Almost 250 residents from 97 homes in the Clackmannanshire village of Coalsnaughton were told to evacuate in May following ground movement. An eight-week investigation by the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) has confirmed that the issue is linked to historical mining work.
UK Energy Secretary Michael Shanks, who visited the site on Monday, said that while some properties could be remediated, "some will not." The MRA noted that signs of ground movement are still present, causing cracks in roads, paths, gardens, and damage to some properties.
Aaron Anderson, an evacuated resident, expressed his belief that his house will be condemned and demolished. The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero stated that all evacuated residents are protected by law, with the UK government covering the costs of making homes safe under the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991. Shanks indicated the cost could reach tens of millions of pounds.
Carl Banton, MRA's chief operations director, described it as the largest incident of its kind the body has handled. He added that the impact varies across the four affected streets, with two showing damage and two outer streets unaffected. The MRA is considering the possibility of purchasing properties if necessary, as permitted by the Coal Mining Subsidence Act.