Latest news with #NESS
Press and Journal
09-07-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Reason for Aberdeen bin collection delays REVEALED as city's incinerator struggles through ongoing issues
Ongoing issues at Aberdeen's incinerator have been blamed for missed or delayed bin collections. Aberdeen City Council this week issued an apology for missed and delayed bin pick-ups across the city. Refuse workers could not complete collections on all routes, leaving some residents with overflowing bins. Residents were told they would have to wait until their next scheduled collection day to have their waste taken away. The Press and Journal can now reveal the reason behind the disruption is down to the city's £150m waste centre experiencing ongoing issues. The plant's operator Indaver has cast doubt over its future involvement with the NESS project due to 'problems with operations'. Usually, non-recyclable waste from households is transported to the Energy from Waste (EfW) plant. The waste is then incinerated, which generates electricity. The Tullos-based plant was built under contract from Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray councils. The incinerator is equipped to handle 150,000 tonnes of combined waste from the three local authorities. Indaver operates the facility and ongoing issues at the plant have prompted a review of their involvement. A spokesperson said: 'Indaver can confirm that, due to ongoing issues the company is experiencing in relation to its operations at the NESS waste-to-energy facility in Aberdeen, Scotland, the company is reviewing its future involvement in the project.' It is unclear what would happen should Indaver decide to stop operations. Aberdeen City Council has had to make alternative arrangements for bin collections. The council said: 'We apologise that bin collections are currently being impacted by short-term operational challenges. 'We have had to put alternative tipping arrangements in place due to the temporary unavailability of the Ness Energy from Waste Facility. 'Contingency arrangements have led to some minor disruption to service, but the team are working tirelessly to mitigate any delay, and we thank people for their patience. Residents should continue to put their bins out as normal.' Moray Council says they have had to divert to other waste disposal locations. A spokesperson said: 'Our services remain unaffected by this issue, other than having to divert to alternative disposal locations which have been sourced.' An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the current issues at the plant. 'We have worked with colleagues at Aberdeen City and Moray councils to ensure that there is no disruption to our household residual waste collections by ensuring alternative disposal arrangements are in place.'
The Herald Scotland
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
North East Scotland incinerator shut after operator's threat
However, a growing number of faults at the site, which opened less than two years ago, has left Belgian operator Indaver on the brink of pulling out. Sources told trade journal EWB that the facility contained more than 1800 'snags' when it was handed over for operational use last year. By contrast, the typical number of faults expected in this sort of project is around 350. The incinerator is located south of Aberdeen Harbour in East Tullos. A spokesperson for the waste management firm confirmed the company had considered pulling out of the multi million pound project. They said: 'Indaver can confirm that, due to ongoing issues the company is experiencing in relation to its operations at the NESS waste-to-energy facility in Aberdeen, Scotland, the company is reviewing its future involvement in the project.' The shutdown has left refuse crews scrambling to find alternative sites for waste removal, leading to bin collection delays across the North East of Scotland. Aberdeen City councillor Deena Tissera said she had written to the local authority's chief executive seeking clarity on the future of the site, which is also used to produce electricity and heat homes in the local area. She posted to X: 'I must express the growing frustration among elected members and the public at the lack of clear communication and accountability around this significant infrastructure failure. 'Indaver, a key partner in the NESS consortium, is considering withdrawing from the project due to serious issues with the build quality. Read more: Does the planning process respect local opinion? Just ask the people of Torry Hundreds in Aberdeen's Torry to be 'rehomed as soon as possible' over Raac fears Lesley Riddoch: In Torry the 'Just Transition' to renewable energy is far from just Ms Tissera added: 'Reports confirm that the plant was handed over with an unacceptable number of unresolved defects - around 1800 snags - compared to the typical threshold of 350. This level of failure points to systemic weaknesses in the oversight and delivery of this publicly funded project.' An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: 'Due to an issue between EFW Ness Ltd and its operating sub-contractor, the Ness Energy from Waste Facility is currently closed. Waste is being diverted to an alternative disposal facility. Residents should continue to put their bins out as normal.'
Press and Journal
23-06-2025
- Health
- Press and Journal
Aberdeen deafblind woman with Usher syndrome finds new independence thanks to charity
An Aberdeen woman with a rare condition that causes deafblindness has shared how she regained her confidence and independence after years of struggle. Susan Charles, 58, began losing her hearing as a child. Later, her eyesight started to deteriorate. In 1998, she was diagnosed with Usher syndrome, which causes deafness from birth and retinitis pigmentosa — also known as tunnel vision — which develops over time. Susan was forced to give up her job in the fishing industry. And as her vision worsened, she became isolated, anxious and reluctant to leave the safety of her home. Speaking at the start of Deafblind Awareness Week, she recalled the moment her sight loss became clear. 'My sister noticed one night after we'd been at Weightwatchers. 'It was dark, and I was feeling for the door and the steps 'I asked her, 'Do you see that, the door and the steps?'. 'She said 'yes', and I thought that was strange because I couldn't.' She added: 'When my mum passed away in 2012, I felt lost. 'I was looking after my dad then, and my sight was getting worse. 'I was using my cane, but I kept looking down and would panic, especially when looking for the kerb. 'I'm scared of kerbs and steps. 'I lacked confidence going out and had become very anxious after a few falls.' At her lowest point, Susan reached out to North East Sensory Services (NESS), which was then known as Grampian Society for the Blind. She said: 'I spoke to the NESS social worker about how I was feeling, and she referred me to the rehab workers for cane training. 'The first time I went out with the rehab worker, I was so nervous.' Over several weeks, Susan slowly built up her confidence, starting with short walks around her building. Eventually, she was able to take the bus again to visit her dad — a big milestone for her. She has also received support from NESS with technology and daily living aids. The charity helped her get a magnifier for reading letters and talking kitchen scales so she could bake and cook safely. 'I used to love baking, and I miss it, so I'm trying to do it again,' she said. 'I still cook, but I can't see colours — so I don't know how brown the roast chicken is. 'My husband checks if it's cooked! 'I enjoy doing my washing and housework, but I'm much slower now. I can't pair socks because I can't see the colours.' Susan said she wanted to encourage others not to ignore the early signs of sensory loss. 'If you are bumping into things or struggling in the dark, go to your doctor,' she said. 'And don't be afraid to contact NESS — there is help out there.' NESS is an independent local charity that offers support to keep blind and deaf people independent.
STV News
23-06-2025
- Health
- STV News
Woman with rare deafblind condition regains independence with charity support
An Aberdeen woman living a rare genetic condition causing both deafness and progressive blindness has credited a north east charity with helping her regain confidence and independence. Susan Charles, 58, was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome in 1998 after experiencing worsening eyesight alongside lifelong hearing loss. Usher Syndrome combines congenital deafness with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), which leads to tunnel vision. Susan said she first noticed her vision deteriorating while out with her sister. She said: 'I remember my sister noticed one night after we had been at Weightwatchers. It was dark, and I was feeling for the door and the steps, and my sister said, 'What's wrong?' 'I said: 'I don't know, it's dark', and I asked her, 'Do you see that, the door and the steps?' She said she could see them, and I thought that was weird because I couldn't.' Susan's condition forced her to leave her job in the fishing industry, and over time she became anxious and reluctant to leave her home. 'When my mum passed away in 2012, I just felt lost. I was looking after my dad then, and my sight was getting worse,' she said. 'I was using my cane, but kept looking down and I'd start to panic, looking for the kerb. I'm scared of kerbs, I'm scared of steps. 'I lacked confidence going out and meeting people. I was getting really anxious and had fallen a couple of times.' Susan reached out to North East Sensory Services (NESS), which has supported her for nearly 30 years. Through rehabilitation workers, she received cane training and gradually rebuilt her independence. 'I spoke to the NESS social worker about how I was feeling, and she put me in touch with the rehab workers to do cane training. The first time I went out with the rehab worker, oh my God, I was so nervous.' After weeks of practice, she was able to take the bus alone again. 'I used to take the bus down to my dad's, but I'd stopped because I'd lost confidence and used to panic. 'So the rehab worker trained me to go on the bus, and with the fieldwork assistant, I was able to take the bus down to my dad's house. 'It took about three weeks to build up to that, and it felt like a big achievement. If it wasn't for the rehab worker and fieldwork assistant, I would still be stuck in the house.' Despite ongoing health challenges and worsening sight, Susan remains active at home and is trying to return to baking, one of her favourite hobbies. 'I used to love baking, which I miss, so I'm trying to do it again. I still cook, but I can't identify colours, so I can't tell how brown a roast chicken is, so my husband has to check if the chicken is cooked. 'I'm fine doing things in my own home, I still enjoy doing my washing and my housework, I used to be quick doing things, but now I'm very slow. 'I can't pair socks any more because I can't see the colours. I like having my kitchen to myself on a Sunday. I send my husband and daughter away so I can stay in there myself, so I don't bang into them.' Susan wants others to recognise the early signs of sight loss and seek help without delay. 'I would like to tell people that if you are bothered by banging into little things or finding it difficult at night or in darkness, go and see your doctor. 'These are early indicators of sight loss. And then don't be afraid to go to NESS and get some help.' NESS supports thousands of people with visual and hearing impairments across the north east of Scotland, providing rehabilitation, training, and daily living aids to help maintain independence. Carla Marchbank, statutory services manager at NESS, said: 'Susan's inspiring story highlights some of the major challenges people can face when they are deafblind. It also shows that it can be an ever-changing situation, which is why we encourage people to get in touch with us for support whenever they need to. 'We understand that their condition can change, and how they feel about doing certain things can also change. 'Something that once was possible might start to feel more of a challenge, but we can explore ways of restoring confidence, through new strategies, equipment or training, which help people adapt to their new circumstances.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scottish Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I woke up one morning and my hearing had gone – my life changed overnight
He also suffered another condition which saw him lose his job MY ORDEAL I woke up one morning and my hearing had gone – my life changed overnight Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER RAF man has told how he woke up one morning to discover he had gone deaf overnight. Philip McDonald, 62, got out of bed in 2015 to find his hearing had gone and had he didn't have any balance. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Philip McDonald lost his hearing overnight Credit: North East Sensory Services (NESS) 3 He spent more than 20 years in the RAF and served at Lossiemouth Credit: Alamy The ex-Air Force technician, from Elgin, initially shrugged it off to just being tired but he was later diagnosed with sudden onset hearing loss and tinnitus. He also developed Vertigo and lost his job at a care home because he could no longer safely work. Philip said: 'I woke up at 5am to a loud crashing noise, and got up to check what had caused it. 'I was staggering all over the house, and put it down to being half asleep. 'I went back to bed, but when I woke at 8am, I was still staggering and bouncing around. I thought I would turn the volume on the TV up, but still couldn't hear anything. 'I realised I couldn't hear my feet on the floor, I couldn't hear the kettle, I couldn't hear anything, and I started to panic. 'I managed to get a taxi to the GP, where the doctor and other staff had to communicate with me by writing things down. All I could hear was a loud whistling in my ears from the tinnitus. 'Over time, some of my hearing did come back, but all I can hear now is really low bass notes in one of my ears. Sometimes the tinnitus is so bad I can't hear anything else.' He added: 'It causes nausea and sometimes vomiting. I tell people that it makes me unpredictable as I may have to cancel appointments at the last minute. 'I lost my previous job as a carer in a nursing home because the vertigo was beginning to make me unsafe. My son, 12, was minutes from death from terrifying trend that burns holes in kids' bowels, leaving them with stoma bags 'I can't predict when it flares up, but I have learned that there are some common triggers, like sudden head movements, or walking down steps. 'There have been times when I've reacted to a loud noise, which made me turn my head suddenly, triggering my vertigo and causing me to fall and land in the middle of the street, on two occasions with cars coming towards me. If I get an inkling of vertigo, I don't go out until it's passed.' The veteran, who served for 22 years at RAF bases Lossiemouth and Kinross, sought help from North East Sensory Services (NESS) to help him get his life back. Philip has been given a flashing doorbell that he can see anywhere in his house and joined one of their lip-reading classes. His home has also had a flashing and vibrating smoke alarm installed. He added: 'I know I can phone NESS any time during the day if I'm feeling lonely. The social isolation is the worst, and they helped me so much with that. 'I've found that telling people about my hearing loss really helps, and explaining that hearing aids don't magically fix your hearing, they are only there to support you.' 'It's really important for people to look at you when they are talking, so you can lipread. I find it difficult when people join in a conversation I am having. I can follow one person, but I can't follow two or three people at the same time. 'If you are having difficulties with your hearing, and are diagnosed with hearing loss, I would always recommend going to NESS.' Carla Marchbank, statutory services manager at NESS, said: 'Philip's story shows just how devastating sensory loss can be. "At NESS, our staff understand people need different things along their journey, and we try to support them in whatever way they need at the best time for them. 'This can be on a practical level, through providing equipment or applying for benefits, or responding with the emotional support that people need as they adapt to their new normal. 'Gaining new skills, such as lipreading, can help people regain control of their situation. 'Members of groups like the lipreading class also provide each other with peer support, sharing their experiences and expertise with others who are at the start of their journey.'
