IMAGE: Tenant pointing to water dripping down communal hallway with flat RAAC roof.
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Erskine, 6th March 2025 - When Lynda bought her home in Erskine, during August 2022, she believed she was securing a place to build a future. What she didn’t expect was a slow-burning crisis unfolding above her head—one that would expose a series of maintenance failures, unresponsive property management, and, ultimately, the alarming presence of RAAC in her building.
The Leaks Begin
Initially, Lynda had no concerns about the condition of her new home, though her home buyer report brought up wet sarking boards it was not described as a major issue.
"I called Bridgewater to ask about repairs and maintenance - which they wouldn’t disclose until I was the owner", she explained.However, it wasn’t long before a leak appeared in the hallway, with plaster peeling from the ceiling. Over time, two more leaks followed, the most recent occurring about a year ago. The problem? A poorly maintained flat roof.
Bridgewater, the property factor responsible for maintaining the building, were slow to act. Lynda pushed for answers, asking whether there had been any prior repairs. She was assured there were no significant issues.
After continued pressure, Bridgewater eventually repaired a section of the roof. While this stopped the immediate leak in the hallway, Lynda remained concerned about the overall state of the building. She urged Bridgewater to carry out a more comprehensive inspection. They seemed eager to access top-floor properties, yet meaningful action was still lacking.
The Ongoing Battle with Bridgewater
Lynda’s frustrations didn’t stop with the roof. Another major issue lay with the communal water tank, which had a history of leaking. Worse still, it had no lid, and fitting one would require removing an entire section of the roof.
Bridgewater charged residents for disinfecting the water tank—a job that was never done. Only after complaints were raised did they issue a refund. Meanwhile, routine gutter cleaning remained neglected, despite being a basic maintenance responsibility.
The RAAC Shock and Delayed Communication
Four weeks ago, Lynda’s daughter made a worrying discovery—her home had been flagged for RAAC concerns. Lynda immediately contacted Bridgewater for confirmation, but they denied sending any letters about the issue. Then, just an hour later, the letter arrived in the post.
Realizing the severity of the situation, Lynda’s husband turned to Facebook to raise awareness. This led to a meeting organized by Erskine Community Council, which should have been a chance to address residents’ concerns. However, out of 130 affected homes, only about 12 people attended. Sam Mullins, a key figure from the council, was present but has since remained unresponsive.
Unanswered Questions and More Discoveries
At the meeting, Lynda was assured that someone would follow up with her within 24 hours. A week later, with no contact, she reached out herself. She was particularly concerned because she needed to update her letting agent about her tenants’ safety.
During her investigations, Lynda spoke to a tenant who had been moved out of a nearby property, where a supporting brace was later installed to stabilize the roof. Initially, the tenant was told the evacuation was due to RAAC. However, when Lynda questioned Bridgewater Housing Association, she was given a different explanation—they claimed the tenant was removed due to concerns over potential asbestos disturbance and contamination.
This conflicting information raised serious doubts. If asbestos was the real concern, why was a brace installed to reinforce the roof? Was RAAC the real issue all along? The uncertainty left Lynda wondering: were residents being given the full truth about the structural risks in their homes?
Eventually, Lynda was informed that her own roof was unsafe and had now been braced. The uncertainty only deepened her frustration.
What Now?
For Lynda’s daughter, the situation is even more dire. The communal area of her flat, with its flat RAAC roof, experiences severe water leaks along the inner walls whenever it rains—a clear sign of serious structural deterioration. Tricking water indicates a dangerously compromised roof, yet no action has been taken to address the issue. Despite many homeowners in the development being willing to pay for essential maintenance, persistent problems—like hanging gutters—continue to be ignored. With each rainfall, the risk grows, putting residents' safety in jeopardy while those responsible fail to act.
Bridgewater has not offered a clear way forward. They have told homeowners to arrange their own structural surveys, while inspections are still ongoing. But for Lynda, the message is clear: waiting for further deterioration is not an option. She wants action now—before the situation becomes even more disastrous.
"My roof hasn’t been braced—at least not yet," Lynda said, concern evident in her voice. "They inspected my property yesterday (3rd March 25), but when I called for an update, I was told to wait. I’m still waiting for a callback."
This story is yet another example of homeowners being left in the dark, battling unresponsive factors, and dealing with the legacy of RAAC. The question remains: when will those responsible finally step up and take accountability for the worsening conditions?
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairperson for the UK RAAC Campaign Group, said:
"For Lynda and her daughter, the uncertainty is not just frustrating—it’s unbearable. They are left navigating a maze of bureaucracy while their homes continue to deteriorate. Meanwhile, Bridgewater’s lack of urgency leaves residents fearing the worst: further structural failures, increased repair costs, and a declining property value that could leave them trapped in unsafe homes.
"With each passing storm, the cracks—both literal and figurative—widen. Homeowners need answers, action, and a commitment to real solutions. The time for vague assurances and delays has long passed. Now, they ask: who will finally take responsibility, and when will change come?"
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