An overdue inspection has revealed 44 repairs are urgently needed in the historic Castlegate area of Aberdeen.
Residents have raised concerns about the condition of the cobbled square due to pedestrians tripping over the uneven surface.
George Street/Harbour councillor Dell Henrickson had requested information from the council about the frequency of inspections.
And the operations and protective services department revealed that twice-weekly checks at stopped in August 2017, following a series of repairs the previous month.
Council workers had poured concrete around the cobbles, leaving them in an unsightly condition.
But the effort has now been described as “unacceptable” as workers have now carried out an inspection which has revealed that 44 repairs are needed due to the cobbles becoming uneven and gaps appearing between stones.
The resurfacing of the Castlegate was identified as a priority in the council’s city centre masterplan in 2016.
Since then, there have been reports of injuries caused by tripping over the uneven cobbles, including one pensioner who suffered a broken jaw.
Mr Henrickson said: “A number of constituents have raised concerns about the Castlegate and I am pleased officers have carried out an inspection to identity defects.
“This oversight cannot be allowed to happen again as the safety of the people of Aberdeen is paramount.
“The council must ensure inspections are carried out regularly to address any issues which arise.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “The financial constraints the council is operating under are severe – with reduced grant funding coupled with increasing costs and rising demand.
“Our 2019/20 budget focuses on ensuring the best outcomes for individuals and communities whilst protecting the most vulnerable in our city.
“In setting those important priorities, savings in other parts of our operation have had to be found. In light of funding constraints, spending in some discretionary areas has been reduced in line with decisions taken by council in order to set a balanced budget.
“In the case of the Castlegate, inspections continue to be carried out and repairs undertaken as appropriate”.
