Tillicoultry Residents Left Devastated by Home Break-Ins and Council Response Amid Ongoing RAAC Crisis. Report by Wilson Chowdhry

Image

Clackmannanshire, UK: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.

Unfortunately, the council’s response to Mr. Chowdhry's concerns was disheartening. Robertson replied that she would be on holiday until 16 September, a delay that has left residents worried tht the final report to the council could be pushed back even further, potentially dragging the resolution out for several more months. This delay means that residents’ petitions will miss the opportunity for direct public participation at this critical meeting. Homeowners have since submitted a revised petition and are urging senior management, including the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive, to review it ahead of the meeting. They are seeking assurance that their voices will be heard and that they will have the opportunity for public participation during the deliberations on the report. In his correspondence with council leaders, Mr. Chowdhry has also called for an expedited reentry into the recently vandalised properties, expressing concern that further delays could lead to the theft or damage of valuable and sentimental items still inside. He emphasized the urgent need for swift action to prevent any additional losses and to provide residents with the opportunity to secure their belongings.

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.

You May Also Like

Image

A Rape Survivor’s Fight: BACA’s Dedication to Eman Khuram’s Justice and Empowerment. Report by Juliet Chowdhry

London: (By Hannah Chowdhry and Juliet Chowdhry) The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is committed to ensuring justice for Eman Khuram, a

Image

Christians in Pakistan: A Struggle for Survival and Success. A Report by Juliet Chowdhry

London: (By Hannah Chowdhry) In Pakistan, Christians face systemic barriers that make success incredibly difficult. These challenges are deeply ing

Image

The need for a representative organization for Christians at the national level. By Dr. Adil Ghouri

Sialkot: In the struggle for the establishment of Pakistan, the Christians were the second largest political power after the Muslims along with



"Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" By Nazir S Bhatti

On demand of our readers, I have decided to release E-Book version of "Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" on website of PCP which can also be viewed on website of Pakistan Christian Congress www.pakistanchristiancongress.org . You can read chapter wise by clicking tab on left handside of PDF format of E-Book.

nazirbhattipcc@aol.com , pakistanchristianpost@yahoo.com