Drivers are being forced to put their headlights on during the middle of the day due to the high levels of dust in the air in Edinburgh, an NHS respiratory nurse has claimed.
Ruth Moss, 50, who works at Little France, told Edinburgh Live the air pollution appears to be coming from a nearby building site at the corner of Old Dalkeith Road by the Wisp.
Heavy clouds of debris are said to have been blown around the area from large mounds of mud and dirt that appear to have been placed close to residential properties.
A shocking image shared by Ruth, who is also a resident in the area, shows a cloth covered in dirt after it has been wiped on a dresser. This was after a slant window was left open for just one day.
Ruth has now blasted Edinburgh City Council for their lack of contact and said that she hopes the issue will be resolved. She says she respects new developments have to take place in the area but that it should be done responsibly.
She said: “The issue started around three months ago when huge JCB diggers began to form mounds on the site. The dirt from these mounds now appear to be blowing over into our community which is problematic.
“I often cycle to my work at the Royal Infirmary and sometimes I actually have to wait to come along the road so that the dust can settle. I also have a neighbour who has to wait for the clouds to disappear before bringing their dog back home.
“It is damaging for residents' health. Not only this but it also means that we are unable to hang out our washing or leave our windows open.
“It is also impossible to clean your car as it will just be covered in dirt again. Some motorists coming along the road have actually had to turn their headlights on in order to see through the pollution.
“I left my window slightly open one day and when I wiped down my dresser it had a layer of dirt across it. I tried to raise the issue with the environmental team at the council but I feel as though I have just been ignored.
“Someone from the environmental team should really come out to inspect the site. Residents have been reasonable and understand building work needs to be carried out but we are just asking that a solution be found to protect our health.”
However, the council say they were not aware of the issue but have thanked residents for bringing it to their attention. They hope to find a solution to the problem.
Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener said: “I was not aware of this issue, and I am glad that it has been brought to my attention.
“The Council are speaking to the site operator about how they can improve the situation for local residents”.
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