Evacuated residents will not return until 'at least Thursday'

Residents in a former Clackmannanshire mining village who have been displaced because of "ground movement" will not be able to return home until at least Thursday, the local authority has said.

Almost 100 properties in Coalsnaughton have been evacuated following reports of "unsafe structures".

Councillor Ellen Forson, leader of Clackmannanshire Council, said it would not be fair to speculate ahead of the findings of initial investigations by the Mining Remediation Authority, which are expected next week.

She added that her "heart went out" to residents and that she appreciated the situation had been "absolutely horrendous".

"It is very challenging," she said. "We are a small local authority area and there are limited resources, particularly in housing.

"However, we have been trying to provide support and working with partners to find alternative accommodation, mostly around the Forth Valley area, as well as providing extra support through food, supplies, childcare and care for pets."

She added that staff and local community groups had been working "really, really hard".

"We've had council officers cancel leave and miss family occasions to provide support on the ground, and that is very much appreciated."

Residents who live near the affected streets have also been asked to leave as utilities are being turned off in some properties.

But Ross MacPhee is among those who have decided to return to their homes.

He said he felt "frustrated" by a lack of information from the council.

"They're asking us to uproot our lives, move elsewhere, and they're not telling us any information at all," he said.

"The lack of information is what's most annoying for us, I think.

"I feel very confused, very frustrated - quite sad as well. We've only been in our house for about six months and, more than anything, I think it's very much soured my opinion of the council in this area."

A council spokesperson said it would "continue to keep residents updated as further information becomes available".

"The evacuation is being carried out in a controlled manner and residents are being supported by council officers and partner agencies throughout the process," they said.

"The priority of all local resilience partners continues to be the safety and welfare of everyone involved, and our officers remain in the local area to provide guidance and support to residents during what we appreciate is a worrying and uncertain time."

Resident Aaron Anderson, who has three children including 11-year-old twins with autism, told BBC Scotland News that his family had now been moved into an Airbnb in Grangemouth.

He said he was thankful to Kingdom Housing, who own his property, for acting quickly to provide a temporary home that was "safe for my children."

He added that his family's "stress levels were high."

Simon Woodward said he was given "about 30 seconds" notice to leave his home on Monday evening.

He said he was watching television at about 21:00 when a firefighter knocked on his door and "told me to get out of my house."

He said: "There were loads of fire engines, police cars, an ambulance, and a gas van.

"They kicked us out and told us we weren't getting back in.

"By about 22:20 we were escorted back to our houses, I got a bag out and they were knocking on the door saying hurry up. I've got very little with me."

Woodward said he was initially sent to Devonvale Hall but eventually found accommodation in Stirling.

Justice Secretary Neil Gray said he had met Clackmannanshire Council officials and the local MSP to "discuss what support the Scottish government could provide to those affected through what is a deeply distressing time".

"Investigations are being carried out by the Mine Remediation Authority to establish the source of the subsidence and we await its findings.

"The Scottish government is actively engaging with the local authority and relevant partners."

An online MRA map shows that there was a mine entry on what is now Dunmoss View and the area is marked as having "past shallow coal mine workings".

The MRA said work was continuing "at pace" to establish the cause of this incident.

A spokesperson said: "Our priority remains the safety of residents, our people and partners, and we will provide further updates as more information becomes available."