Residents in a Scottish village grappling with significant ground movement have been told they face another eight weeks away from their homes, a situation the Prime Minister confirmed is subject to daily investigations.
Around 100 properties in Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, were evacuated on 18 May amid concerns over unsafe structures in the former mining community.
Authorities now require an additional two months to pinpoint the exact cause of the ongoing subsidence.
The plight of the displaced residents was raised in Parliament by Brian Leishman, the Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth.
He told Prime Minister’s Questions that those affected are suffering "emotional and financial distress", and called for the UK and Scottish Governments to collaborate to ensure residents receive whatever support they need.
Sir Keir Starmer replied, saying: “I do know how difficult it is for residents who are not in their homes.
“Can I reassure him and them that the MRA (Mining Remediation Authority) are carrying out daily investigations to get answers as swiftly as possible.
“We’re also working with the council to provide support for residents.
“I can confirm the energy minister is in touch with MSPs.”
A joint statement by the Mining Remediation Authority and the local council was released on Wednesday.
It said: “As part of the continuing work to keep affected residents updated, partner organisations held an update meeting for those residents on Tuesday June 2.
“The priority of all local resilience partners continues to be the safety and welfare of everyone involved, our officers remain in the local area to provide guidance and support to residents during what we appreciate is a worrying and uncertain time.
“During the meeting, Carl Banton, our chief operations director, explained that work is continuing at pace to establish the cause of this incident.
“A further eight weeks will be needed for us to investigate the cause of the ground movement.
“Carl outlined the works that have been undertaken and shared images to help residents understand how the ground is moving.
“Our thoughts are with the residents affected by this incident, and we understand that this news will be concerning for them.”
Scottish Justice Secretary Neil Gray said he has written to the UK Government’s Energy Secretary to “ensure he is taking all possible actions to ensure the investigations are being carried out as quickly as possible”.
He added: “This continues to be a very distressing situation for the residents.
“I have expressed to the Mining Remediation Authority my significant concern that its investigations will take at least another eight weeks to find the source of the ground movement, due to the impact this will have on so many households.
“The MRA’s decision is absolutely critical to plot the route forward for the residents so I made clear to them that they have an absolute responsibility and moral obligation to take this decision as quickly as possible.
“Given the MRA is a public body under UK Government control, I have written to the UK Energy Secretary to ensure he is taking all possible actions to ensure the investigations are being carried out as quickly as possible.
“The Scottish Government continues to regularly meet with Clackmannanshire Council to provide support where it is required.”
