Stirling University has confirmed it is providing temporary accommodation for residents displaced by unexplained ground movement in the Clackmannanshire village of Coalsnaughton. The incident has led to the evacuation of around 100 properties, with many homeowners left unable to return.
Evacuations and Investigation
The former mining village became the focus of activity after residents noticed cracks and rifts in the streets. Specialist teams from the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) have launched an investigation into the cause of the ground movement. Clackmannanshire Council has confirmed that the displacement will continue for at least another eight weeks.
The local authority, one of the smallest in Scotland, has called for assistance from the Scottish and UK Governments, as well as neighbouring councils and organisations. Stirling University has responded by offering temporary accommodation on its campus for some affected families.
University Support
A spokesperson for the university said: “We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for Coalsnaughton residents affected by this major incident. We are working in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council to provide temporary accommodation for a small number of affected families, who have engaged positively with our staff and settled well into the accommodation. Our staff are available 24/7 to support them.”
Government Assistance
The level of support for the village was raised at First Minister’s Questions, where Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown quizzed First Minister John Swinney on measures available. Swinney confirmed that the Scottish Government would provide an additional £1 million in support to Clackmannanshire Council to ensure it is “equipped financially to provide the support to individuals that is required in the short term.”
Financial aid is also expected from the UK Government’s Bellwin Scheme, a discretionary grant that reimburses local authorities for uninsurable costs incurred during the immediate response to a large-scale emergency or disaster.
Mining Remediation Authority Response
Carl Banton, chief operations director at the Mining Remediation Authority, said: “We are doing all we can, as quickly as possible, alongside the Local Resilience Partnership to understand the cause of this incident, and identify the potential activity needed to make the area safe again. Our thoughts remain with the residents affected.”
