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In the village of Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, residents of certain streets are facing the difficult prospect of having their homes demolished due to mining-related ground subsidence. Officials from the local council and the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) held meetings with those affected, revealing that 97 properties have already been evacuated because of the unstable ground beneath them. Specifically, 60 houses located on Benbuck View and Dunmoss View are to be torn down, while remediation efforts will take place on two other streets to stabilize and repair them.
The issue stems from historic mining activity, which was identified after an investigation lasting eight weeks found cracks appearing in roads, paths, and buildings across the area. As a result of the ground movement, 256 individuals residing in four streets were forced to vacate their homes back in May. According to Alan Cameron, chair of the Coalsnaughton Evacuees Residents Group, 46 properties on the most severely damaged streets are beyond repair, with an additional 14 expected to suffer further damage in the future, necessitating their demolition. Conversely, officials believe Langour and Nechtan Drive have less extensive damage and will be amenable to repair work.
Among those displaced are private homeowners as well as tenants from the Kingdom Housing Association. Cameron described the upheaval his family endured, moving between 13 different hotels over 12 weeks before settling into a rented home. He highlighted the emotional toll the situation has taken on his family, particularly his children, emphasizing the severity of the trauma they have experienced. Similarly, Simon Woodward, a resident of Benbuck View since his house was constructed 17 years ago, expressed that although the news of demolition was expected, many questions remain unanswered. He stated, “All I know is that they’re going to demolish our houses at some time, and some time they will give us a bit of money to try to buy another one – and that is the sum value of everything I know.”
UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks has pledged ongoing support for those impacted, coordinating efforts alongside the Scottish government and Clackmannanshire Council. He acknowledged the disruption caused, stating, “This is a deeply challenging time for the families who have had their lives turned upside down.” Shanks reassured affected families, saying, “No-one will be left to shoulder the burden alone,” as they prepare for the lengthy process of stabilization and recovery, which residents believe could take up to a year to complete
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