Ground movement affecting village homes is linked to coal mining

Residents evacuated from their homes in a Clackmannanshire village because of ground movement problems will receive UK government support after it was confirmed that the issue was linked to historic coal mining.

Those living in the 97 affected homes in Coalsnaughton will be given assistance, which could include their homes being purchased at full market value.

The announcement came ahead of a visit to the village by UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks, who warned there was "no quick fix" for the problem.

The findings follow a two-month investigation by the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA).

It said there were still signs of ground movement at the site and that investigations were continuing.

It said households would find out the outcome for their property, and the specific options available to them, in the coming weeks and months.

A total of 256 residents in four Coalsnaughton streets were moved out of their homes after ground movement was discovered in May.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero said that all evacuated residents would now be protected by the law, with the UK government meeting the costs of making homes safe.

Under the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991, the UK government has a duty to remedy coal mining subsidence damage.

It said: "Where properties have suffered significant damage, alternative support could be made available to residents based on the condition of their home.

"For homes with the most serious damage, residents may be offered an option for the government to purchase their property at its full market value prior to the incident, as well as additional support to relocate if required."

It added that any costs incurred by the Scottish government and Clackmannanshire Council for the incident response will be reimbursed, where they fall under the Mining Remediation Authority's remit.

In June the Scottish government confirmed a £1m package to support residents evacuated from their homes.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Scottish government's housing secretary, said it was understood that some of this money will now be reimbursed by the MRA.

She said: "The Scottish government has confirmed that this will be made available to the council and that financial flexibilities remain in place so they can continue to provide support to residents."

First Minister John Swinney said he was "pleased" the MRA has completed its report, saying it provides "clarity" on how to proceed.

He went on: "This obviously opens up the possibility of individuals now being able to make long-term decisions about where they're going to live.

"It involves a huge amount of disruption in their lives and I'm terribly sorry for the disruption that individuals are facing."

The affected residents are currently in short-term accommodation, including housing association properties, Airbnbs and student residences in Stirling.

Shanks said: "This has obviously been an extremely difficult situation for families over the past few months and I want to reassure all those affected that no-one will be left to shoulder the burden alone."

He said the UK government would work side-by-side with the Scottish government and Clackmannanshire Council.

He added: "Unfortunately there is no quick fix, but the Mining Remediation Authority is providing tailored advice and support for every household and our priority is to provide longer-term certainty as quickly as possible."

Carl Banton, the MRA's chief operations director, said: "The safety and welfare of residents remain the priority for every partner involved in the response.

"We will be contacting affected residents directly to explain what this means for them personally, and to talk through the support that is available.

"We are committed to keeping you informed at every stage of this recovery phase, and we are working hard to ensure that this community is safe."