Residents of a luxury block of flats on Dundee waterfront have been forced to flee their homes because of storm damage.
Police told residents of 33 flats in Gourlay Yard to leave their homes on Tuesday as parts of the roof were left hanging dangerously from the building.
Gill Jones, 38, and her eight-year-old daughter Cara, who live on the top floor, were among those forced to leave because of the storm damage.
They have been staying with Gill’s parents since the storm hit on Monday, but made a flying visit back to their flat to collect belongings before returning to work and school following the holidays.
However, they were told to get out of the property on Tuesday afternoon as it was no longer safe. Scottish Fire and Rescue were called to the flats to assist city engineers trying to secure cladding hanging off the roof.
“I was told that after today I wouldn’t be allowed back into my flat,” said Gill. “My part of the roof has gone completely and I’ve been told there is just a sheet of plastic keeping the rain out.”
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Gill said her landlord, Robertson Property Management, had been unable to say when repairs could take place but will try to find alternative accommodation for her and Cara as soon as possible.
Gill, who works for the Department for Work and Pensions at Lindsay House, said Cara had not known whether to laugh or cry during the worst of the storm.
She said she hopes her return to Dundee High School after the Christmas holidays will help restore some semblance of normality.
Meanwhile, she has to hope the condition of the roof does not further deteriorate before repairs can be made.
Lights in some of the stairwells of the block had already been knocked out by the winter storms while insulation from the roof has been blown across much of City Quay.
The police had told residents of Gourlay Yard to remain indoors and away from windows following the storm damage and pinned notices on doors telling residents to stay inside.
But shortly after 5pm they told residents of 33 flats half of the properties in the block they would need to find accommodation elsewhere.
A statement issued by the force’s Tayside Division said: “Following consultation with Dundee City Council this afternoon, Police Scotland is assisting in the evacuation of 33 properties at Gourlay Yard, due to continuing concerns regarding the safety of the roof on the building.
“Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has temporarily secured some sections of the roof this afternoon, however permanent repairs are expected to be carried out later this week.
“Dundee City Council is co-ordinating accommodation for residents evacuated this evening.
“Barriers are in place at Gourlay Yard to prevent pedestrian access to the area and in the interests of safety, police would ask that members of the public do not approach the building.”
Dave Lomas was one of the residents told they should evacuate for their own safety after watching bits of the roof dangling outside his bedroom window.
He said: “I thought it was going to be bad when part of the roof that was damaged was hanging right above my bedroom window.
“It had been getting progressively worse. Part of it had already fallen and then more came down. There’s probably more to come.”
Although he stays in the middle level, Dave said he could feel the cold air permeating the block.
He said: “The police told us we should grab our things and get out within the hour. It is just something you don’t need at this time of year but I think it is the safest option.”For weather updates click here: www.thecourier.co.uk/weather-live