Clackmannanshire villagers left in 'limbo' after they were forced to flee home due to 'ground movements'

Residents of a Clackmannanshire mining village say they have been left in “limbo” more than two weeks after they were evacuated due to ground movements.

Almost 100 properties have been evacuated in Coalsnaughton since the movement was first detected on May 18.

Benbuck View was closed off and 30 properties were evacuated after slabs buckled and cracks appeared in buildings.

Another 30 homes were emptied after further reports of ground movement in Dunmoss View on May 27.

There was a further evacuation of 28 homes on Nechtan Drive and nine in Langour last Friday – taking the total number to 97.

Residents it may take another eight weeks to determine a cause STV News

Residents affected have been put up in temporary accommodation. Following a meeting on Tuesday night, those impacted were informed it will take another eight weeks for experts to determine the cause.

They also heard there continues to be movement of between 10 and 15mm a day in some streets, including in Dunmoss View and The Glen, as the Mining Remediation Authority tries to get to the bottom of what has happened.

‘If we don’t know what’s under our feet, are we safe?’

The Devonvale Hall has been set up as a support centre for those forced to flee their homes.

Residents have been travelling to the building in Tillicoultry with the hopes of receiving updates.

Aaron Anderson was evacuated alongside his wife and three children. He told STV News that their bags were packed in preparation after those in Benbuck View were told to leave.

The dad is now living with the “fear of the unknown”.

He explained: “Every time I try to eat I feel sick to my stomach.

“I can’t sleep, my wife can’t sleep. Obviously, with having two autistic kids, they’re paramount in our day-to-day life, they come first.

“Trying to keep that normal for them is fundamental for their upbringing and their livelihood.

Slabs have moved in the streets and cracks have appeared on homes. Mining Remediation Authority

“But the anxiety, the stress is profound.”

Despite not knowing whether his home will be deemed “unsafe” or “condemned” at the end of the eight-week period, Aaron hopes to move back to the family property.

“I love my house,” the dad added. “It’s where my kids have grown up, it’s where we’ve been for years.

“But if we don’t know what’s under our feet, are we safe?”

Residents in ‘limbo’ left with ‘nowhere to call home’

Other residents affected believe they have been left waiting for answers, with “nowhere to call home”.

Thomas Brannigan recently moved to the area and was on holiday in Greece when it was evacuated, including his new home.

He has been made aware that neighbours are being put up in accommodation described as “prison cells”, and some families are sleeping in their cars.

Thomas told STV News: “We know of people having to pay out of their own pocket with no guarantee of reimbursement.

“There are people in housing associations who have been put in substandard living accommodations.

Almost 100 homes have been evacuated due to the ground movements STV News

“That’s the most important thing, the insurance companies need to do their jobs, rather than waiting for someone blame.”

Emma Little was among some of the first homes evacuated following the initial reports of ground movements.

She explained how families on Benbuck View were “uprooted in an instant” amid the major operation.

Now residents, like her are left in “eight weeks of limbo” with “no answers”.

Emma said: “This is not just bricks and mortar, this is people’s safe spaces, life savings, memories, all stored up in these houses, with no certainty that everyone will get back to their homes.

“There is still no confirmed cause, no clear timeline for return, and continued uncertainty about property damage, accommodation, insurance, utilities, storage, finances and what happens next.”

First Minister says evacuation is ‘enormously distressing and stressful’

On Friday morning, First Minister John Swinney visited Coalsnaughton to chair a roundtable with members of the local council, the Mining Remediation Authority, and other organisations.

Following the meeting, Swinney stated that the ongoing operation “requires sustained involvement” from the Scottish Government.

He told STV News that Holyrood will continue to support the agencies involved in an effort to “find solutions”.

The First Minister added: “If people have had to leave their homes in very short order, it’s enormously distressing and stressful for people.

“So we’ve got to make sure that solutions are put in place that assist individuals. Clackmannanshire Council is working with individuals to try and do that.

“But, I’ve also made clear that the Scottish Government will work to support the council in its efforts by collaborating with other housing associations, other local authorities, to find solutions that will meet the needs of individuals.”

Clackmannanshire Council Leader Ellen Forson said she was “grateful” for the visit of the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Justice Neil Gray to the impacted mining village.

John Swinney and Cabinet Secretary for Justice Neil Gray. James Chapelard

The Councillor added:“During the visit I stressed the significant impact this major, ongoing incident is having on the affected residents and the uncertainty and disruption they face.

“Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this incident. We will continue to work closely with our partners and do everything possible to support residents and families through what remains a very challenging time.”

The visit comes in the wake of Brian Leishman, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, raising the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions – saying people in Coalsnaughton are suffering “emotional and financial distress”.