Villagers cannot go home for two months during ground movement probe

Villagers who have been evacuated over reports of ground movement cannot go home for at least another eight weeks while an investigation is carried out.

Residents of 97 properties across four streets have been staying with families or in temporary accommodation since last week following reports of "unsafe structures" in Coalsnaughton, a former mining village in Clackmannanshire.

The local authority confirmed that the investigation would take another eight weeks, during which people would not be allowed to return to their homes.

Residents were informed of the new timescale at a meeting of partner organisations on Tuesday.

One resident at the meeting told the BBC it had been a stressful time for his family - but he praised both the council and Kingdom Housing Association for their help.

Clackmannanshire Council and the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) released a joint statement following the meeting.

Nikki Bridle, the council's chief executive, said: "During the meeting Carl Banton, chief operation director for the Mining Remediation Authority (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."

Bridle said the authority appreciated the "support and concern shown by the wider Clackmannanshire community".

She added: "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.

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

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

It followed the evacuation of 60 properties in Benbuck View and Dunmoss View following reports of "unsafe structures".

The roads have been closed for an investigation into the cause of the ground movement.

Clackmannanshire Council has formally asked the Scottish government for financial support.

Asked about the latest timescale, First Minister John Swinney said he would be "very happy" to visit the area.

He added: "The justice secretary Neil Gray, who is responsible for resilience issues within the government, has been in active engagement with Clackmannanshire Council and obviously we will be taking forward these discussions.

"And once the position is clearer, we will have definitive commitments to make to Clackmannanshire Council and to the residents."

Justice Secretary Neil Gray said the situation continued to be "very distressing" for residents.

He added: "I have expressed to the MRA my significant concern that its investigations will take at least another eight weeks to find the source of the ground movement due to the impact this will have on so many households.

"The MRA's decision is absolutely critical to plot the route forward for the residents so I made clear to them last night that they have an absolute responsibility and moral obligation to take this decision as quickly as possible."

Gray confirmed he had also written to UK Energy Secretary Ed Milliband and urged him to ensure the MRA investigation is carried out as quickly as possible.

He added the Scottish government would continue to meet regularly with Clackmannanshire Council to provide support, where it is required.

The situation was also raised in Westminster at Prime Minister's Questions by Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth Brian Leishman.

He asked Keir Starmer: "Will the prime minister commit to working with the Scottish government and Clackmannanshire Council to ensure that affected residents receive whatever support they need for a speedy and fair resolution?"

Starmer replied: "I do know how difficult it is for residents who are not in their homes, and 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, and I will ensure that my honourable friend and his constituents are kept updated on the next steps."