Ongoing Ground Movement in Coalsnaughton
Ground movement affecting two streets in the former mining village of Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, continues with no indication of stopping, according to updates provided at a recent council meeting.
More than 250 residents across four streets were instructed to evacuate after ground instability was detected in May. The affected streets include Dunmoss View, Benbuck View, Nechtan Drive, and Langour.
The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) informed Clackmannanshire Council that current ground movement ranges between 2mm and 10mm (0.07-0.39 inches) per week in Dunmoss View and Benbuck View.
The MRA has committed to identifying the cause of the movement by the end of its eight-week investigation.
Carl Banton, Chief Operations Director of the MRA, addressed the council meeting stating that the ground movement remains active.
"In total, you've had 345mm (13.5in) of ground movement on Dunmoss (View) and about 300mm (11.8in) on Benbuck View.
"But that 300mm does not include the initial event, which obviously we didn't capture.
"Ground movement continues at a rate of between 2mm and 10mm a week.
"So, although it's slowed, it is continuing and is not showing any signs of stopping as it stands at the minute."
Initial observations in May noted cracking and apparent movement affecting roads, footpaths, gardens, drives, and causing property damage.
A total of 97 properties in the four streets have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Banton also reported ground movement detected at several points along the Glen, adjacent to the evacuated areas.
"This is around where the junction of the Glen meets with Dunmoss, and again, that has been quite substantial, around the region of 200mm (7.8in).
"On the rest of the Glen though, that monitoring is not showing anything we would have any concerns about.
"But because of the gas main in the Glen, that is why properties had to be evacuated on Nechtan."
Banton explained that new aerial imagery was compared with images from 2008 to identify the primary areas of ground movement.
"But that does not show any wider movement in the surrounding community, which is very positive."
He further stated that if the ground movement ceases, a six-month monitoring period would precede any repair work.
Regarding the investigation's progress, Banton said:
"We've given a commitment that we will make that decision within the eight-week period and we will communicate that as soon as we can.
"I will reiterate the fact that movement is ongoing, and I said this at the residents' meeting the other night, that at this stage, we're not fully understanding what's causing the movement.
"There are multiple different factors at play within the slope."
Council Response and Resident Impact
Clackmannanshire Council leader Ellen Forson described the incident as "unique and unprecedented" during the meeting.
A report detailing the incident and the council's response was presented, highlighting the significant disruption faced by residents.
Forson emphasized the seriousness of the situation for those affected:
"We are still in the emergency response phase of the incident and our officers, working alongside partners, will continue to do their best to provide ongoing support and keep residents informed as this situation progresses."
"The last number of weeks had been marked by uncertainty, disruption and anxiety about what comes next."
The council continues to coordinate efforts with the MRA and other agencies to manage the situation and support evacuated residents.
