Thornwood Avenue update: June 2023

Information for residents

Ground collapse – Thornwood Avenue, Ayr

This fact sheet provides information about the recent ground collapse on Thornwood Avenue and the work that the Coal Authority will be required to carry out.

We understand that the ground collapse on Thornwood Avenue will be causing concern and disruption for a number of you and we thank you for your patience and understanding during the current situation. The Coal Authority were called on to site on Sunday 26th March due to a collapse within the road and grass area on Thornwood Avenue. The site has been secured to create an exclusion zone.

We have a number of processes in place to ensure public safety, these include:

  • Ground monitoring surrounding the collapse area with weekly visits to continue monitoring.
  • Ongoing in-person visual monitoring on a regular basis.
  • Weekly groundwater monitoring.
  • Remote visual monitoring.
  • Stone filling for on-going movement of the collapse.

Ground Investigations

It is important that we understand what has caused the collapse. The Coal Authority are aware of a recorded mine shaft in this area and the possibility of shallow coal mine seams. We are now finalising the next phase of investigation works and these are due to commence on 19th June 2023 and last approximately 2 weeks.

How will the works affect me?

The proposed works will include drilling the affected area which will create noise within normal working hours, Monday – Friday. A large platform will be set up to enable us to fully investigate the collapsed area in a safe manor. We plan to maintain pedestrian access to all properties throughout the works, although some vehicle access and parking may be limited throughout this period.

We thank you for your patience and understanding while the drilling works are carried out and your ongoing support while we work towards a solution to this complex incident. We will inform all residents with future key dates of our work as the project moves forward.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused, particularly with school summer holidays approaching and are grateful for your support and patience.

Key contacts

Please contact us if there is anything you wish to discuss. The reference number for this project is P-045290.

Customer Services Team

If you have any questions about our work please call our customer services team on 0345 762 6848 or 01623 637 000 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or email us at customerservice@coal.gov.uk.

To report an emergency, please contact: 0800 288 4242 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) For more information about the Coal Authority, please visit www.gov.uk/coalauthority.