Repairs are to be made to city centre steps where a man suffered serious injuries – but council chiefs say the steps did not cause his fall.
The 25-year-old, who has not been named by police, was walking on the Back Wynd steps leading from Union Street down to the Green in the early hours of June 12 when he sustained serious head injuries.
He was taken by ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment. It was thought at the time he had fallen down the stairs.
Aberdeen City Council closed off the steps and has now said it will bring in contractors to carry out repairs to ensure public safety is not at risk.
The council has been praised for taking “reassuring” action.
“This was a very distressing incident,” said Councillor Martin Greig.
He added: “The public have a right to know the area is being made as safe as possible.
“It is reassuring that action is under way to protect possible victims.
“This is a busy place and needs to be secure in the interests of all.”
It is understood that, after the man’s fall, council officers inspected the stairs and concluded “there is no suggestion the incident was a result of a fault in the stairs”.
However, the inspectors identified some sections of the steps that could benefit from maintenance and council chiefs have given the go-ahead for a programme of repairs to take place.
The council has invited companies to express an interest in carrying out the work and it is understood a contract will be awarded next week.
Work will first be carried out to the west side of the steps – the area currently fenced off – and that side will then reopen.
The east side of the steps will then be closed for repairs.
After the June 12 incident, police taped off the steps and forensic experts examined the scene.
At the time, Inspector Graeme Penny encouraged anyone with information to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 0331 of June 12.
Councillor Michael Hutchison described the steps as “crumbling” and he joined Councillor Ryan Houghton in calling for the council to look at whether street lighting should be improved there.