Aberdeen City Council has said it is to spend almost £17m on "major repairs" to a number of tower blocks.

The improvements, worth £16.7m, will be carried out on seven tower blocks in the Seaton area of the city.

In a report, inspectors said if the work was not carried out, the 725 flats concerned would "not be fit for long-term use as social housing". It was also said that future occupants of the properties could be "severely affected by fuel poverty" due to heating issues.

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Concerns have been raised regarding the condition of exterior walls, condensation and mould.

In 2010, the council agreed for works to be undertaken at three multi-storey blocks. They were Balgownie Court, Inverdon Court and St Ninian Court. Other tower blocks, including Aulton, Bayview, Beachview, Linksfield, North Sea, Promenade and Regent Courts, were also in need to work, but there were not enough funds available.

Commenting on the investment plans, Housing and Environment Convener, Neil Cooney, is quoted as saying: "We all felt very sorry that we couldn't complete the work on the other flats, but this time we have the finance in place. This is a good news story, it will reduce heat loss, increases carbon capture and it looks better. It is actually giving them a huge boost."

It is anticipated that work will be undertaken on the tower blocks by 2019.

(JP/MH)