Latest news with #DundeeRaacCampaignGroup
The Courier
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Courier
'Urgency vital' for Dundee Raac campaigners as petition reaches 5k milestone
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition to give Dundee and Angus Raac campaigners a voice at Westminster. Yvette Hoskins, vice-chair of the Dundee Raac Campaign Group, has spoken of the urgent need for more people to put their name to the appeal over the next three weeks. Despite the milestone number, homeowners and tenants need to almost double it by June 17. You can help make a difference by signing the petition here. Yvette told The Courier: 'The urgency of signatures is a vital step towards making a difference. 'To secure the sustainability and safety of the homes for Raac homeowners so their homes are there for many years to come. 'To stop homeowners from financial ruin and displacement.' The campaigner said homeowners across Scotland, including almost 900 in Dundee, had 'unfairly' been Trapped By Raac – the name of The Courier's campaign to support those affected by the concrete crisis. She pleaded with more people to sign up. 'Together, the communities of Dundee and surrounding areas, along with Scotland, can make a key difference in the survival of homeowners who have the basic right to a safe and secure home,' said Yvette. 'Please sign the petition and become part of a national crisis where Raac is affecting thousands of residents in Dundee and Monifieth along with other areas of Scotland. 'Many are families with young children, along with the elderly, and everyone in between. 'Thousands have already signed the petition, it's sitting at just over 5,200 but we need more. 'Help us have a voice, to be heard, and to make a difference.' Yvette spoke of the mental and physical toll the crisis has had on her and others. In an interview with The Courier, First Minister John Swinney admitted Raac homeowners would be facing 'enormous anxiety'. Yvette said: 'No homeowner wants to face losing their home now or in the future – especially when the fault is not their own and lies elsewhere. 'The stress and mental anxiety of dealing with Raac is immense. 'Homeowners' health is being affected by being in this position through no fault of their own.'
The Courier
15-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
Dundee businesses back Raac campaign
Raac campaigners have enlisted the help of Dundee businesses to raise awareness of the crisis in the city. Yvette Hoskins, Claire Neill and Margaret McLeod took to the streets on Wednesday afternoon with 100 posters designed and printed by The Courier. The group visited outlets across the city centre, from pubs and butchers to record stores and newsagents, distributing the posters and speaking to business owners. The campaign comes amid growing concern from residents who are living with the defective concrete. Dundee has the most Raac-affected residential properties in Scotland, with almost 900 homes confirmed to contain the material. Neighbouring Monifieth is also affected. Yvette Hoskins, vice chairperson of the Dundee Raac Campaign Group, said: 'I need the community of Dundee to come together as a whole. 'To help support the residents whose homes are in a dangerous position to be in. 'To allow us to have a voice to take us to Westminster. 'We still have other areas to cover with the campaign posters. 'We have a great opportunity to try keep the campaign alive. 'We need to let the public and the communities know that Raac is so much bigger than people realise.' Many business owners were more than happy to put campaign posters in their windows, expressing their concerns for the people affected by the issue. The posters contain a QR code that directs people to sign a petition that will give campaigners a voice at Westminster. Raac (Reinforced, Autoclaved, Aerated Concrete) is a cheaper alternative to concrete that was widely used to build homes between 1950s and 1990s. The material, however, can pose significant structural issues. It is especially dangerous when saturated by water, which further weakens the structure. Campaigners are urging people to sign the petition to take the issue of Raac to Westminster in the hope serious action can be taken. Tenants and homeowners with Raac feel trapped in the situation and are calling for the support of politicians, businesses and the wider community. The Courier has launched our Trapped by Raac campaign to help those affected by the burgeoning crisis. They need 10,000 people to sign this petition to give them a voice – so we're asking our readers to help them achieve that goal.
