Council chiefs have cleared a “horrific” drug den in the heart of Aberdeen and taken “immediate steps” to secure the area.
Action was taken yesterday within hours of the Press and Journal publishing shocking images of drug-abusers injecting within yards of Union Street.
Outraged politicians demanded immediate intervention at the site by Union Terrace Gardens after the photographs emerged.
City centre councillor Bill Cormie said: “Having visited the site this morning I can understand exactly where the problem is.
“The fence at the end of the gardens is eroding away and you can gain access to that area where the needles and encampment are. It’s quite a horrific site down there.
“Whoever’s responsibility it is, we need to take action right away today. A child or a dog could easily slip through that break in the fence.
“While there’s a row about who owns the fence, we need to take action now.”
The local authority had responded by the afternoon, with temporary fencing being installed and needles and other debris being cleared.
Repairs to an access gate and new locks are expected next week.
A council spokesman said: “We have been working closely with the landowner, Network Rail, and Police Scotland in the interests of public safety and to address potentially criminal activity in the area.
“Immediate steps are also being taken to repair any damage to access points via Union Terrace Gardens and to increase patrols in this area.
“In addition the illegal campers have been moved on and the city council’s housing support team will be available to help those in need of accommodation and other support.”
He added: “Our city centre masterplan, prepared by Building Design Partnership (BDP), will be published on June 12 prior to consideration at full council on June 24.
“The BDP document will take a holistic, integrated approach to the whole of the city centre, including the area surrounding Union Terrace Gardens, and will be underpinned by a delivery plan which will help shape the city for the next 20 years.”
It is understood that council directors have also asked the Community Safety Partnership to prepare a report on the issue, with recommendations for short and longer-term steps.
