STV NewsCouncillors in Clackmannanshire have called for greater mental health and wellbeing support for people affected by Coalsnaughton subsidence.
Members raised the issue during a discussion on the council’s recovery plans, warning that the emotional impact of the incident could continue long after physical repairs are completed.
Councillor Janine Rennie said the situation had brought “significant trauma” for residents who were evacuated from their homes.
She was disappointed to hear that legislation meant that the Mining Remediation Authority’s remit did not include financial help for any impact on mental wellbeing.
“The situation would have brought about a significant trauma for everyone involved,” she said. “We are looking at financial claims but I keep thinking about what that is going to mean for people on an ongoing basis in terms of their well being.
“It was quite a shock when I heard the response that wellbeing support is not provided as part of this.
“There is a plethora of research on how incidents affect people on an ongoing basis for a long, long time.
“If you do not put the right support in places as quickly as you can, then there is the potential that cannot be reversed. “
Councillor Scott Harrison backed the idea of lobbying the UK Government on the issue.
“The legislation is quite restricted but I think we need to go further about the long term implications for people with their mental health,” he said.
“I am really glad it will give this council the opportunity to be seen to be working together cross party if we can ourselves lobby for change to legislation.”
Council leader Ellen Forson also backed moves to attempt to have legislation changed.
“A lot has been said about legislation – I think it has been noted that this is an unprecedented incident so legislation, I don’t think in my view, covers unprecedented situations,” she commented.
“I think that as a result of this unprecedented incident that has not been seen anywhere else in the UK, that the UK government needs to consider if it needs to change legislation to allow the people of Coalsnaughton and those impacted to get the support that they need.
“I will continue my engagement with both governments but I am clear this is specifically UK government legislation and only the UK government can change that.”
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