Coalsnaughton: What we know so far on ground movement

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Residents from a Coalsnaughton street are still waiting to find out what will happen to their homes after they were suddenly evacuated due to ground movement last week.

The incident took place on the evening of Monday, May 18, after evidence of ground movement was discovered in Benbuck View.

People from 30 properties in the area had to leave their homes, and residents in nearby streets were told to look for cracks in their properties.

Some of those forced to leave their private properties from around 8.20pm were taken in by family members, with others gathering at Devonvale Hall which was closed after alternative accommodation was found.

(Image: Mining Remediation Authority)

Thankfully, nobody was reported as injured due to the incident.

The Mining Remediation Authority secured the site and they revealed that they planned to carry out detailed investigations to “determine the cause of the incident and any potential risks”.

Both council workers and the Citizens Advice Bureau were at Devonvale Hall on Wednesday, May 20 to offer support to those who needed it.

However, Clackmannanshire Council later revealed that there was “no clear timescale” for how long these works could take.

Some residents were taken to Devonvale HallDevonvale Hall. (Image: Alexandra Baff)

Following this, on Wednesday, May 20, Benbuck View became the subject of an emergency road closure which is set to last for three weeks.

Speaking last week, Keith Brown MSP, said: “I know this continues to be an extremely difficult and unsettling time for everyone affected.

“My office and I remain available to support any resident who gets in touch, and I will continue to follow developments closely and remain in contact with all agencies involved.”

Keith Brown MSP. (Image: PA)

A meeting then took place at Sauchie Resource Centre on Thursday, May 21.

Brian Leishman, the MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, said afterwards: “Thank you to all the residents who attended the meeting my staff and I organised last week, for those residents who could not attend, please know that my office is here to help you during this most stressful time.

“You can reach us by email at brian.leishman.mp@parliament.uk or on 01259 726407.

“We have been working closely with emergency services, the Mining Remediation Authority and Clackmannanshire Council to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the residents impacted, and we will continue to do so.”

Brian Leishman MP. (Image: Scott Barron Photography)

The Mining Remediation Authority has since said that “work is continuing at pace” to establish the cause of the incident.

They added: “We understand how worrying this is for residents, and we are doing everything we can to support those affected and respond as quickly and safely as possible.

“Work is continuing at pace to establish the cause of this incident, with multiple specialist teams on site to support residents and ensure safety, with detailed engineering assessments taking place.

Residents of 30 homes were evacuated.Benbuck View last week, the day after the evacuation. (Image: Kayleigh Gregory)

“Traffic management and additional security measures have been put in place, and we continue to work closely with Clackmannanshire Council to manage local services. Utility providers are ensuring that utility supplies are being safely isolated.

“Our priority remains the safety of residents, our people and partners, and we will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

“To report a coal mine hazard, please call us on 0800 288 4242, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

 

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