Coalsnaughton residents face eight weeks away from home after ground movement in ex-mining village

Residents affected by ground movement in a former mining village in Clackmannanshire are set to be out of their homes for at least another eight weeks.

Almost 100 houses have been evacuated in Coalsnaughton since 18 May amid safety concerns.

The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) is investigating the incident and needs further time to get to the root of the problem.

The residents were updated on the situation during a meeting with Clackmannanshire Council and partner organisations on Tuesday.

Speaking the following day, Nikki Bridle, chief executive of the local authority, said: "The priority of all local resilience partners continues to be the safety and welfare of everyone involved.

"Our officers remain in the local area to provide guidance and support to residents during what we appreciate is a worrying and uncertain time.

"During the meeting, Carl Banton, chief operation director for the MRA, explained that work is continuing at pace to establish the cause of this incident.

"A further eight weeks will be needed for the MRA to investigate the cause of the ground movement.

"Carl outlined the works that have been undertaken and shared images to help residents understand how the ground is moving.

"Our thoughts are with the residents affected by this incident, and we understand that this news will be concerning for them."

In total, 97 homes have been evacuated across four neighbouring streets: Benbuck View, Dunmoss View, Nechtan Drive and Langour.

One Nechtan Drive resident, who did not wish to be named, told Sky News: "I was in tears last night.

"It is a nightmare - it is a total nightmare. We don't know where we're going to end up for the next eight weeks.

"We've got to think about work, we've got to think about our pets.

"They don't know why the ground is moving the way it's moving - it's not anything they would expect. They haven't a clue."

The villager, who has lived in the street for seven years, is currently being accommodated at the Dunblane Hydro hotel.

Despite the support given by Kingdom Housing Association, she is anxious the family will be moved out of the county.

She added: "Kingdom isn't putting us in a house - the council is taking over rehousing everybody.

"And they're working with Stirling Council and Falkirk Council, so I might not get kept in Clacks."

The resident does not believe she will be back home in eight weeks.

She said: "I think it will be longer."

Dunmoss View resident Paul Macleod, 50, previously told Sky News: "One day everything seemed completely normal, then the next morning we woke up to find parts of the street had sunk, with slabs lifted, shifted and cracked."

Mr Macleod, who is going to be rehomed in Dunfermline, Fife, said he is "preparing for the long stretch".

He added: "I don't think we will get back anytime soon. If at all. And I'm thinking do I want to go back, will I feel safe?

"A few neighbours want out completely and won't go back due to the impact on mental health and not feeling safe in our own homes. I'm thinking that way as well."

Read more from Sky News:
Operation Branchform timeline: The downfall of Peter Murrell
Royal Navy helicopter crashes into field

The community has banded together following the incident.

Villagers have been offering storage space, help with washing, and access to hot water if needed.

The Gate Community Hub in Alloa is co-ordinating an appeal and has asked for donations of items such as household essentials, cleaning products, toiletries, tinned foods, and long-life groceries.

Donations for all those affected are also being collected at the village primary school.

Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface has also urged anyone impacted to reach out for support.

Residents are currently prohibited from returning to their homes but are allowed accompanied visits to collect belongings.

The area has been fenced off, with security and police in attendance to prevent unauthorised access.

The Glen, which runs past the affected streets and connects Coalsnaughton to Devonside and Tillicoultry, has been closed.

Clackmannanshire Council leader Ellen Forson met with Justice Secretary Neil Gray on Friday and has 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.

Brian Leishman, the Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, spoke up for his constituents at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, saying those affected are suffering "emotional and financial distress".

Sir Keir Starmer replied: "I do know how difficult it is for residents who are not in their homes.

"Can I reassure him and them that the MRA are carrying out daily investigations to get answers as swiftly as possible.

"We're also working with the council to provide support for residents. I can confirm the energy minister is in touch with MSPs."

Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown expressed deep frustration and concern at the situation, and said investigations should not be rushed.

"However, the reality is that families who were forced from their homes are now being told they face at least another eight weeks of uncertainty, taking the total period away from home to nearly 11 weeks," he said.

Mr Brown added that people's lives had been "turned upside down".

The SNP politician said the Scottish government had already confirmed support through the Bellwin Scheme and ministers are "actively considering" what further assistance can be provided.

Mr Brown continued: "However, the MRA is accountable to the UK government, and it is now essential that UK ministers step up and ensure that every available resource is being deployed to support this community."

(c) Sky News 2026: Coalsnaughton residents face eight weeks away from home after ground movement in ex-mining