An Aberdeen MSP has accused council chiefs of a “bizarre bitmac obsession” and urged a heritage body to examine the city’s streets after a high-profile controversy.
Aberdeen Central member, Kevin Stewart, has asked Historic Environment Scotland to visit the city and scrutinise the application of the tarmac-like substance, which was used as a temporary solution to cover patches in paving around the city.
His intervention follows a botched job from council workers which resulted in iconic cobbles on Windmill Brae being covered in tar.
The council launched an investigation after the incident last weekend and has vowed to remove the substance from the historic stones.
Mr Stewart revealed he had since uncovered bitmac – a bituminous substance, similar to tarmac – in various places around the city including Belmont Street and the Castlegate.
The SNP MSP, who also serves as local government minister in the Scottish government, said: “We have seen very clearly this week that people in Aberdeen are angry and embarrassed about the disrespect shown to their city’s streets by this bizarre repairs process.
“The council seem to be carrying out a fairly complicated method of repairs that involves smearing cobbles and pathways with cheap tarmac, only to then take even more time removing it before carrying out a proper repair that should have been done in the first place.
“It’s all very well boasting about how you are going to clean up the city centre, but taking short-cuts at the cost of our heritage and civic pride is unacceptable.
“At this point, I feel it is important to seek the professional opinion and guidance of Historic Environmental Scotland and ask them to come and have a look at Aberdeen and see what they think of this bizarre bitmac obsession.”
However, a Historic Environment Scotland spokesman replied that, because the street was not listed, they would unable to investigate.
He added: “The roads are the council’s responsibility.”
Last night, finance convener Willie Young vowed that Windmill Brae would be restored.
He stated: “As usual, we are seeing the opportunistic nature of Kevin Stewart and the SNP. Instead of getting on with his day job, he is picking a fight with the council.”
