Evacuation of Coalsnaughton Residents Due to Ground Movement
Residents in Coalsnaughton, a former mining village in Clackmannanshire, who have been displaced due to "ground movement" will not be able to return to their homes until at least Thursday, according to the local authority.
Nearly 100 properties in the area have been evacuated following reports of "unsafe structures".
Councillor Ellen Forson, leader of Clackmannanshire Council, stated that it would be premature to speculate before the initial investigations by the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) are completed, with findings expected next week.
"My heart goes out to residents and I appreciate the situation has been absolutely horrendous," she said.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by the council, noting the limited resources available in the small local authority area, particularly in housing.
"It is very challenging. We are a small local authority area and there are limited resources, particularly in housing.
However, we have been trying to provide support and working with partners to find alternative accommodation, mostly around the Forth Valley area, as well as providing extra support through food, supplies, childcare and care for pets."
Forson also praised the efforts of staff and local community groups who have been working diligently.
"We've had council officers cancel leave and miss family occasions to provide support on the ground, and that is very much appreciated."
Residents living near the affected streets have also been asked to evacuate as the council is turning off utilities in some properties.
Resident Frustration Over Lack of Information
Despite the evacuation orders, some residents, including Ross MacPhee, have chosen to return to their homes.
MacPhee expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the council.
"They're asking us to uproot our lives, move elsewhere, and they're not telling us any information at all," he said.
"The lack of information is what's most annoying for us, I think.
I feel very confused, very frustrated - quite sad as well. We've only been in our house for about six months and, more than anything, I think it's very much soured my opinion of the council in this area."
Council Response and Support Measures
A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council stated that residents would continue to be kept informed as new information becomes available.
"The evacuation is being carried out in a controlled manner and residents are being supported by council officers and partner agencies throughout the process," the spokesperson said.
"The priority of all local resilience partners continues to be the safety and welfare of everyone involved, and our officers remain in the local area to provide guidance and support to residents during what we appreciate is a worrying and uncertain time."
Scottish Government Involvement and Investigations
Justice Secretary Neil Gray reported that he had met with Clackmannanshire Council officials and the local Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) to discuss support for those affected during this distressing period.
"Investigations are being carried out by the Mine Remediation Authority to establish the source of the subsidence and we await its findings.
The Scottish government is actively engaging with the local authority and relevant partners."
An online map from the Mining Remediation Authority indicates the presence of a mine entry on what is now Dunmoss View, with the area marked as having "past shallow coal mine workings."
The MRA confirmed that work is progressing "at pace" to determine the cause of the incident.
"Our priority remains the safety of residents, our people and partners, and we will provide further updates as more information becomes available," a spokesperson said.
To date, a total of 97 properties across four streets in Coalsnaughton have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
