Two Clacks politicians have spoken out following the news that dozens of homes in Coalsnaughton will be demolished due to ongoing ground movement issues.
The Mining Remediation Authority (The MRA) held a meeting last week (Thursday, August 27), with affected residents to provide an update on ongoing investigations.
It was revealed that Benbuck View and Dunmoss View are the most seriously affected by the ground movement, which has been caused by historic mining.
Homes in those streets have been assessed and “risk severity beyond the point of rehabilitation”.
The MRA's proposed approach is to acquire and then demolish those properties.
However, repairs are expected to take place in Langour, while further stabilisation is also planned for Nechtan Drive.
Now, Brian Leishman, the MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, has said that “no-one should emerge from this incident worse-off”.
Speaking on the meeting, he added: “It was, understandably, a highly emotional meeting for those impacted and my thoughts are with the residents of Benbuck View and Dunmoss View, who have been told that their homes will be demolished.
“I also feel for the residents of Nechtan Drive and Langour who face a long period before they can potentially return to their properties.
“These are enormous things for people to come to terms with.
“No-one should emerge from this incident worse-off, and the trauma people are going through is indescribable.
“There is still a long way to go but I and my constituency office staff will continue to press all the authorities involved for a swift and fair outcome for everyone.
“Compassion and empathy must be at the forefront of everything that happens next because we are talking about people and families who have been thrust into an incredibly unimaginable situation."
Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, said that the meeting had brought “devastating news” for many residents.
He said: “The Mining Remediation Authority has now concluded that homes on Benbuck View and Dunmoss View have suffered damage and face risks beyond the point where they can be rehabilitated.
“Their proposed approach is therefore to acquire and demolish the properties.
“While many residents had feared this might be the outcome, actually being told that you will never be able to return to your home is something else entirely.
“These are not simply houses. They are people’s homes – places they have invested in, raised families in, planned their futures around and, in some cases, expected to spend the rest of their lives.
“My thoughts are very much with everyone affected.
“The focus now has to be on securing the best possible outcome for every resident and making sure that nobody is left financially worse off because of something completely beyond their control.
“The Mining Remediation Authority has accepted responsibility for the historic mining activity which caused this incident, and the UK Government has committed to meeting the costs of the response.
“I will continue to press both to ensure that commitment translates into fair, practical and comprehensive support for residents – including the costs and wider financial consequences of having to replace a home”.
Keith Brown revealed that he has spoken again with the Cabinet Secretary for Housing about finding solutions for residents with shared equity arrangements.
“There will be many different individual circumstances which need to be addressed – mortgages, shared equity, additional investments people have made in their properties, moving costs and the wider financial consequences of being forced from a home through no fault of their own.
“I will continue to raise these issues directly with the MRA, the UK Government and the Scottish Government, and push for solutions wherever they are required.
“For residents in Langour and Nechtan Drive, there remains uncertainty too, although the proposed approach there is different, with stabilisation and repair work expected. They also deserve clear answers and continued support as quickly as possible.
“Nothing can properly compensate someone for losing the home they love.
“But what we can and must do is make sure residents are treated fairly, supported properly and given every possible opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he added.
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