockall Road

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

29

Aberdeen City Council

3. Accessibility – Stepped access to pavements and paths Location

Description of issue

Recommendation

Girdleness Road and Rockall Road

Access to Rockall Road from the west side of the junction with Girdleness Road is via 3 steps, meaning pedestrians with mobility aids / pushchairs must enter the road to negotiate the corner.

Access to Farquar Road from Rockall Road pavement is via a short set of steps. This means pedestrians using mobility aids /pushchairs must enter the road to negotiate the corner.

Although a ramp is provided here, it is steep, and the width of the ramp may not be sufficient for some mobility aids. Accessing the shop from North Balnagask Road requires a lengthy detour, and drop kerbs and pavement surfaces are such that an improved ramp would be welcome.

Provide step free access to the footway at this location

Rockall Road, at junction with Farquar Road Balnagask Road to North Balnagask Road, RSMcolls and NESCU office

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

Quick win, Long Term Long term

Stakeholder

Provide step free access to the footway at this location

Long term

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Assess feasibility of improving ramp and stair access to shops, reducing the gradient of the ramp and widening the ramp to better accommodate mobility aids.

Long term

Aberdeen City Council

30

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

4. Accessibility – Missing or discontinuous footways Location

Description of issue

Recommendation

Girdleness Road, parking bays

Parking bays along the north side of Girdleness Road intersect the footway in a number of locations. In some locations, for example opposite Tullos Primary School, no footway is provided at all.

Provide an accessible and continuous footway along Girdleness Road to the rear of parking bays where no footway is currently provided.

A parking bay adjacent to No. 191 has been fenced off due to damage to the retaining wall, blocking access to the footway. Street audit participants note fencing has been in place for some time, and the site appears abandoned.

No footway is provided on the east side of Roackall Road, despite there being a well-worn desire line on the grassed area in this location.

Rockall Road

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

Quick win, Long Term Long term

Stakeholder

Repair retaining wall, remove debris from the footway, and remove fencing. Reinstate footway access.

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

Remove communal refuse bins on the footways at parking bays, where they block the pavement.

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

Assess feasibility of providing a footway along Long term the edge of the grassed area between the junction with Girdleness Road and Cliff Terrace

Aberdeen City Council

31

Aberdeen City Council

5. Cleanliness, aesthetics and anti-social behaviour Location

Description of issue

Recommendation

Quick win, Long Term Quick win

Stakeholder

Girdleness Road; Rockall Road; (Oscar Road; Grampian Road)

Dog fouling on footways the most commented on issue by street audit participants. Dog fouling is an issue across the street audit area, and across Torry, however the streets noted are reported to be particularly bad.

Sticker litter bins and residential bins, to indicate that these can be used for the disposal of bagged dog waste Send out information to parents/carers of Tullos Primary School via school newsletter/letter advising of means of dog waste disposal and highlighting concerns about dog fouling on the school route/vicinity of the school

Quick win

Tullos Primary School Staff / Parent Council

Increase patrols by Environmental Wardens, timed to coincide with the walk to/from school, of Girdleness Road and Rockall Road

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

Burnbank Terrace

Fly tipping, including: wooden pallets; furniture

Replace missing dog bin on Rockall Road, or provide a little bin at this location Clear fly tipping

Deeside Family Resource Centre, Balnagask Centre

Fly tipping, including: tyres; furniture

Clear fly tipping

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

32

Aberdeen City Council

North end of Rockall Road Balnagask Road, Abbey Place, Girdleness Road, Burnbank Terrace

Pupils participating in the School Route Audit report an abandoned car at this location, which has been here for some months.

Furniture and other bulk items left at bin stores and in the vicinity of communal residential bins.

This may have been left for bulk uplift, or may have been fly tipped.

Overflowing communal residential bins in these locations and across the street audit area contribute to littering of green and communal spaces.

Litter at green spaces and planted area noted to detract from the visual amenity of the space.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

Remove abandoned car

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

Clear furniture and bulky items from bin stores and communal residential bins

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

Produce and distribute information on bulk uplift process to residents of ‘Hen Hooses’

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

Assess feasibility of increasing frequency of communal residential bin collection/ increase the number of communal residential bins provided i.e. multi-storey flats on Balnagask Road

Long term

Aberdeen City Council

Litter pick of ‘Hen Hooses’ area and green spaces adjacent to Tullos Primary School

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council Tullos Primary School Parent Council

33

6. Condition of path and pavement of surfaces; general maintenance Location

Description of issue

Recommendation

Quick win, Long Term Long term

Stakeholder

Abbey Place from Victoria Road to Abbey Road

Condition of pavement surfaces, including raised/sunken paving slabs; upstanding/sunken utilities covers; loose and damaged drain covers

Repair/reset damaged slabs and re-set utilities covers

Long term

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Resurface paths across Hen Hooses area

Long term

Aberdeen City council – Housing

Replace missing slabs and repair surfaces at this location

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Repair/re-set loose drain covers Abbey Place from Balnagask Road

Surfaces damaged and uneven with multiple track-repairs and patch repairs, especially on the east pavement.

Victoria Road, in the vicinity of St. Peters sheltered housing facility

Condition of pavement surfaces, including raised/sunken paving slabs; upstanding/sunken utilities covers; loose and damaged drain covers. (see Community Street Audit report 2012, appendix *) Condition of path surfaces, including: damaged and missing paving slabs; ‘potholes’ and degraded surfaces, loose materials on surfaces; moss ingress; drainage issues and water pooling

Hen Hooses area, including lanes and paths off Balnagask Road/Girdleness Road, and at multistorey flats

Missing paving slabs and damaged/uneven surfaces, multi-storey at No. 11 Balnagask Road; condition of surfaces around the property

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

Damage to surfaces in this location is extensive. Assess feasibility of resurfacing Abbey Place and replacing metal drain covers.

Repair/reset damaged slabs and re-set utilities covers Repair/re-set loose drain covers

34

North Balnagask Road, square at RSMcColls, Credit Union and City Warden offices ‘Hen Hooses’ / Victoria Road / Rockall Road

Condition of paving communal area, including raised and uneven slabs and loose slabs.

Council housing, Abbey Place

Housing stock, communal greens, and green spaces and planting generally in poor condition, detracting from the visual amenity of the area.

Housing stock frontages require painting and upgrading; paths, doorways and walls at entrances are damaged; litter and leaf litter collecting on paths, greens and green spaces.

Steps and stairs across ‘Hen Hooses’, and including steps at Tullos Primary School

Leaf litter collecting on steps and stairways is slippery and increases the risk of a slip or fall, especially for more vulnerable pedestrians including older pedestrians.

Poor condition of street furniture including damaged litter bins; empty and worn planters Icey and slippery pavement surfaces in bad weather, with Rockall Road, and Victoria Road at junction with Abbey Place noted to require increased gritting in poor weather.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

Repair surfaces at square

Long term

Replace/repair damaged street furniture, planters. Re-plant planters

Aberdeen City Council / business owners/property owners, North Balnagask Road Aberdeen City Council

Increase frequency of pavement and footway gritting in winter, prioritising these locations as being on the school route. Rockall Road in particular is on a steep slope and improved gritting would therefore be welcome in icy weather.

Take forward programme of improvements to properties, including building frontages, paths and green spaces.

Quick win

Long term

Aberdeen City Council – Housing

Ensure leaf litter is cleared in autumn/winter, and increase frequency of clearing to ensure steps and stairs are safe for use

Quick win

Aberdeen City Council

35

7. Crossings and desire lines, and the impact of traffic Location

Description of issue

Recommendation

Quick win, Long Term

Stakeholder

Abbey place at Old Torry Community Centre

The ‘island’ at the junction with Abbey Road provides a convenient crossing place to Old Torry Community Centre, however at present drop kerbs are inadequate/missing and crossing could be improved.

Provide drop kerbs and tactile paving at this location

Long term

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Metal bollards are rusted and present a possible trip hazard, especially for pedestrians with a visual impairment Missing, inadequate and mis-aligned drop kerbs and tactile paving at 4 arms of junction. Location of signage poles adjacent to drops restricts access.

Remove bollards

Long term

Replace and upgrade current drop kerb provision at each arm of the junction, ensuring drops are accessible, and that tactile paving is provided at each drop. Ensure drop kerb siting is consistent, and that all drops are aligned.

Relocate sign poles to ensure access to drops is not restricted.

Long term

Assess feasibility of providing pedestrian islands at crossing facilities on Victoria Road,

Long term

Abbey Place / Victoria Road junction

Traffic volumes and speeds noted by residents to be high at times on Victoria Road, and the width of the road is noted to take time to cross, especially for more vulnerable pedestrians including older pedestrians, pedestrians with a LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

36

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

Improving crossings and access to Tullos Primary School, Girdleness Road

disability, and those walking with children/pushchairs.

especially on the east arm, enhancing crossing provision on route to the play park.

Location of zebra crossing off the pedestrian desire line/route to school via Rockall Road.

Assess the feasibility of providing a second zebra in the vicinity of the entrance to Rockall Road

Long term

Provide a continuous footway linking the existing zebra crossing to the entrance with Rockall Road (provide a pavement to the rear of the parking bay).

Long term

Provide raised-table or other improvements to drop kerbs at entrance to parking area

Long term

Provide additional drop kerb/ pedestrian island crossing facilities at additional locations between Tullos Primary School and junction with Balnagask Road, for example prior to junction with Balnagask Circle, facilitating access to the medical centre and family centre

Long term

Lack of continuous pavement connecting zebra to foot of Rockall Road.

Inadequate drop kerb provision at entrance to parking area, south side Girdleness Road at primary school Lack of further crossing facilities to the east of the zebra crossing along the length of Girdleness Road until the junction with Balnagask Road.

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

37

Aberdeen City Council – Road Safety and Management

8. Maintenance and use of green spaces, social space, and play space

Location

Description of issue

Recommendation

Maintenance of planted areas and green space, ‘Hen Hooses’ and especially multistorey flats at Balnagask Road/farquar Avenue Green space at Burnbank Terrace

Planted areas and green spaces appear neglected. Some dead and dying bushes and bare earth in planted areas. Grass eroded at edges of green space due to spraying of weed killer. Poor condition of railings along grass and planted areas.

Remove/replace damaged and corroded railing at grass and planted areas.

Vehicles including cars and trailers parked on grass, churning and damaging grass and detracting from the amenity of the space.

Space is underutilised as a play/social space

Remove and replace dead bushes; improve appearance of grassed areas.

Quick win

Increase frequency of maintenance of grassed and planted spaces in the ‘Hen Hooses’.

Long term

Take action to enforce ‘no parking on grass’ signage

Quick win

Assess feasibility of providing benches and play equipment in this location

Long term

Identify locations where additional benches would be welcome (i.e. Rockall Road)

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

Quick win, Long Term Quick win

38

Stakeholder Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeen City Council

Conclusion Street audit activity facilitated by Living Streets Scotland in the ‘Hen Hooses’ area of Torry identifies some key themes that impact on the quality of streets and spaces for walking, socialising and play from the perspective of local residents. These themes are inter-related, and speak to some broader and know challenges for residents and stakeholders working in Torry. Action to improve local streets and spaces for walking, socialising and play has the potential to engender further change, and can be a visible indication of the commitment of residents, local groups, and officers to tackling the broader challenges the community faces.

Foremost amongst the issues reported by residents participating in various street audit activities is a historical lack of maintenance of pavements, paths and green spaces, including: planting, street furniture (railings, signage, retaining walls), and stair, path and pavement surfaces. Housing, streets and spaces feel neglected, and this in turn contributes to a perception by residents that the Torry area overall is generally ‘poorly served’ in respect of the service it receives from the local authority.

Residents also report a perception of increasing anti-social behaviour in the area, including fly tipping, dog fouling, and littering. In addition to this, residents raised concerns about increasing incidents of anti-social behaviour by young people, including damage to communal property i.e. copingstones; disposal of drug paraphernalia; and a perception that underage drinking is increasing. Residents tend to attribute this to the reduction in locally based services for young people, and a lack of ‘things to do’ for children and young people in Torry generally, and the ‘Hen Hooses’ in particular.

Children living in the street audit area tell us they enjoy playing out and the green spaces and planted areas provide them an opportunity for outdoor play. Children and carers involved in the street audit indicated that the provision of play equipment in some green space locations would be welcome. Older participants indicated increasing the provision of benches and seating would be welcome.

Tenant participation officers and development officers working in the area indicate that residents of the ‘Hen Hooses’ are less connected than in other parts of Torry, and it has been difficult to bring people in the community together as a tenants group to participate in local decision making.

Without continued engagement from local residents, improvements to the condition of outdoor spaces may not be sustained long term, and anti-social behaviour may continue to be an issue.

Ensuring local residents have ownership over a programme of improvements is an important step in delivering long term, community-led changes valued by people that live in the ‘Hen Hooses’. A focus on not only delivering improvements to the condition of housing and adjacent land, but also on developing social and paly space in partnership with the school community and local residents could be a useful catalyst for community cohesion in this part of Torry.

Contacts Jade Hepburn Development Worker, Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Aberdeen City Council jhepburn@aberdeencity.gov.uk 01224 498166

Penny Morriss Living Streets Scotland, Communities Coordinator penny.morriss@livingstreets.org.uk 0131 243 2649

LIVING STREETS SCOTLAND

40

For further information about how to promote walking in Scotland, please contact Living Streets Scotland at: Thorn House, 5 Rose Street, Edinburgh,i EH2 2PR Telephone: 0131 243 2645 Email: Scotland@livingstreets.org.uk