Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, 6th November 2024 – After over one year of displacement and logistical setbacks, RAAC-affected homeowners in Tillicoultry are finally being granted one final access to their homes to retrieve essential belongings. This emotional milestone, coordinated by Clackmannanshire Council with support from Kevin Wells and Wilson Lees, follows a prolonged struggle to address the practical and psychological toll of displacement for the affected families.
The road to this re-entry process has been a complex one. Initially, homeowners had been in frequent communication with Wilson Lees, the Homelessness and Supporting People Manager, who maintained regular contact with residents over WhatsApp for a year. “Wilson was our primary connection with the council when things were at their most confusing,” said one homeowner. “His support helped us feel like someone in the council understood what we were going through.”
This cancellation was a major setback for families who had taken time off work, carefully prepared questions, and expected to receive structured logistical plans for re-entry along with details on overall support. “We’d rearranged our lives and cleared our schedules, hoping to get concrete answers,” said one resident. “But with the meeting suddenly off the table, it felt like we were back at square one.”
Wilson Chowdhry Pushes for Rescheduled Access
In response, Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, pressed the council to reschedule the meeting and expedite decisions for re-entry, stressing the mounting emotional strain on homeowners. “People were desperate to collect their things and wanted a clearer understanding at where things were heading so tey could begin rebuilding some normalcy, but these cancellations and delays made the situation feel endless,” Chowdhry said. He emphasized the urgent need to confirm the feasibility of re-entries, especially for residents still facing mortgage, rent, and utility payments on vacated properties.
After weeks of communication and advocacy, a rescheduled meeting finally took place on 20th October, where Chowdhry, and Wells, discussed logistics for the item retrieval process. The meeting, though positive, was a disappointment for residents as the council underscored the safety challenges of accessing the RAAC-affected buildings. It was ultimately decided that residents would need to view their belongings remotely, through a video link to avoid structural risks. Although residents had hoped for more direct access, they agreed, recognizing there was no other option open to them. However, they requested larger viewing screens for ease – a request that was unfortunately met with only a mobile phone link due to logistical constraints.
Challenging Scheduling for Re-Entry
Scheduling re-entry dates also proved challenging, with families trying to coordinate around work and personal commitments. Homeowners like Lynsey Maquater faced particular difficulties; her original re-entry was planned for 5th November, but personal obligations required a new date, which the council was able to adjust to 31st October. These logistical hurdles added strain to what was already an emotionally charged process.
The re-entry schedule unfolded as follows:
- 30th October – 81 Chapelle Crescent
- 31st October – High Street and Park Street Residents (excluding resident of 39 High Street)
- 6th & 7th November – Resident of 39 High Street, given the extensive material requiring clearance.
The council’s chosen contractor, AMC Removals, coordinated a detailed removal process involving multiple vehicles, staff, and council officials. Homeowners, though unable to enter their properties directly, viewed the retrieval of items from a protective cabin, monitoring the process via video feed. For some residents, the experience brought both relief and sorrow. There were also two council officers who were praised for their sensitivity and support, easing the difficult process for residents. “The staff were incredibly patient and flexible, which really helped reduce the anxiety everyone was feeling,” said Hamilton.
Emotional Experiences During the Re-Entry Process:
Denise Hamilton described a poignant moment as she sat in a small mobile cabin outside her former home. “I was okay until I sat down in the little hut and got a wee bit emotional speaking to [council officer] Kim about the situation everybody is in,” she shared. Hamilton was able to retrieve several items for her daughter Emma, including two wall heaters and a wall-mounted hall table. While grateful to see the property “in pretty good condition,” Hamilton added, “It’s just a little step forward, and there’s still a long way to go.”
Gary Morrison struggled with the state of his property on the top floor, which had accumulated significant damage due to inspections. “There was significant damage and debris... we couldn’t take the fridge/freezer due to mould, fungus, and insects,” Morrison noted. Although his refrigerator was beyond saving, Morrison appreciated the council’s efforts: “Kim was considerate and helpful, and the contractors did all the heavy lifting to move the washing machine to my garage. On the day, the staff could not have been better.”
Fiona Vallance and her husband, Jimmy, felt both relief and sorrow upon re-entering their property. “We felt a bit emotional seeing inside the flat,” she said. “The council and contractors were very kind and considerate. Kim was lovely, caring, and respectful while listening to us. We managed to get our radiators out, which we were pleased about.” However, the sight of the extensive damage, particularly holes in the ceiling, cast a shadow on the day. “We hope this will be finalised soon and let us continue with a normal life.”
Frances Reid echoed similar sentiments, feeling surprised and thankful for the condition of her items. “Guys, can I just say I was pleasantly surprised with the condition of the items after being boarded up all this time,” she said. “I got my leather sofa, beds, and mattresses into a van. I told them not to lift them if they were mouldy or damp, and they were okay. It was emotional – yes, sad – absolutely, but unfortunately, it’s another step we have to take.” Reid also extended her support to fellow homeowners, adding, “I’m here for anyone that needs me.”
Fiona Crichton was disappointed by the condition of some of her items. “I picked up the washer/dryer from Park St today and drove it to Edinburgh, but it doesn’t work. So it was a complete waste of time,” she shared. The sight of her flat’s condition was distressing, with furniture “thrown to the side by the workmen to get into the roof.” She added, “My flat is on the top floor, and seeing it in that state was difficult.”
Lynsey Maquater faced her own challenges during the process, struggling with logistics to retrieve her belongings. Although the council accommodated her need for a different entry date, a deeply personal item, a watch that once belonged to her father, could not be found. While there were no allegations of theft, the situation was upsetting for her and highlighted the emotional weight of the experience.
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