RESIDENTS forced from their homes due to the presence of RAAC should be allowed to retrieve their possessions, the Scottish Greens MSP has said.

Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid-Scotland Fife, has called on Clackmannanshire Council to allow for residents to claim items left in the flats.

Three blocks of flats in Tillicoultry were emptied last September and October, with the majority of residents’ possessions left inside.

Now, the Greens MSP has insisted the council should be “bending over backwards” to help those affected as much as possible.

He said: “This is a distressing and disruptive time for residents who for no fault of their own find themselves completely shut out of their homes leaving their possessions behind.

Mark RuskellMark Ruskell (Image: Mark Ruskell) “The council should be bending over backwards to support people to retrieve their things.

“Flexibility is needed and the guidance to councils needs to reflect this, as a last resort councils should pay for fully accessible and secure storage facilities.

READ MORE: Demolition on the cards for Tillicoultry RAAC flats

“The longer these properties remain empty the more risk there is of break-ins.”

One of the flats did fall victim to an attempted break-in, with residents lining up outside the properties to defend it.

Clackmannanshire Council and Police Scotland insist that the vandals did not gain entry on August 27.

READ MORE: Tillicoultry RAAC flats subject to attempted break-in

Mr Ruskell has urged Ivan McKee, minister for public finance, to review the guidance the Scottish Government is giving to local authorities on how residents can retrieve essential items.

The Greens MSP raised the issue during Portfolio Questions in the Scottish Parliament.

He added: “I’m pleased the minister acknowledges this issue and I will keep pushing for direction at Scottish Government level, so no residents are pointlessly inconvenienced at this difficult time.”