Scottish government confirms £1m Coalsnaughton support package

The Scottish government has confirmed a £1m package to support residents evacuated from their homes in a former Clackmannanshire mining village.

Almost 100 properties in four streets in Coalsnaughton have been evacuated after reports of ground movement and unsafe structures.

Following a visit to the area last week, First Minister John Swinney said the money would be provided to Clackmannanshire Council.

The money will be used to cover expenses the local authority has incurred as a result of its emergency response, including temporary housing, welfare and staffing.

The affected residents were told last week that they cannot go home for at least another eight weeks while an investigation is carried out.

Some displaced residents have been staying with their families, but others are in hotels or temporary accommodation - some of which they criticised as being substandard.

Swinney said: "I was grateful to hear from the residents of Coalsnaughton last week about the situation they have been placed in and understand the considerable stress this is causing.

"Ministers will continue to ensure the UK government is pressing the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) to expedite its investigations as quickly as possible to prevent further disruption to people's lives."

He added that the Scottish government was working closely with Clackmannanshire Council to support residents.

Coalsnaughton residents in 28 properties in Nechtan Drive and nine properties in Langour were told to leave their homes on 29 May.

It followed the evacuation of 60 properties in Benbuck View and Dunmoss View the previous week.

Clackmannanshire Council Leader Ellen Forson welcomed the funding package.

She said: "This funding provides important reassurance that residents affected by this unprecedented situation will continue to receive the support they need while investigations are carried out.

"I would like to thank the first minister and the Scottish government for recognising the significant impact this incident has had on our community and for responding quickly to provide practical assistance."

Forson said the council's focus remained on the people and families who had been disrupted.

She said: "We know this has been an incredibly difficult and uncertain time, and we will continue to work closely with all partners to ensure residents are supported and informed as this situation progresses."

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 the incident.