Additional Evacuations in Coalsnaughton Due to Ground Movement
A total of 256 residents in the mining village of Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, have been instructed to evacuate their homes following the discovery of ground movement in May.
On Friday, Clackmannanshire Council issued dangerous building notices for six more properties as the investigation into the ground instability continues.
The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) informed the council last month that the ground movement in the village was "showing no signs of stopping." The MRA identified ground shifts ranging from 2mm to 10mm (0.07 to 0.39 inches) per week in the areas of Dunmoss View and Benbuck View.
The MRA is expected to provide further information regarding the cause of the ground movement within the coming weeks. While it is widely believed that the movement is linked to a former mine, this has not yet been confirmed.
The authority plans to continue monitoring the site for an additional six months after the ground stabilizes. Residents will not be permitted to return to their homes until the investigation is complete.
Some families have expressed to BBC Scotland News that they anticipate being displaced for several more months, with concerns that some properties may require demolition.
Currently, residents are accommodated in short-term housing arrangements, including housing association properties, private rentals such as Airbnbs, and other temporary accommodations like student residences in Stirling.
Ongoing Investigation and Council Response
Work to determine the cause of the ground movement has been ongoing for over four weeks.
A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council stated:
"We recognise this is a worrying time for the affected residents and we will engage directly with them to ensure they receive clear information and support."
"This action has been taken under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 following detailed inspections and professional advice from structural engineers, which identified defects that may present a risk to public safety."
Scottish Government Support
In June, the Scottish government confirmed a £1 million support package for the residents of Coalsnaughton. The funds will cover expenses incurred by the local authority due to its emergency response, including costs related to temporary housing, welfare, and staffing.
- Scottish government confirms £1m Coalsnaughton support package
- Evacuated Coalsnaughton resident fears family will miss Christmas at home
- Coalsnaughton residents: 'We were uprooted in an instant'
