Extended Evacuation Due to Ground Movement Investigation
Residents of Coalsnaughton, a former mining village in Clackmannanshire, who were evacuated following reports of ground movement, will be unable to return to their homes for an additional eight weeks while an investigation continues.
Since last week, occupants of 97 properties across four streets have been staying with relatives or in temporary accommodation after concerns were raised about "unsafe structures" in the area.
The local authority has confirmed that the inquiry into the cause of the ground movement will require another eight weeks to complete, during which time residents will remain displaced.
Residents were apprised of this updated timeline during a meeting held on Tuesday involving partner organisations.
One attendee at the meeting shared with the BBC that the situation has been stressful for his family, though he commended the assistance provided by both the council and Kingdom Housing Association.
Official Statements and Ongoing Efforts
Following the meeting, Clackmannanshire Council and the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) issued a joint statement addressing the situation.
Nikki Bridle, the council's chief executive, conveyed:
"During the meeting Carl Banton, chief operation director for the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) explained that work is continuing at pace to establish the cause of this incident.
"A further eight weeks will be needed for the MRA to investigate the cause of the ground movement.
"Carl outlined the works that have been undertaken and shared images to help residents understand how the ground is moving."
Bridle expressed gratitude for the "support and concern shown by the wider Clackmannanshire community" and emphasised the priority of local resilience partners.
"The priority of all local resilience partners continues to be the safety and welfare of everyone involved, our officers remain in the local area to provide guidance and support to residents during what we appreciate is a worrying and uncertain time.
"Our thoughts are with the residents affected by this incident, and we understand that this news will be concerning for them."
Details of the Evacuations and Road Closures
Evacuations began last Friday for residents in 28 properties on Nechtan Drive and nine properties on Langour, following earlier evacuations of 60 properties on Benbuck View and Dunmoss View due to the identification of "unsafe structures".
The affected roads have been closed to facilitate the ongoing investigation into the cause of the ground movement.
In response to the situation, Clackmannanshire Council has formally requested financial support from the Scottish government to assist with the ongoing response and recovery efforts.
