Street closed for up to three weeks for ground movement investigation

A street in Clackmannanshire could be closed for up to three weeks as an investigation into ground movement there continues.

Thirty homes in Benbuck View were evacuated on Monday evening following reports of "unsafe structures".

Residents have only been allowed back to collect belongings and are currently staying in temporary accommodation.

Clackmannanshire Council said a three-week road closure notice was for "ground investigations and safety reasons".

The emergency closure prohibits driving, parking and loading in Benbuck View.

It is understood that the three-week period is not an indication of how long the investigation will take to complete, and the length of the closure could be amended.

The site has been secured with fencing erected and security and police present to prevent unauthorised access.

Water has been disconnected in the street, with work under way to disconnect gas and electricity.

The council said a number of agencies, including the emergency services and the Mining Remediation Authority, were involved in the response to the incident.

In a question and answer page on its website, the local authority said the homes had been evacuated as a "precautionary measure".

It said affected properties should not be entered unless access had been "agreed and supervised by the partners managing the response".

The council said that the cause of the ground movement had not been confirmed and said "a number of possibilities" were being considered.

It said structural and drainage assessments, along with a "comprehensive review of available mining information" were taking place.

The local authority added that there was no evidence of the incident being a "wider issue".

It said said residents are being encouraged to contact their insurance companies.

A private meeting with residents is planned and invites will be sent directly to those affected, the council added.

It said: "We know this has been a worrying time for residents and families.

"We are working closely with our partners, including the Mining Remediation Authority, to understand the ground movement affecting the homes, while keeping people safe and providing clear updates as more information becomes available."