Evacuated residents fear homes built on former mines could be demolished

Aaron Anderson and his family are now living in Dunfermline after being evacuated in May

A resident evacuated from his street following ground movement linked to historical mining work says he expects his family will never return to their home.

More than 250 people from 97 homes in the village of Coalsnaugton, Clackmannanshire, were told to leave their homes after the ground movement was discovered in May.

An eight-week investigation by the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) at the four affected streets has confirmed that the issue is related to past mining work.

Aaron Anderson, who has three children including 11-year-old twins with autism, says he now "firmly believes" his house will be condemned and demolished.

UK Energy Secretary Michael Shanks, who visited the site on Monday, said some of the properties would be able to be remediated, but "some will not".

The MRA said there were still signs of ground movement at the site.

This has seen cracks appear in roads, paths and gardens, as well as damage to some properties in the village.

A meeting will be held on Tuesday to update affected residents.

Residents have been able to collect belongings from their homes on an appointment basis.

Aaron's family are now staying in Dunfermline, following a spell at an Airbnb in Grangemouth.

He said he was "not surprised" at the result of the MRA investigation.

"Since day one of our evacuation, I have been a realist about the situation," he said.

"I firmly believe these houses will be condemned and demolished. I can't foresee anyone getting back regardless if their house has moved or not.

"They will not want a repeat down the line if any houses were to survive."

Aaron told BBC Scotland News he thought it was "a good thing the UK government has stepped in to provide financial support".

But he said he has "grown detached" from his home and now wants to "move my family to somewhere safer."

An eight-week investigation into the cause of the ground movement was carried out by the Mining Remediation Authority

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero said that all evacuated residents would now be protected by the law, with the UK government meeting the costs of making homes safe.

Under the Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991, the UK government has a duty to remedy coal mining subsidence damage.

Shanks said the cost could run into tens of millions of pounds.

Have you been affected by the ground movement in Coalsnaughton? Share your story and your pictures.

The UK energy minister told BBC Scotland News: "What now has to happen is an individual assessment