Residents of 97 evacuated homes in Coalsnaughton are to receive UK government support after recent ground movement was linked to historic coal mining.
The Mining Remediation Authority has confirmed the cause following an eight-week investigation. Homes in the area were evacuated in May after reports of ground movement, with the evacuations carried out to protect residents’ safety.
The UK government said the authority will take over management of the incident response, with safety and wellbeing identified as the priority. Costs incurred by the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Council for the response are to be reimbursed where they fall within the authority’s remit.
All evacuated residents will now be protected by law, with the government meeting the costs of making homes safe. Where properties have suffered significant damage, other support could be made available depending on the condition of each home.
For the most seriously damaged homes, residents may be offered the option of the government buying the property at its full market value before the incident. Additional relocation support could also be provided if required.
The authority has contacted affected households to put immediate support in place and explain next steps. Households are expected to learn the outcome for their property and the specific options available in the coming weeks and months, depending on continuing investigations.