West Lothian, Scotland, 29 July 2024 – In a heartfelt gathering on Thursday, 26th July, Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, visited the new home of Kerry Mackintosh, a dedicated campaigner who fought for 20 years after her home was condemned due to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Chowdhry was joined by Tom Leggeat of Springfield Properties and Victoria Mungall, Development Management and Transportation Planning Manager for West Lothian Council to discuss plans for naming a community park, complete with a play area and peace garden, in honor of the late homeowner rights campaigner Joe Baxter, who passed away on March 18.
During the meeting, West Lothian Council and Springfield Properties committed to installing a commemorative bench and plaque in recognition of the 20-year campaign for homeowner rights. This campaign, led by Mackintosh and Baxter, involved ten brave families who refused to leave their homes despite the distressing news that their properties were unsafe due to Siporex, a crumbly concrete that disintegrates after prolonged water ingress.
In 2010, Kerry Mackintosh and Joe Baxter spearheaded a movement that resulted in a successful public inquiry after significant help and guidance from local stalwart Reg Forbes. This ultimately secured new homes for all ten families. Despite facing increased anti-social behavior, ridicule in schools, and a near-total loss of council services while still paying council tax, these resilient homeowners stood firm.
In 2016 Springfield Properties stepped in, offering new, bespoke homes for each of the ten families in order for them to complete a new development on the site. Unfortunately, Joe Baxter, an 83-year-old traveling evangelist and former RAF pilot, passed away just two months before moving into his new home.
Upon hearing this poignant story, Wilson Chowdhry immediately offered support to the grieving community and began campaigning for a road to be named after Joe Baxter. Through dialogue with Valerie Johnson and Victoria Mungall from West Lothian Council's Development Team on 29th May, it was agreed that a plot of land destined to become a community park would be dedicated as a memorial park for Joe Baxter. However, due to scheduling conflicts, progress had stalled until now.
Kerry Mackintosh moved into her new home on 25th May, becoming the second of the ten campaigners to receive their new homes. Since then, all homeowners have moved into their new residences, and the surrounding area continues to develop.
A designated spot has been allocated for the community bench with a commemorative plaque, and Mr. Chowdhry is collaborating with Kerry Mackintosh to craft a fitting inscription. The council and Springfield Properties agreed on several initiatives to enhance the memorial park, including a peace garden with a floral tribute to Joe Baxter, incorporating his name into the park railings to prevent vandalism, and installing a community plaque detailing the 20-year fight for justice and a fair deal to ensure the park's legacy endures. It is anticipated that the bench and plaque will be installed in the coming weeks, with the park's completion projected within 18 months.
Kerry Mackintosh, Deputy Chairperson for the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:
"Joe Baxter was well-loved by everyone in this community. We all miss him deeply, and I am grateful that such a fitting tribute will be developed in his honor.
"Although he never got to live in his new home, he told me it would be enough for him that his wife Isabel would experience the new home and that it would be a legacy for his children. He always thought of others first.
"I am ecstatic about the commemorative bench, the legacy plaque, and the wonderful options being considered for Joe Baxter Memorial Park.
"I hope it will become a beacon of hope for local people, who will draw on the strength of our campaign to overcome obstacles in their own lives."
She added:
"The generosity of Springfield Properties should not be ignored, all ten campaigners who received a new home owe a great debt to a company that had the moral fortitude to offer us a fair deal."
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:
"I extend my profound gratitude to West Lothian Council and Springfield Properties for commemorating the life of Joe Baxter with this fitting tribute to an honorable man.
"The ten campaigners who endured a 20-year struggle have shown that no obstacle is insurmountable.
"They bravely challenged West Lothian Council and secured a public inquiry that allowed them to hold onto their properties.
"Despite unsafe conditions and reduced local services that made life a living hell for nearly 20 years, these families persevered for a fair deal.
"We cannot underestimate their struggle or the hope and inspiration Kerry and Joe have now provided to over 2,000 homeowners across the UK who face a similar experience nearly 20 years after the Deans South debacle.
"Their fight and ultimate victory will be permanently and indelibly written into local history, inspiring generation after generation."
For more information on this inspiring story and ongoing community efforts, please visit here.
Contact: Wilson Chowdhry Chairman, UK RAAC Campaign Group wilson@aasecurity.co.uk
About UK RAAC Campaign Group: The UK RAAC Campaign Group is dedicated to addressing the issues surrounding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in buildings across the UK. The group advocates for safer housing conditions and supports affected communities in their fight for justice and fair treatment.
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