Two more streets evacuated in Coalsnaughton village after ground movement

In the former mining village of Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, an additional 37 households have been evacuated following reports of ground instability. This recent precautionary evacuation affects 28 homes on Nechtan Drive and nine on Langour, according to Clackmannanshire Council. As part of ongoing safety measures, these roads have been closed to allow thorough investigations into the underlying cause of ground movement.

The council took proactive steps on Thursday evening to disconnect the gas supply to Nechtan Drive residents, ensuring an added level of safety amid concerns. One affected local, Aaron Anderson, who lives with his three children—including 11-year-old twins with autism—shared with BBC Scotland News that his family has been relocated to an Airbnb in Grangemouth. Expressing gratitude, Anderson praised Kingdom Housing, owners of his property, for their prompt support in finding a secure temporary home, stating it was “safe for my children.” However, he also noted that the situation had significantly raised his family’s stress levels.

Commenting on the broader evacuation, Nikki Bridle, the council’s chief executive, explained that this decision was part of a carefully managed response to ongoing tremors in the area. “Following ongoing investigations into ground movement in Coalsnaughton, a decision has been taken this afternoon to evacuate a further 28 properties in Nechtan Drive and nine properties in Langour as a precautionary measure,” Bridle said. She confirmed that these evacuations bring the total number of displaced households to 97 since May 18. The local authority is working closely with partner agencies to support those affected during the process.

Efforts to uncover the causes of the ground shifting continue, led by specialists from the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA), with the investigations expected to take some time to complete. The council has assured residents that updates will be provided as new information emerges. In addition to the recent evacuations, Clackmannanshire Council previously enforced a three-week closure on Benbuck View to facilitate safety inspections and ground assessments. Security measures, including fencing and police presence, have been put in place to prevent unauthorized entry. Historical data from the MRA indicates the presence of a former mine entry near Dunmoss View, an area previously identified as containing shallow coal workings. Efforts to obtain a comment from the Mining Remediation Authority are ongoing

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