By Charlene Kelly

A GROUP of tenants who face losing their homes were yesterday offered a glimmer of hope with news that a housing association will be given “top priority” in its bid to take over the properties.

Almost 50 Coaltown of Wemyss tenants were left devastated last week, after The Courier revealed plans by private landlord William Wemyss of Wemyss Properties to sell off houses they had rented for decades.

The properties affected are in Main Street, Plantation Row, Coronation Row, South Row and Memorial Square. Edinburgh estate agent Savills has already been instructed in the sale.

Residents were assured they would be offered first chance of buying their homes but, with some valued at £125,000, that was not an option for some tenants, many of whom are elderly.

Things looked brighter this week when it was made known that Kingdom Housing had expressed an interest, after a meeting with Fife Council’s head of housing Alan Davidson, and yesterday Wemyss Properties announced they would be given priority.

In a letter to tenants yesterday, Mr Wemyss acknowledged for the first time that the proposed sale had caused residents and their families “considerable distress” but claimed there had been an “unnecessary misunderstanding”.

“I would like to emphasise that we will do all that we can to practically help any tenant affected by the sale,” he said.

“I also want to reassure tenants that we will not knowingly sell to anyone whose interests are adverse to those of residents.

“We will give negotiations with Kingdom Housing priority over any other interest that we have in order to give them the best chance of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.”

Mr Wemyss also offered to meet any tenants who wish to have further discussions and has given his personal contact details to them so they can reach him easily.

The letter also recognised the long-standing relationship the Wemyss family has built up with the area, and their wish to continue to invest in the village.

“The company will work with the local MSP and other elected representatives and with the community to achieve a mutually satisfactory outcome for Coaltown of Wemyss residents and the wider Wemyss area,” he said.

Kingdom Housing manager Alan Henderson welcomed the news. He said, “Things are at an exploratory stage just now but I can confirm we have arranged to meet with Wemyss Properties and Savills next week as well as Communities Scotland and we will know a lot more after that.”

Kirkcaldy MSP Marilyn Livingstone, who has been working behind the scenes, added, “I am really pleased that tenants have been reassured that there is a real window of opportunity here.”

Mrs Livingstone said she would be meeting all stakeholders on July 23 at a venue in Glenrothes to discuss the way forward.