TENANTS and residents affected by the Tillicoultry RAAC crisis have launched a desperate appeal for Clackmannanshire Council to let them have access to their property.

Those evacuated from three flat blocks found to contain dangerous amounts of the reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete have been living in alternative accommodation since October.

Residents told the Advertiser at the time that they had just hours to leave their properties and have since not been allowed to return.

The council has fenced off the three flat blocks – located on Park Street, High Street and Chappelle Crescent – and the windows have been boarded up.

Keith Shearer, a former resident of Park Street, explained that he has been left frustrated at not being allowed re-entry.

He said: “I lived at Park Street, Tillicoultry, and I would be interested in a re-entry as I have an item of personal value that was not removed because it was screwed into a wall.

“I have been waiting since December for Clackmannanshire Council to get back to me about having it returned.”

The council has co-ordinated a re-entry before, wherein council workers collected personal items for those affected by the crisis.

However, this was not thorough enough for many residents, with several having lived there for decades and have a lot to clear through.

Residents have been working alongside Wilson Chowdhry, chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, who has been fighting their case to Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish and UK Governments.

READ MORE: UK RAAC Campaign Group hold meeting with Clacks Council

He has remained in contact with the council, appealing to Provost Donald Balsillie and the chief executive Nikki Bridle.

He stated: “We are awaiting a decision on whether accompanied re-entry will be permitted for former residents to retrieve their valued possessions from their homes.

“There is optimism that a reassessment of risks may allow more items to be recovered by the community.”

As per his appeals, both Mr Balsillie and Ms Bridle responded, vowing to look into the case and passed it onto those who could best help.

A decision is yet to be made on the future of the three buildings, with a meeting of the council set for August 29 to allow councillors to review options.

The Advertiser contacted Clackmannanshire Council to ask about re-entry, with the council confirming that it is being considered.

A spokesperson for the council added: “We recognise that this is a worrying time for those concerned and we will continue to provide appropriate support to those directly affected by RAAC in their homes.

“The council is therefore aware of this request and is actively considering it.

“On two previous occasions, the council entered the building to recover personal possessions.

“A further re-entry to the buildings will only be undertaken if it can be done safely.

“Ensuring the safety of staff, contractors and third parties is paramount to the council’s considerations.”