West Lothian crumbling concrete campaigners will ‘make some noise’ at Holyrood protest

West Lothian residents who have been campaigning against the issues of crumbling concrete in their homes are gearing up to make their voices heard at a protest outside the Scottish Parliament. The campaigners are seeking assistance in dealing with the costs related to managing the deteriorating concrete in their properties, which has become a widespread concern.

The upcoming debate by Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) on a petition addressing the financial challenges faced by homeowners affected by the RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) scandal has sparked a call to action for residents impacted by the issue. Kerry Macintosh, a prominent figure in the West Lothian ‘ghost estate’ campaign, is among those leading the charge after her own home was condemned due to RAAC usage, leading her to fight for decades for resolution.

In areas such as Bathgate, Broxburn, Livingston, and Linlithgow in West Lothian, over 150 homeowners, including ex-council property owners and those in housing associations like Almond Housing, are grappling with the financial burden of addressing RAAC roofing panels in their homes. The pressure is mounting on the Scottish Government to provide support as affected residents face unexpected costs for surveys, repairs, and even insurance cancellations.

Kerry Macintosh’s personal struggle, spanning nearly two decades, highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for collective action. The national campaign, spearheaded by the UK RAAC group, has gained traction and support from various MSPs calling for the establishment of a national fund to aid affected homeowners, a public inquiry into the practices of councils and housing associations regarding RAAC, and updated legislation to hold accountable those responsible for using substandard materials.

The solidarity among campaigners from different regions in Scotland, where RAAC-related issues have surfaced, underscores the widespread nature of the problem and the necessity for systemic changes to prevent such crises in the future. The petition’s debate at Holyrood is a pivotal moment for raising awareness and demanding concrete solutions to support those impacted by the RAAC scandal.

As MSPs prepare to deliberate on this crucial issue, the determination and resilience of homeowners like Kerry Macintosh and the broader campaign serve as a testament to the power of community advocacy in seeking justice and redress for those affected by structural deficiencies in their homes. The outcome of the parliamentary debate will not only shape the response to the current crisis but also set a precedent for safeguarding future homeowners from similar predicaments.