An elderly couple given just four days to leave their Cupar home before it was demolished have hit out at Fife Council for giving them just three weeks to settle a bill of more than £60,000.
George and Phyllis Bain who have suffered years of anguish since severe structural problems were found in the Bonnygate building where they lived have received red letters threatening court action despite telling the local authority their insurance company is paying their due.
The couple’s home was one of two flats and two shops bulldozed last year by the local authority when the building deteriorated to such an extent it posed a danger to the public. Although the building was deemed the responsibility of the individual owners, the council stepped in to ensure public safety under emergency legislation.
Mr and Mrs Bain’s insurance company had agreed early on it would pay their share for repairs to the building but, despite the council becoming involved with negotiations several years ago, agreement was never reached between the owners on how to proceed.
The couple were distraught to learn one Monday morning two years ago that they had only until the following Thursday to shift all their belongings and find somewhere else to live, or be forcibly removed. Now, a year after the building was razed, they are furious at being plagued with a series of demands for £61,652 for the cost of the demolition.
Mrs Bain (72) described the local authority’s behaviour as shocking. Her 71-year-old husband, who has an MBE for his work with disabled children, said, “We have already told them that everything is being handled by the Halifax but they said that’s not the point we are still due the money, and we are still getting these letters telling us court proceedings could be taken against us.
“It takes time for the insurance company to sort these things out. The council knows this is happening but they won’t listen to us. It’s absolutely ridiculous.
“They also sent a letter to our daughter’s address, upsetting her as well.”
Mr and Mrs Bain, who will be compensated for the loss of their property by their insurers, are still living in rented accommodation in Pitscottie. They have already paid the council almost £24,000 for temporary repairs, surveys and preparatory work, so by the time their latest bill is paid they will have contributed £85,558 for the council to deal with the building.
They have always insisted there was no need for demolition, claiming that removing the heavy turret on top and repairing the building would have been enough.
Fife Council has now promised it will send the couple no more reminders.
Service manager Jacqueline Armitage said, “We’re sorry if we’ve caused any additional anxiety for Mr and Mrs Bain. We realise this is a difficult time for them.
“Unfortunately, the first reminder was issued before we had been informed that an insurance company was dealing with the claim.
“Based on the information we were then given, we still had to carry out some investigations and the second reminder was issued during this period.
“However, I can confirm that the account has now been placed on hold so that Mr and Mrs Bain will not receive any more notices.”