MORE homes have been evacuated in Coalsnaughton after residents were told their properties are dangerous following a ground slip — bringing the total number of people displaced to more than 250.
Families from 36 homes in the former mining village were first evacuated on May 18 amid an investigation into the ground movement, with hundreds more later also told to vacate their homes.
Clackmannanshire Council issued dangerous building notices for a further six properties at the end of last week, bringing the total to 256 residents evacuated.
The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) told the local authority last month that ground movement in Coalsnaughton had shown “no signs of stopping”.
Speaking to The National, days after being evacuated, locals described seeing doorframes in their home “crack”, with the skirting boards coming away from the wall and the road in one of the streets bulging.
The MRA said there was between 2mm and 10mm of ground movement a week in Dunmoss View and Benbuck View.
It is believed the ground movement is in relation to a former mine, but has yet to be confirmed.
The MRA added more information from their investigation should be expected in the coming weeks.
Residents from the evacuated streets will not be allowed to return to their homes before MRA’s probe is concluded.
Last month, First Minister John Swinney visited the village where he chaired a round table with members of the local council, the MRA and other organisations.
Ahead of the visit, Swinney said: “This is a very distressing situation for the residents of Coalsnaughton who have had to leave their homes with no clear indication of when they might be able to return.”
He added: “It is absolutely critical that they are provided with clear communication and further clarity as soon as possible on what will happen in the coming weeks.”
In June, the Scottish Government announced a £1 million package to help meet the costs for the emergency.
Residents from the village are currently in short-term accommodation, with some being homed in housing association properties, while others are in private rentals including Airbnbs.
Others are in alternative temporary accommodation, including student residences in Stirling, with some choosing to stay with family, The National understands.
A Clackmannanshire Council spokesperson said: “We recognise this is a worrying time for the affected residents and we will engage directly with them to ensure they receive clear information and support.”
