Residents evacuated amid ground movements displaced for 'at least' four more days

Investigations into ground movements in a Clackmannanshire village are expected to take “some time” with almost 100 homes evacuated.

Benbuck View in Coalsnaughton was closed off following the first incident, which resulted in 30 properties being evacuated on May 18.

Slabs buckled, and cracks appeared in buildings after the earth shifted in the former mining village.

The local authority set up a rest centre at Devonvale Hall for those affected. Just before midnight last Monday, all residents were relocated elsewhere.

On Wednesday, a further 30 homes were evacuated after further issues were detected.

Clackmannanshire Council confirmed that 28 homes on Nechtan Drive and nine homes in Lagour were evacuated as a precaution on Friday.

This means a total of 97 homes have been impacted since the ground movements were first detected.

The council confirmed residents will not be able to return home until at least Thursday, when preliminary findings will be presented.

Clackmannanshire Council Chief Executive Nikki Bridle said: “The evacuation is being carried out in a controlled manner and residents are being supported by Council officers and partner agencies throughout the process.

“The priority of all Local Resilience Partners continues to be the safety and welfare of everyone involved, and our officers remain in the local area to provide guidance and support to residents during what we appreciate is a worrying and uncertain time.

“The specialist investigations being undertaken by the Mining Remediation Authority remain ongoing and are expected to take some time to complete.

“We will continue to keep residents updated as further information becomes available.”

Clackmannanshire Council leader Ellen Forson said it continues to be “an extremely difficult and distressing time for everyone affected” by the situation.

“Our thoughts remain with the residents, families and wider community who are living with the uncertainty and disruption caused by this incident,” she said.

The council leader met with Justice Secretary Neil Gray on Friday, and she said she formally requested that the Scottish Government activate a discretionary emergency fund that allows it to reimburse local authorities for immediate, unforeseen costs incurred during disasters or severe weather events.

“The council has acted swiftly to ensure residents receive the support they need, but the scale and duration of the response is placing significant financial demands on local services,” Ms Forson said.

“Activation of the Bellwin Scheme would provide important financial assistance and help ensure that our focus remains on supporting those affected.”