Ninety-seven homes in Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, have been evacuated since May due to ongoing ground movement linked to historic mining activities, with two streets facing mandatory demolition after new assessments revealed the extent of the damage. The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) confirmed that homes on Benbuck View and Dunmoss View have been assessed as beyond repair, while other areas will undergo ground stabilisation and repairs.

The instability has caused structural damage to properties as well as cracks in roadways, paths, and gardens throughout the village. After conducting detailed investigations, the MRA concluded that the severity of ground movement on Benbuck View and Dunmoss View warranted the compulsory acquisition and demolition of all properties in these locations, pending necessary approvals.

Simon Woodward, a Coalsnaughton resident for 17 years, expressed deep distress over the loss of his home, which he and his family had invested substantial time and money into improving. "We’ve spent £10, £20, £30,000 on it to make it as best as we can for our retirement. That’s gone," he said. Other residents similarly conveyed emotional responses during a community meeting, with some brought to tears by the announcement, though the news was not entirely unexpected.

Local elected representative Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, described the situation as “devastating” and highlighted individual experiences, including a resident who had only recently purchased her house and another who maintained a memorial to his late wife in his garden.

Clackmannanshire Council’s chief executive, Nikki Bridle, extended sympathy to affected residents, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the incident and the hardship caused by the prospect that some people may never be able to return to their homes.

Michael Shanks, UK Energy Minister, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting families affected by the situation. He assured residents that the government would cover the costs involved and work to facilitate rehousing or the safe return of those from less severely affected areas. “No one will be left to shoulder the burden alone,” Shanks said, emphasizing the priority placed on assisting residents through the ongoing challenges.

The MRA continues to coordinate efforts around ground stabilisation and remediation to mitigate further damage and to safely restore the community where possible.