Nearly 100 homes evacuated in Coalsnaughton over subsidence

Nearly 100 homes in the former mining village of Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, have been evacuated over the past two weeks following unexplained ground movement that has caused pavements to buckle and building walls to crack. Authorities have ordered residents to leave their properties as a precaution while an investigation into the cause of the subsidence continues.

The evacuations began on May 18 when 30 properties on Benbuck View were cleared. Last week, a further 30 homes on Dunmoss View were evacuated. Most recently, on Friday, officials ordered the evacuation of 28 properties on Nechtan Drive and nine homes in Langour, bringing the total number of affected households to 97. Police have cordoned off the affected streets, and residents are only permitted to return briefly to collect essential belongings.

The village of Coalsnaughton was established in the late 18th century to house coal mine workers. Historical maps indicate the affected streets sit directly over old mine entries and shallow coal workings, raising concerns that abandoned mines may be collapsing. The specialist Mining Remediation Authority is leading the investigation, conducting drilling, trial digs,...