The ground beneath dozens of homes which were evacuated amid fears of collapsing coal mines shows ‘no signs of stopping’, experts have revealed.

More than 200 residents were told they must leave their homes in Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, earlier this year after the ground below them began to move.

Residents in the former mining village were left distraught after hearing loud noises and then discovering damage to their properties.

Cracking in roads, footpaths, gardens and people’s homes led to families in nearly 100 properties being told they must collect their belongings and leave.

But any hope of an imminent return for those who have been living in temporary accommodation appears to have been dashed.

The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) yesterday revealed to Clackmannanshire Council that in two of the roads – Dunmoss View and Benbuck View – the ground is still shifting by as much as 1cm a week.

While many feared the movement is from disused coalmines the cause has not yet been identified, with the authority currently in the middle of an investigation into the issue.

Carl Banton, the MRA’s chief operation director, revealed to the meeting ground movement was ‘still ongoing’.

Mr Banton said: ‘In total, you’ve had 345mm [13.6in] of ground movement on Dunmoss and about 300mm [11.8in] on Benbuck View.

‘But that 300mm does not include the initial event, which obviously we didn’t capture.

‘Ground movement continues at a rate of between 2mm and 10mm a week.

‘So, although it’s slowed, it is continuing and is not showing any signs of stopping as it stands at the minute.’

Some 97 properties were evacuated in the village in May within just a few weeks with affected the estate sitting above past shallow coal mine workings.

Residents in Benbuck View were the first to be told they must leave during the evening of May 18 amid fears for their safety.

Dunmoss View was next, on May 27. Along this road is an old mine shaft, historic records have revealed.

Two days later those living Nechtan Drive and Langour were told they had to leave.

Mr Banton said: ‘We understand how difficult it is for residents to be away from their homes, and we are working as quickly as possible to provide clarity.

‘Whilst ground movement at Benbuck View and Dunmoss View has reduced, there is still ongoing movement, and while our investigations are ongoing, we are not yet able to confirm the cause or how long residents will be out of their properties.

‘Our experience shows that once we understand the cause and movement stops it is important to monitor the situation for a period of time, typically at least six months, before remedial works and repairs can begin.’

Detailed engineering and geotechnical investigations are being carried out at the site in a bid to establish the cause.

As part of the work sophisticated laser systems are being used daily to monitor any movement, and drilling rigs are taking samples.

Council leader Ellen Forson said: ‘This continues to be a hugely unsettling and worrying time for them [residents], and the ongoing disruption to their lives simply cannot be overstated.’