CONTRACTORS working on behalf of the Coal Authority have filled a collapsed mine shaft with stone in a rear garden in Ballingry.

The infill work began on Tuesday, after the Coal Authority was notified via its 24 hour hazard helpline by the resident at 9 Kirktoun Gardens, of the ground collapse.

The Coal Authority reacted immediately and secured the site, ensuring the area of the collapse was made safe by fencing it off from the public. Research conducted by the Coal Authority has shown that this area of collapse was caused by an old mineshaft which dates from 1880.

Michael Owens, Principal Project Manager for the Coal Authority, said the infill will stabilise the shaft.

He added: “This will allow ground investigations to take place so that we can design a permanent treatment solution.

"We apologise for any inconvenience, but we have now lifted the emergency road closure that was in place at Kirktoun Gardens during working hours to allow plant machinery and materials to access the site.

"The road closure, from the south junction with Kirktoun Street to Residence No. 34, was made in agreement with Fife Council and will be re-installed, if necessary, when we carry out the permanent treatment solution.”

Representatives from the Coal Authority met with local members of Fife Council, Cllr Mary Lockhart, Cllr Linda Erskine, today (Friday) to discuss the situation.

They will also be meeting the MSP for Cowdenbeath, Annabelle Ewing, next week.

James Hammond, of the Coal Authority explained to the councillors that the mineshaft was more than 130 years old and once the ground has been completely assessed the full repair will be carried out. He stressed that it would be something that may take several days to complete once the condition of the initial is assessed.

Councillor Mary Lockhart was pleased with the way the Coal Authority had quickly addressed the problems caused by the fall away of the ground in the garden at number 9.

She said: "The Coal Authority has dealt with things speedily and have kept the resident who reported it, Trina fully updated as well as lettering the close neighbours.

"I suppose it is something that can happen in an old mining village like Ballingry but the Coal Authority have an exhaustive knowledge of the mine workings in the area."

Councillor Erskine was also impressed: "The organisation has done the initial repair timeously and as soon as they know how it is settling will complete the work and Scottish Water will be working on the damaged sewer affected by the ground giving away."