The dangers of underground mine workings have been described as a “very real” threat to Fifers after an enormous sinkhole opened up in Ballingry.
Community leaders said the 60ft deep chasm, which appeared in a field at Ballingry Farm following torrential downpours, showed how dangerous the subterranean hazards were and urged sightseers to steer clear.
The Coal Authority brought in 80 tonnes of gravel at the weekend to fill in the void and another smaller sinkhole that materialised nearby.
Tom Kinnaird from Benarty Community Council described the sinkhole as “very dangerous”.
He said: “This is proof that the threat from historic mine shafts is still very real.
“We are thankful for the swift response from the Coal Authority in making the immediate area secure while their emergency remediation plans are put into action.”
It is not the first time the ground has given way in the area. In 2017, a back garden in Kirktoun Gardens in the village of Ballingry collapsed. And in 2018, a sinkhole opened up in Gordon Street in Lochgelly.
“We saw this take place recently in Kirktoun Gardens, Ballingry, when a whole garden disappeared to a depth of 60ft,” said Mr Kinnaird.
“That repair took a considerable time being complicated by the house in close proximity and all of the associated utilities, gas, water, electricity etc, but the restoration was first class.
“I would guess these two latest sinkholes have come about from the recent heavy rain washing out old shafts and tunnels below ground and now the Coal Authority have taken charge of the site, they will pump it full of slurry until it stabilises and then it can be covered with new soil and returned to the farmer.
“In the meantime, I would urge curious members of the public to stay well clear of the area. These holes can be extremely deep and they are very dangerous.”
The coal authority confirmed there was a mine shaft at the site of the sinkhole at Ballingry Farm.
Fife’s coal mining past means many communities sit on top of old mineworkings, with the presence of shafts increasing the risk of subsidence.
Sinkholes appear when the ground subsides into cavities below the surface. The process can happen where there is a mine shaft or where water has dissolved or washed material away over time.
