Residents of a north-east seaside community have urged people to avoid the area’s narrow alleyways and quant paths to help prevent potential spread of coronavirus.
The Fittie Community Development Trust, formed by residents of Footdee in Aberdeen, has put in place various signs throughout the area telling people to avoid the residential area to protect vulnerable people.
George Street and Harbour councillor Ryan Houghton said he has received numerous calls from people in Footdee who have raised fears about infection from those jogging or biking through the former fishing village.
The tight-knit community is home to many pensioners and others within groups vulnerable to the virus, and many of the properties have front doors which open directly onto the area’s narrow pavements and streets.
Mr Houghton said he has raised the concerns of residents with communities officers, and has appealed for those spending time outdoors during the lockdown to instead go elsewhere, to protect those at risk in Footdee.
He said: “Naturally, people want to enjoy the idyllic setting that is Fittie and its surroundings when getting their daily exercise, however it is understandable that residents are concerned – particularly those who fall into vulnerable categories, and those with families and friends that fall into vulnerable categories.
“There is a high number of elderly residents in the area, so I would ask people to be mindful and instead choose to go to other places within close proximity for their exercise.
“Fittie is a very small, confined space and that’s what gives it its historic, beautiful charm, but it can pose problems for people, particularly the elderly who want to go out and get some fresh air in the area.”
Other areas have also been raising concerns about the proximity of walkers and exercisers to their homes if their front doors open onto the pavement.
One elderly Macduff resident requested that people be “respectful” and aim to keep their distance if possible to avoid contaminating their door handles wherever possible.