Residents feel hopeful after Edinburgh Council addressed concerns regarding Cables Wynd House and Linksview House issues.
Tenants in Edinburgh’s “banana flats” feel hopeful now. The council addressed their concerns about the building after meeting at City Chambers on Thursday night. This meeting was a response to the Residents Group Report, which detailed the building’s issues.
The problems included broken lifts, trapped tenants, and long waits for repairs. Pest and mould issues were also prevalent. Lezley Marion Cameron looked forward to meeting residents to share updates on a significant £69 million investment for Cables Wynd House and Linksview House.
Many residents feel like their voices were heard, and their worries are being addressed. Sheri Ulich noted the council’s apology and acknowledgment of the long-standing issues residents have faced. She feels encouraged by this recognition of past mistakes, believing the residents have finally been heard.
Another resident expressed enthusiasm for the potential work and apprenticeship opportunities, allowing community members to participate in the building’s renovation. Kirsty Chatwood said they listened to the report and gave clear answers, leading her to feel optimistic about the future.
Lezley Marion Cameron emphasized that her priority is tenant safety, ensuring all tenants have comfortable and well-maintained homes. She plans to meet with Cables Wynd House residents again, where council officers will respond to the report and detail the £69 million investment program.
Cables Wynd House, built in the 1960s, is an Edinburgh landmark. Historic Environment Scotland recognized its significance by granting it a top listing in 2017, placing it on par with Edinburgh Castle. However, tenants have mixed feelings about this rating, believing it has complicated upgrade efforts.
Kirsty Chatwood, a 22-year resident, believes the building’s reputation is the core issue. The flats gained notoriety in the Trainspotting novel and film, wrongly associating them with drug abuse.
Kirsty asserts that this reputation is inaccurate, both now and during the Trainspotting era. She describes the misconceptions as “really awful,” with people assuming residents are drug addicts and prone to violence. Despite this stigma, she has lived at Cables Wynd House for 22 years.
She emphasized that these stereotypes are false, highlighting the amazing people and children who live there. Acknowledging that the neighborhood has its issues like any other, she points out that its size is like a small village, considering the number of flats.
Residents have endured terrible experiences, including organized tours during the Fringe festival that showcased the “smack wh****” in the building. Based on Trainspotting, these tours used horrific language and treated residents like zoo animals.
Although the council eventually stopped the tours, Kirsty recalls the experience as dehumanizing, stating “It felt like being in a zoo.” She notes that the stigma associated with the building makes it harder for residents with addictions or mental health issues to get support, as they are often overlooked and dismissed.
The Residents Group aims to address ongoing repair issues, pests, and mould. They also seek to share the true story of the building and overcome outdated perceptions.
Kirsty describes the building as a “fabulous space” where children frequently play. This is not shown in the building’s reputation. They even have fun days with things like bouncing castles on occasion.
She mentioned that some families have lived there for three generations, fostering a strong sense of community. The building is home to multiple faiths and languages, fostering a vast amount of cultural mixing, which frequently goes unacknowledged by any exterior perspectives.
While some tenants struggle with addiction, the Covid pandemic worsened everyone’s mental health. The restricted lift access added to the difficulties, preventing some disabled tenants from leaving their flats due to fears of being unable to return. One woman in a wheelchair was confined to her home during Covid.
Children also fear being trapped in the lift, which can take up to an hour to be rescued. One lift shakes violently, like a rollercoaster, causing the children to cry from fear.
Accountability and communication are crucial. Tenants need to be informed about ongoing developments and have their reports acknowledged.
Lezley Marion Cameron reiterated the council’s £69 million investment to address tenant concerns and ensure they are well-informed. She affirmed the council’s commitment to providing every tenant with a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained home.