The ground beneath dozens of homes in Coalsnaughton, Scotland, continues to shift, exhibiting no signs of stopping, experts have revealed. This ongoing instability is prolonging the displacement of over 200 residents who were forced to evacuate their properties earlier this year due to fears of collapsing coal mines.
Families in nearly 100 properties were told to leave their homes in May after experiencing loud noises and discovering damage, including cracks in roads, footpaths, gardens, and their houses. Hope for an imminent return to temporary accommodation appears to have been dashed, as the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) informed Clackmannanshire Council that the ground on Dunmoss View and Benbuck View is still moving by as much as 1 centimeter per week.
Carl Banton, the MRA’s chief operating director, stated that the total ground movement on Dunmoss View has been 345mm (13.6 inches), and on Benbuck View, approximately 300mm (11.8 inches). He clarified that these figures do not include the initial event, which was not captured. The movement continues at a rate of 2mm to 10mm weekly. "Although it’s slowed, it is continuing and is not showing any signs of stopping as it stands at the minute," Banton said.
Residents on Benbuck View were the first to be evacuated on May 18, followed by those on Dunmoss View on May 27. Properties on Nechtan Drive and Langour were also evacuated shortly after. While many suspected the movement originated from disused coal mines, the exact cause has not yet been identified, and an investigation is currently underway.
"We understand how difficult it is for residents to be away from their homes, and we are working as quickly as possible to provide clarity," Banton added. "Whilst ground movement at Benbuck View and Dunmoss View has reduced, there is still ongoing movement, and while our investigations are ongoing, we are not yet able to confirm the cause or how long residents will be out of their properties."
Investigations, including detailed engineering and geotechnical studies, are being conducted to establish the cause of the ground movement. Sophisticated laser systems are being used daily to monitor any shifts, and drilling rigs are collecting samples. The MRA’s experience indicates that after the cause is understood and movement ceases, the situation requires monitoring for at least six months before remedial works and repairs can begin.
Council leader Ellen Forson acknowledged the prolonged distress for the residents, stating, "This continues to be a hugely unsettling and worrying time for them, and the ongoing disruption to their lives simply cannot be overstated."