The state of Broad Street in Aberdeen has been described as “verging on shambolic”, with structural issues appearing just months after a £3.2 million revamp.
Several drains running along the city centre street have begun collapsing, leaving nearby paving stones and cassies cracked and wobbly.
Broad Street re-opened in August 2018 following a major project to transform it into a “pedestrian-oriented” space, with buses and bicycles the only traffic allowed.
It is also home to a grassy lawn, dancing fountain and – over the winter – stalls, fairground rides and an ice rink as part of the city’s Christmas Village.
But concerns have been raised about the extent of the wear and tear the street seems to have experienced already, less than a year since it received the major investment.
Yesterday, several drains could be heard making loud cracking sounds under the weight of the buses driving by, while the paving slabs they are attached to were moving out of place.
Ward councillor Dell Henrickson said: “What concerns me is that Broad Street has not been open for long and it is already starting to develop issues.
“I had concerns after it was finished but I was told there were teething problems and the council was waiting for things to settle in.
“But it is clear that something has gone wrong.”
It has been suggested that the damage is being caused by the buses which regularly use Broad Street, as they often have to drive over the drains to pass by one another on the narrow stretch.
Mr Henrickson said: “The bus drivers are doing a great job.
“They’re sticking to the speed limit and minding the pedestrians.
“But when they go over the drains, that’s what seems to be causing the problems.”
He added: “Given the length of time it took to complete the redevelopment, the condition of the surface around the drains is verging on shambolic.
“It’s abundantly clear that repairs are required.
“And it’s a shame that we should be raising issues like this so soon after its opening.”
Aberdeen City Council was approached for comment.
