Supporting the community at Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire

In May, nearly 100 homes in Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire were evacuated because of ground movement linked to historic coal mining.

On Thursday 27 August the Mining Remediation Authority hosted meetings with affected residents to provide an update on ongoing investigations and proposed upcoming operational activities.

Carl Banton, Chief Operations Director for the Mining Remediation Authority, said:

We have completed a programme of assessment work, including structural engineering assessments, ground investigations and an appraisal of the options available to make the area safe. This has given us a clearer picture of the scale of damage and the likely next steps for each affected area and property.

The assessments show that each street affected is experiencing ground movement and property damage in different ways and to different levels. The most serious impacts remain on Benbuck View and Dunmoss View, where the homes have been assessed with damage and risk severity beyond the point of rehabilitation. Subject to the necessary approvals, our proposed approach is to acquire and demolish the properties on those streets.

We know this is very difficult news for residents and their families. It is not a conclusion we have reached lightly, but it reflects the level of damage, the work that would be needed to make the ground safe, and the importance of giving people a clear, safe and practical route forward.

In other affected areas, the position is different. At Langour, where movement has been more limited, repairs are expected to follow once ground stabilisation has taken place. Further stabilisation is also planned near Nechtan Drive, alongside road repairs on The Glen.

Dedicated support remains in place for affected households through named contacts, account managers and our local community liaison officer, with partners working together so support remains coordinated and practical.

We will continue to approach this work with care, clarity and respect, making sure those most affected hear important information directly and have the opportunity to discuss their own circumstances.