Residents in one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque neighbourhoods have told of being overrun by graffiti vandals.
Locals in the Dean Village say the city council's cleaning teams denied requests to clear graffiti splattered over the historic Dean Bridge and St Bernard’s Well because the paintwork was “not offensive”.
On another occasion, it is alleged one report was deemed ‘resolved,’ despite tags remaining weeks later.
Don Jardine, secretary of the Dean Village Association, added teenagers had been spotted leaping over fences and engaging in “rowdy behaviour” near a disused patch of land at the New Mills housing development since covid restrictions were lifted during the summer.
However, he added requests for assistance in cleaning the area had fallen on deaf ears.
Don said: “The graffiti has been reported to the council a few times and they replied straight away saying it had been dealt with but it has not.
“They then said it is only a priority if it is offensive and this did not meet the criteria.
“Partying at night along with graffiti sprayed on the bridge uprights has increased dramatically since July when Covid restrictions were lifted.
“Since the gate into the overgrown riverside garden in front of the new housing development at New Mills was locked, teenagers leap over the wall to meet on the riverside and in the overgrown and dark shrubbery.”
The historic village is regularly listed among the Capital's most ‘Instagrammable’ locations, with visitors flocking to have their pictures taken in front of the colourful and eclectic architecture.
However, Don added the area’s character is being spoiled by vandalism to the iconic stonework.
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“The unkempt and neglected Council land, originally a water mill with its surrounds, was once an attractive destination and viewing place next to the weir and to Thomas Telford’s bridge,” he said.
“Now because of the lack of necessary and regular maintenance, it just looks unkempt.”
City of Edinburgh Council has been contacted for comment.
