JOHN Swinney has said he recognises the “deeply distressing” situation faced by residents in a village which has been partially evacuated due to fears over ground movements.
The First Minister visited Coalsnaughton in Clackmannanshire on Friday, walking along the roads which have been closed off amid concerns about unsafe structures.
Around 100 households have been affected, with residents of the former mining village facing another eight weeks before they can return home.
The evacuation began on May 18 and the Mining Remediation Authority has been carrying out investigations to establish the cause of the ground movement.
Cracks are visible in some of the buildings the First Minister viewed, while paving stones on patios appear to have moved.
Utilities such as gas mains have been removed from the affected area.
The First Minister spoke to some of those who live in Coalsnaughton and took part in a meeting of the organisations dealing with the incident.
Speaking to the Press Association after his visit, Swinney said a “very significant amount of exploratory work” is still needed to understand the incident.
He said: “It is important that public safety is prioritised and I’ve been assured that urgent work is under way to establish the causes of this incident.”
He said the Government is supporting Clackmannanshire Council to assist the affected residents.
Swinney continued: “To be asked to leave your house at very short notice, completely and utterly turning your life on its head – I’ve heard that from local residents today.
“It’s a deeply distressing situation. So it’s important in all of those cases that individuals are well supported.”
Those who have been evacuated are staying in temporary accommodation, often at hotels in and around Clackmannanshire.
Clackmannanshire Council leader Ellen Forson said: “I was grateful to the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Justice for coming to Coalsnaughton earlier today to see the area affected by the ground movement and to hear how the council, the Mining Remediation Authority, and local resilience partners are working closely together to respond to this ongoing incident.
“During the visit I stressed the significant impact this major, ongoing incident is having on the affected residents and the uncertainty and disruption they face.
“Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this incident.”
Carl Banton, chief operations director of the Mining Remediation Authority, thanked the First Minister and Justice Secretary Neil Gray for their support, and said the authority is trying to find the cause of the ground movement.
He said: “We are doing all we can, as quickly as possible, alongside the Local Resilience Partnership to understand the cause of this incident, and identify the potential activity needed to make the area safe again. Our thoughts remain with the residents affected.
“Our priority is always the safety of residents, our people and Local Resilience Partners, and we will provide further updates as more information becomes available.”
Further information on the Coalsnaughton ground movement can be found on Clackmannanshire Council’s website.
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