A 120-metre-deep coal mine shaft collapse in a residential garden in Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire, has been made safe following a challenging three-month project by the Mining Remediation Authority.
Discovery and Response
The issue came to light in April 2024, when an older couple noticed a depression forming in their garden. A family member recalled a past letter from the then Coal Authority about mine entry inspections in the area. Upon investigation, the ground movement was confirmed to be caused by the collapse of a historical coal mine shaft, creating a void 20 metres below ground.
Safety Measures
A 3-month operation was launched to stabilize the site:
- Filling the Shaft: Over 1,700kg of resin was injected through boreholes to fill the void.
- Access Challenges: Due to the garden’s sloping terrain, a custom-built platform was constructed to ensure safe completion of the work.
The project also required careful planning to address narrow roads and limited entry points in the surrounding residential area.
Family and Community Impact
The couple, who have lived in their home for over 40 years, expressed relief and gratitude for the remediation efforts. The team restored the garden to its original condition, re-laying turf and reconstructing the patio using the existing materials.
Megan Phillips, project manager for the Mining Remediation Authority, said:
“This was a challenging but rewarding project. Most importantly, we were able to make the garden safe for the couple. Through close communication with the family and neighbors, our teams went above and beyond to ensure safety and restore their garden.”
About the Mining Remediation Authority
The Authority maintains records on 176,000 historical mine entries across Britain. It conducts proactive inspections of known coal mine shafts and tunnels to mitigate risks and provide peace of mind to communities.
This incident underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance over historical mining sites, ensuring public safety through preventative and responsive measures.
