Dozens of families have been forced to flee their homes amid fears that nearby disused coal mines are collapsing. Residents in Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, reported that their homes have developed large cracks due to ground movement below.
Evacuations in Benbuck View and Dunmoss View
Some 30 properties in the former mining village’s Benbuck View were evacuated earlier this month. This week, those living in another 30 homes in neighbouring Dunmoss View were also told they had to leave. There are now worries that the problem could spread even further, with residents in a nearby street saying they have packed their bags.
Families in Dunmoss View were seen taking their belongings out of their homes, which they cannot return to without permission. Marc Payoyo, 40, was among them. He explained that after hearing a commotion in the street on Wednesday morning, he tried to open his door only to discover it was stuck. ‘I had to forcefully open it, and in my backyard I can see there’s big cracks,’ he said. ‘There’s cracks all over the ceiling, sidewalls, all of the window and door frames.’ He added that cracks were also appearing in gardens along the street.
It was around midnight when Mr Payoyo and his wife Laarni heard noises but dismissed them as nothing out of the ordinary. The father, who moved into the property only a few months ago, said: ‘We could hear some creaking sounds but we didn’t take notice. I thought it was just neighbours because it’s bin day. We were just surprised when we woke up. It seems like our house is tipping now – tipping over.’
Fears Spread to Nechtan Drive
Everything from furniture to air fryers was being taken out of the affected properties, but there are now concerns that the disruption could spread to the next street along – Nechtan Drive. Aaron Anderson, who lives there with his wife Megan and three daughters, said he was ‘petrified’ his home would be next. The 36-year-old said: ‘I’m scared of where we are going to go because we have nowhere. I’ve packed bags already. When it first happened down at Benbuck, it was little toddlers walking past at 10pm at night, and that’s horrific. You are having to wake your child up because you’re being evacuated.’
Historical Mining Activity
Past planning documents for what would become Benbuck View stated that it was ‘in the likely zone of influence from workings in two seams of coal at shallow to 50m depth, and last worked in 1875’. Meanwhile, separate documents showed an old mineshaft outside a home in Dunmoss View.
Council and Mining Authority Response
Clackmannanshire Council chief executive Nikki Bridle said: ‘The priority continues to be the safety of everyone involved, and our officers remain in the local area to offer further guidance to residents during what we appreciate is a worrying time for them.’ Surveyors were seen in the area where the streets are fenced off, and a large drill could be heard operating. Carl Banton, of the Mining Remediation Authority, said: ‘Work is continuing at pace to establish the cause, with multiple specialist teams on site.’
