A LETTER calling for urgent support for residents affected by the RAAC crisis in Clackmannanshire has been sent to the First Minister.

The open letter, compiled by the chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, was sent to John Swinney and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside secretary of state for housing Angela Rayner, and housing minister Paul McLennan.

Inside the letter, Wilson Chowdhry, chairman, calls for the Scottish and UK Governments to intervene to help nearly 2000 residents across the country who have been affected by traces of RAAC in their homes.

Mr Chowdhry has been a friendly face in Tillicoultry for several months, representing the dozens of residents and homeowners who were forced out of their homes last October.

He has engaged in meetings with Clackmannanshire Council in seeking reassurances for those affected and is currently working on securing re-entry to the property for valued possessions.

In the letter, Mr Chowdhry states: “I am seeking your assistance for the thousands of affected people I now represent.

“Desperate homeowners are clinging to the belief that the UK and Scottish Governments will do the right thing and provide much-needed support, preventing hard-working citizens who struggled to pay mortgages from facing the prospect of homelessness.

“Many of these homeowners, if not a large majority, are elderly and cannot restart their lives at this stage.

“Every one of these homeowners deserves better treatment from the governments to which they have diligently paid taxes and from councils that have benefited from their regular council tax payments.”

As things stand, three properties on Park Street, High Street and Chappelle Crescent in Tillicoultry, were evacuated amid concerns over RAAC in the roofs.

The flat blocks have remained dormant since then, while residents have been relocated to temporary accommodation as they await answers.

Mr Chowdhry has been very vocal in his meetings with Clacks Council, hailing their efforts to show support for those impacted.

He added: “I have spoken with Clacks Council and am aware of the innovative measures local councils have had to take to support homeowners and tenants affected by RAAC.

“For instance, they have sought funds from regeneration budgets for voluntary purchases.”

Through his letter, Mr Chowdhry proposes several changes to legislation and actions to take to better support those affected.

He called for a national budget solely dedicated to providing local authorities with resources to better equip them for RAAC emergencies.

Additionally, he called for a public inquiry into the practices of councils and housing associations concerning RAAC, designed to investigate elements such as historical property sales of properties with RAAC.

He is also championing for legislation to be implemented which would safeguard future home buyers from losing their properties due to RAAC in the walls and roofs.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “We recognise that this is a worrying time for people who have concerns about RAAC in their homes. 

“Ministers have held constructive discussions with local authorities and will continue to work together to support the affected households, recognising the importance of homeowners having access to the appropriate advice, guidance and information on RAAC.

“We are working with the UK Government, the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Association of British Insurers and UK Finance through the Cross Sector Working Group so that homeowners are supported appropriately.

"Where homeowners are notified that their home may contain RAAC, we expect their local authority to provide advice on the next steps they can take.”