Residents cannot go home for two months during ground movement probe

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Graeme Ogston,BBC Tayside and Central reporterand

Jamie McIvor,Scotland news correspondent

BBC An aerial view of a number of residential streets with trees surrounding themBBC

A total of 97 properties in four streets in Coalsnaughton have been evacuated

Villagers who have been evacuated over reports of ground movement cannot go home for 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.

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."

two workers in high-viz jackets inside a fenced-off area of a street with a sign saying Nechtan Drive

Residents in Nechtan Drive were evacuated on Friday

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."

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.

The Mining Remediation Authority has been approached for comment.


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