Clackmannanshire, 30 August 2024 – Residents of Tillicoultry, who were evacuated from their homes due to the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), are facing renewed turmoil after two distressing incidents further shattered their fragile sense of security this week.
The first incident involved a series of break-ins at the evacuated homes, which still house personal belongings and valuable items. For over two months, Clackmannanshire Council has been attempting to organize a safe, accompanied re-entry for residents to retrieve their belongings and integrated appliances. However, delays related to risk assessments and scheduling meetings with residents have stalled progress.
On Tuesday evening (27th August), images shared on a council-managed WhatsApp group revealed the removal and destruction of metal screens intended to secure the properties, suggesting that thieves or squatters had gained access to some homes. Homeowners Fiona and Jimmy Vallance, featured recently in a Sky News segment on the RAAC homes crises, along with Lynsey McQuater, took immediate action by guarding the properties and demanding the council and police secure the buildings. Police arrived swiftly within 30 mins, inspecting damaged entry points, while council contractors re-secured the premises. Nonetheless, Wilson Lees, Clackmannanshire Council’s Homelessness and Supporting People Manager, acknowledged that existing security measures were insufficient. The traumatised residents remained at the property until around 10:30 p.m., staying vigilant until they felt confident that the properties were secure.
For many residents, this was the final straw. Evicted from their homes by council officers and police, residents expressed their anger, fear, and frustration in the WhatsApp group, demanding better security from the council. Concerns over the council’s handling of security intensified as homeowners called for the release of CCTV footage, questioning the existence of the promised cameras. Lynsey McQuater directly addressed these concerns with council representatives:
For many residents, this was the final straw. Evicted from their homes by council officers and police, residents expressed their anger, fear, and frustration in the WhatsApp group, demanding better security from the council. Concerns over the council’s handling of security intensified as homeowners called for the release of CCTV footage, questioning the existence of the promised cameras. Lynsey McQuater directly addressed these concerns with council representatives:
“This is not good enough. We were told a security company would patrol our area, but we’ve never seen anyone. We were also assured that CCTV was installed, yet we can’t locate any cameras.”
Adding to their frustrations, residents were further disheartened by a letter sent to Lynsey McQuater from Lee Robertson, the council’s Senior Manager – Legal and Governance Monitoring Officer, which outlined reasons for rejecting an online petition calling for fair treatment and support for homeowners affected by RAAC. The council’s response has been met with widespread outrage, as many feel it lacks empathy and fails to address their legitimate concerns.
The council’s response has been met with outrage, as many feel it lacks empathy and fails to address their concerns. The letter also introduced new doubts about the potential permanent loss of their homes and the council’s commitment to offering a fair valuation for properties affected by RAAC.
“The condescending tone and lack of support from the council have left us feeling even more vulnerable and helpless,” said Frances Read, a displaced homeowner. “We’ve been evacuated for nearly a year, and our homes and belongings continue to be at risk due to the council’s inaction.”
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, also expressed his dismay at the council’s response. In his correspondence with Lee Robertson, Chowdhry outlined several key concerns:
Request for Comprehensive Support: Homeowners are seeking mental health support and financial compensation under Section 71 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, including grants or loans to cover losses such as recently installed kitchens and heating systems. Chowdhry emphasized that residents feel penalized for the council’s historical decisions to use RAAC in construction.
Valuation Concerns: Chowdhry pointed out that Clackmannanshire Council had previously discussed the provision of pre-RAAC-declaration valuations, directly contradicting Robertson’s recent statements. He emphasized the critical need to preserve the residents' right to petition for fair valuations and to ensure that these values remain a viable option for consideration.
Financial Compensation: Chowdhry clarified that requests for financial support relate specifically to compensation for incurred losses, consistent with provisions under Section 71.
Access to Properties: Despite a Dangerous Buildings Notice, efforts are ongoing to allow accompanied access for residents. Chowdhry emphasized that the council’s comments on this matter were unconstructive.
Public Inquiry: While Robertson dismissed the call for a public inquiry, Chowdhry argued that homeowners have the right to request government intervention and had hoped for council advocacy based on public support.
Mr Chowdhry, said:
“The language used in Ms. Robertson's response is not only condescending but confrontational, failing to acknowledge the very real personal struggles faced by the residents. Ms. Robertson is clearly aware of which 'October' valuation we are referring to—it's the one immediately preceding the discovery of RAAC. This information can be easily obtained through records, yet she appears to be playing dumb to filibuster and confuse the residents, who, while not legal experts, certainly deserve clear and honest answers.
Her dismissive approach completely ignores the traumatic ordeal the residents have endured, suggesting a worrying lack of empathy. Her final paragraph reveals her true concern—potential court action and litigation against the council. If that's where this is heading, then I would fully support exploring legal avenues, and showing her the same lack of mercy that has been shown to the residents. It's time to light a fire under her and demand accountability for the mishandling of this crisis.”
Local residents have been actively seeking legal representation to address their grievances, but have faced repeated setbacks as every solicitors' firm they have approached has declined to take on their case. Despite their efforts, they have been unable to secure the services of any legal advocates, leaving them without professional support in their fight for fair treatment and accountability from the council. The residents remain hopeful that an honest solicitor, upon learning about their plight, will reach out and offer the legal assistance they so desperately need. They are seeking an advocate who can champion their cause, help navigate the complexities of their situation, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
As Tillicoultry residents continue to fight for the security of their properties and fair treatment, Clackmannanshire Council’s response to the RAAC crisis remains under intense scrutiny.
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