Coal Authority repairs sinkhole that opened up in Methilhill

An 11ft-deep sinkhole that suddenly appeared in a Levenmouth street was a result of historical coal mining, it has been confirmed.

The Coal Authority said it had completed repairs to the ground collapse in Methilhill after determining it was its responsibility.

It said thorough ground investigations, including drilling, had been carried out to pinpoint the cause.

The hole’s appearance caused some alarm in the community, particularly as the site is on a route used by many school children on a daily basis.

The affected area was next to a large section of land which has been fenced off for 12 years due to unstable ground caused by old mine workings.

Some 15 tonnes of stone were used initially to stabilise the collapse, which happened last Friday on the corner of Main Street and Chemiss Road.

Three drilling rods were then placed inside the collapsed hole before it was filled with concrete foam.

The work was completed on Thursday night. The area will now be re-turfed and repairs will be carried out to the fencing next week.

Mick Owens, principal project manager for the Coal Authority, said the organisation had responded promptly to the incident.

“We have swiftly completed the investigation and ground remediation work, ensuring that the incident has been made safe,” he said.

Local Labour councillor Ryan Smart praised the Coal Authority for its quick response but said Methilhill residents were worried.

He is trying to organise a public meeting in the hope of allaying fears about how widespread the issue is.

He said: “People are saying to me, if it can happen there where will it happen next?

“What if it happens in someone’s living-room?”