Additional Evacuations in Clackmannanshire
A further 37 properties have been evacuated as a precaution in the former mining village of Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, following reports of ground movement.
Clackmannanshire Council confirmed that residents in 28 properties on Nechtan Drive and nine properties on Langour were instructed to leave their homes.
This evacuation follows the earlier removal of 60 properties in Benbuck View and Dunmoss View due to concerns over "unsafe structures." The affected roads have been closed to facilitate an investigation into the cause of the ground movement.
Nechtan Drive residents had their gas supply disconnected on Thursday evening as a precautionary measure.
Residents Relocated
Aaron Anderson, a resident with three children including 11-year-old twins with autism, informed BBC Scotland News that his family has been relocated to an Airbnb in Grangemouth.
He expressed gratitude towards Kingdom Housing, the property owner, for their prompt action in providing a temporary home that is "safe for my children." Anderson also noted that his family's "stress levels were high."
Council Response and Ongoing Investigations
Clackmannanshire Council's chief executive Nikki Bridle stated:
"Following ongoing investigations into ground movement in Coalsnaughton, a decision has been taken this afternoon to evacuate a further 28 properties in Nechtan Drive and nine properties in Langour as a precautionary measure.
This brings the total number of evacuated properties to 97 since 18 May."
Bridle emphasized that the evacuation is being conducted in a "controlled manner" with support provided to residents by council officers and partner agencies.
She added:
"The specialist investigations being undertaken by the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) remain ongoing and are expected to take some time to complete.
We will continue to keep residents updated as further information becomes available."
Safety Measures and Site Security
Last week, Clackmannanshire Council imposed a three-week road closure in Benbuck View for "ground investigations and safety reasons."
The affected sites have been secured with fencing, and security personnel and police are present to prevent unauthorized access.
The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) has been approached for comment regarding the situation.
