THE Scottish Government has been formally requested help by a council leader after 100 homes were evacuated following ground movements in a former mining village in Clackmannanshire.
Clackmannanshire Council leader Ellen Forson said it continues to be “an extremely difficult and distressing time for everyone affected” by the situation.
“Our thoughts remain with the residents, families and wider community who are living with the uncertainty and disruption caused by this incident,” she said.
Around 36 properties in Coalsnaughton began being evacuated on May 18, and an investigation has since been launched into the ground movement activity.
The local authority said the evacuation of a further 28 properties in Nechtan Drive and nine properties in Langour as a precautionary measure on Friday brings the total number of evacuated properties to 97 since May 18.
The council leader met with Justice Secretary Neil Gray on Friday, and she said she formally requested that the Scottish Government activate a discretionary emergency fund that allows it to reimburse local authorities for immediate, unforeseen costs incurred during disasters or severe weather events.
“The council has acted swiftly to ensure residents receive the support they need, but the scale and duration of the response is placing significant financial demands on local services,” Forson said.
“Activation of the Bellwin Scheme would provide important financial assistance and help ensure that our focus remains on supporting those affected.”
Forson told the BBC on Saturday that residents in Coalsnaughton will not be able to return home until at least Thursday.
The council leader acknowledged that the situation is impacting local residents and families.
“During the meeting [with Gray], I took the opportunity to explain the significant impact this incident is having on local people and families who have been forced to leave their homes, and the uncertainty and disruption they continue to face,” Forson said.
“I also outlined the challenges Clackmannanshire Council is encountering in providing support to those affected, not least the considerable task of securing suitable alternative accommodation and responding to the individual needs of families during this difficult period.
“I was pleased that the Cabinet Secretary undertook to consider how the Scottish Government can provide support in this area, as well as in a number of other areas where assistance may be required.”
Forson said the council will continue to work closely with its partners and do “everything possible to support residents and families through what remains a very challenging time”.
She said: “Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this incident.”
Clackmannanshire Council said specialist investigations being undertaken by the Mining Remediation Authority are ongoing and are expected to take “some time” to complete.
“We will continue to keep residents updated as further information becomes available,” council chief executive Nikki Bridle said.
