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Residents of a former mining community in Clackmannanshire have been forced to leave their homes due to ongoing ground instability, with no return expected before Thursday, according to the local council. The situation emerged after signs of subsidence prompted an evacuation affecting 97 properties across four streets in Coalsnaughton. The disruption has left many families displaced as investigations are underway to determine the cause and ensure safety.
Ellen Forson, leader of Clackmannanshire Council, emphasized that it would be premature to speculate before the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) releases its initial findings next week. She expressed deep sympathy for those affected, recognizing how “absolutely horrendous” the circumstances have been for the community. Forson also highlighted the council’s limited resources but affirmed that efforts are ongoing to support residents. “We have been trying to provide support and working with partners to find alternative accommodation, mostly around the Forth Valley area, as well as providing extra support through food, supplies, childcare and care for pets,” she said.
Despite the council’s efforts, some residents have raised concerns about communication. Ross MacPhee, who chose to return to his home despite the evacuation order, described feeling “frustrated” by the lack of information from officials. He criticized the council for asking residents to relocate with scant details on the situation, sharing his experience of confusion and disappointment: “The lack of information is what’s most annoying for us… I feel very confused, very frustrated – quite sad as well. We’ve only been in our house for about six months and, more than anything, I think it’s very much soured my opinion of the council in this area.”
Meanwhile, affected families continue to adapt to temporary living arrangements. Aaron Anderson, a father of three including twins with autism, has been placed in an Airbnb in Grangemouth thanks to the swift response of Kingdom Housing, which owns his property. He acknowledged the high stress levels his family is experiencing. Another resident, Simon Woodward, recounted the urgency of the evacuation when emergency services knocked on his door with only about 30 seconds’ notice. He described the presence of fire engines, police, and gas vans, with authorities ordering residents to leave immediately. Simon was initially taken to temporary accommodation before securing a place in Stirling.
Scottish Justice Secretary Neil Gray has engaged with council officials and local representatives to coordinate support during this challenging period. He confirmed that the Scottish government is actively involved alongside local authorities and partners, while the MRA continues its work to pinpoint the subsidence source. An online MRA map indicates previous coal mining activity beneath the area, including a mine entry on Dunmoss View and regions marked as having shallow coal mine workings. The MRA has stated it is proceeding “at pace” and prioritizes the safety of residents and personnel, promising more updates as investigations progress
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