Eight more homes have been evacuated in the former mining village of Coalsnaughton in Clackmannanshire, as unexplained ground movement continues at a rate of up to 10mm per week. The evacuations, which began on May 18, have now affected properties on Benbuck View, Dunmoss View, Nechtan Drive, and Langour, with dozens of residents forced to leave. Many may not be allowed to return until at least Christmas.
Evacuation and Dangerous Building Notices
Clackmannanshire Council has issued Dangerous Building Notices for six additional properties in the Langour area, bringing the total to eight. The Mining Remediation Authority confirmed that two notices were previously issued. Residents initially advised to leave had chosen to stay, but the new notices legally require evacuation. A spokesperson for the Mining Remediation Authority said: “We understand that Clackmannanshire Council has issued Dangerous Building Notices for six more properties in Coalsnaughton affected by the ground movement. This is in addition to the two properties that already have notices in place. The Mining Remediation Authority is continuing its investigations and remains committed to supporting the Council and residents where needed.”
Ground Movement Data
The Mining Remediation Authority reports that sensors have detected 345mm of ground movement in Dunmoss View and 300mm in Benbuck View since the initial event in May, with ongoing weekly movement of up to 10mm. This does not include movement that occurred during the initial event. Sensors have been fitted to houses on the edge of the cordon where residents have chosen to stay. The authority stated it is “not yet in a position” to determine the cause, as an eight-week investigation continues. Further drilling inside the cordon is scheduled to begin this week.
Community Impact
More than 250 residents have been advised to leave, with some families refusing and others staying in hotels or Airbnbs. Stirling University has provided temporary accommodation on its campus for some displaced residents. The local authority, one of Scotland's smallest, has called for assistance from the Scottish and UK Governments, as well as neighbouring councils and organisations.
