Residents of a former mining village have been left ‘devastated’ after being told their homes are at risk of collapse and will have to be demolished.
Nearly 100 properties in Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, were evacuated for safety reasons in May after Cracks appeared in several houses, but also in roads, paths and gardens.
The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) confirmed that the ground movement was caused by historic mining activities.
An investigation found there was ‘damage and severity beyond the point of rehabilitation’ at Benbuck View and Dunmoss View, with the MRA proposing that the houses be acquired and demolished.
In less affected areas, repairs are expected to be carried out once ground stabilization work has taken place.
The British government said it will foot the bill for the response to the Coalsnaughton incident, which affected 97 homes.
Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, who was informed by the MRA before residents were informed at a meeting on Thursday evening, said it would be a ‘huge blow’ to homeowners.
Almost 100 properties in Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, were evacuated for safety reasons in May after cracks appeared in several houses, as well as roads, paths and gardens.
Residents have been left devastated after being told that houses on two streets in the former mining village will have to be demolished amid fears they could collapse
One of the cracks in the roads around the village. Experts say the ground continues to move at a rate of about 2mm per week
He told BBC Radio Scotland’s Breakfast programme: ‘The MRA has a legal obligation to provide support and assistance to homeowners.
“And what they’re saying is that of the four streets that are affected, the two in the middle should be completely demolished.
‘Other work will be needed at the top and bottom, but the two streets in the middle will have to disappear.
“And just in terms of personal individuals, we have people for whom this is absolutely devastating. For example, a woman I know had only moved there within the past year.
‘These houses have beautiful views over the valley towards the Ochil Hills. This was her forever home, if you like, and she had just shaded her garden, the kitchens and so on, and then she had to move.
‘Another gentleman has a memorial to his late wife in his garden.
“So this is a huge blow to these individuals, and while it may not be unexpected, this will be devastating to them.”
Experts have said the ground continues to move towards an ‘epicenter’ at a rate of about 2mm per week.
A report also confirmed that the ground level had subsided by almost 60cm since 2018 and that ‘a large area in the center of the site has subsided by up to 0.6 metres’.
Simon Woodward, 67, who has lived in his home for 17 years, said some residents were in tears at the meeting, but the news was not unexpected.
He told the BBC: “I kind of knew it was coming. You can just tell. I mean, the place just looks like the dark side of the moon right now, there are holes everywhere.”
Mr Woodward said nothing would compensate him for the loss of the home where he and his wife had planned to spend their retirement.
He said: ‘We put our heart and soul into that house for our retirement. We did everything in that house.
‘We spent £30,000 on it to make it as good as possible for our retirement. That’s gone.’
Carl Banton, head of operations at the Mining Remediation Authority, said on Friday: ‘We have completed a program of assessment work, including structural assessments, ground investigations and a review of the options available to make the area safe.
‘This has given us a clearer picture of the extent of the damage and the likely next steps for each affected area and property.
‘The assessments show that each affected street is affected by ground movements and material damage in different ways and at different levels.
‘The most serious impacts remain at Benbuck View and Dunmoss View, where the houses have been assessed for damage and risks beyond the point of rehabilitation.
“Subject to the necessary approvals, our proposed approach is to acquire and demolish the properties on those streets.
‘We know this is very difficult news for residents and their families. It is not a conclusion we have reached lightly, but it reflects the extent of the damage, the work that would be required to make the ground safe, and the importance of giving people a clear, safe and practical route forward.
‘The situation is different in other affected areas. At Langour, where movement is more restricted, repairs are expected to follow once ground stabilization has taken place.
‘Further stabilization is also planned near Nechtan Drive, in addition to road repairs at The Glen.’
The evacuation of Coalsnaughton in May, when the cracks were first noticed
He said specific support was still available for affected households and partners were working together to ensure support was coordinated and practical.
Mr Banton added: ‘We will continue to approach this work with care, clarity and respect, ensuring that those most affected hear important information directly and have the opportunity to discuss their own circumstances.’
In June, the Scottish Government pledged an additional £1 million in funding to help Clackmannanshire Council cope with the ‘exceptional and unforeseen event’.
Nikki Bridle, CEO of Clackmannanshire Council, said: “My thoughts remain with all residents affected by this unprecedented incident.
“Today my heart goes out to those who have now heard that their homes are beyond repair and that they cannot return to them.
‘While this news provides some clarity for residents, who may now be able to move forward with a plan, I appreciate that this remains a deeply worrying and worrying time.
“We will continue to work with partners, including the MRA who have taken responsibility for the recovery process, as we move deeper into the recovery phase of the incident, and we will continue to support our Coalsnaughton residents as they navigate the next steps.”
The MRA said a quarter of British homes are on or near former coal mines, but for the ‘vast majority’ the country remained ‘stable and safe’.
