No timescale for demolition of Greenock homes built with unsafe Raac
BBCResidents affected by the planned demolition of flats in Greenock that were found to contain potentially dangerous concrete have said they are no further forward with a timescale or support following a meeting with a housing provider.
The properties, on Belville Street, contain Raac - reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete - and River Clyde Homes (RCH) has said seven blocks have to be knocked down.
A meeting was held on Tuesday but residents said they did not get the information they wanted about what would happen next and what support there would be.
An RCH spokesman said: "While there are still important discussions and considerations ahead, River Clyde Homes is committed to continuing positive and constructive dialogue with homeowners."
Dozens of homes are contained within the four-storey blocks, which were built in the 1960s and are known locally as The Stilts.
Raac was first discovered in five of the blocks in 2024.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) previously warned that Raac was now beyond its lifespan and could "collapse with little or no notice".
Colin McHendry is among the residents affected. He has lived in his home for seven years.
"I bought it purely for the view, the view is stunning," he told BBC Scotland News.
"This is a brilliant building, I mean the neighbours are fantastic."
Most tenants have already been rehoused and their flats are being propped up with struts. But some homeowners, like Colin, remain.
"As far as I know, all of the ones left now are owners," he said.
He said he first noticed grilles going up on doors about a year-and-a-half ago and thought the flats had been raided by police.
He was then informed by RCH that Raac had been discovered.
"Every so often there were little bits of feed of information but nothing solid, bits and pieces," he said.
"But it's just stressful, even more stressful now that we've got the letter saying they're definitely going to demolish it.
"These buildings have been up here 60 years. I don't think they're going to fall down."
Colin said he would consider selling his property for demolition if he was offered "over and above" what he paid for it.
"I would seriously consider it, yes, because I can't sell it," he said. "As long as I don't make a loss on it.
"But if that were to happen I'd probably have to rent because I wouldn't be able to afford to buy.
"You wouldn't get anything for what I pay for this anywhere else.
"I will cross that bridge if, and when, it happens."
Another resident said the flats would be bought from them but they will need to get hem valued which he said was likely to be a long, drawn-out process.
The flats were built in the mid-1960s using an unusual design to cope with the steep hillside.
They are elevated at the front by concrete pillars with garage space beneath the properties.
Inverclyde Council transferred its housing stock to River Clyde Homes in 2007 and no longer owns any of the properties.
The RCH spokesman said: "Following extensive technical assessments and consideration of all available options, we met with homeowners this evening to discuss the issues identified, answer questions directly, and listen to their concerns.
"We understand that this is an extremely difficult situation, particularly for residents who face uncertainty about their housing situation and financial circumstances.
"The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with affected homeowners, listen to their concerns, and provide clarity on the current position and the next steps in the process."
He added: "We recognise the significant challenges that the presence of Raac presents for both homeowners and RCH tenants, and we are actively engaging with all stakeholders to address the issues and support those affected.
"River Clyde Homes will continue to work closely with Inverclyde Council, homeowners, tenants and partner organisations, pursuing every opportunity to identify solutions and achieve the best possible outcomes for all parties throughout the process."
What is Raac?
Raac stands for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
It is a lightweight material that was used mostly in flat roofing, but also in floors and walls, between the 1950s and 1990s.
It is a cheaper alternative to standard concrete, is quicker to produce and easier to install.
It is aerated, or "bubbly" - like an Aero chocolate bar.
But it is less durable and has a lifespan of about 30 years.
Its structural behaviour differs significantly from traditional reinforced concrete.
It is susceptible to structural failure when exposed to moisture and the bubbles can allow water to enter the material.
If that happens, any rebar reinforcing Raac can also decay, rust and weaken.
Because of this, Raac is often coated with another material, such as bitumen on roofing panels. But this material can also degrade.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said Raac was now beyond its lifespan and could "collapse with little or no notice".
