OWNERS of an abandoned opencast mine have been served with an enforcement notice after failing to meet requirements.

A meeting of East Ayrshire Council’s planning committee endorsed the recommendation of Michael Keane, head of planning and economic development.

Mr Keane told councillors: “The notice will be served on Mines Restoration Limited (MRL), a subsidiary of Scottish Mines Restoration Trust (SMRT), landowners of the abandoned 124ha Dalfad opencast coal surface mine.

“The proposed restoration works to be carried out under the enforcement notice will result in the water void being retained.

“Safety measures, yet to be finalised, will be put in place around identified hazards such as: the water filled void where exposed vertical drops are identified, the peat traps, significant changes in level where the drop may be hazardous.

“Overall, the site will be re-contoured to reduce the uneven and dangerous slopes and depressions within the site, where ever possible.

“It is proposed that depending on the volumes of suitable soils are identified within the site, that as much of the Enforcement site as possible will be treated with topsoil or soil making materials to allow a growing medium for grasses and landscaping.

“To assist in this aim composting material has been imported to the site.”

It follows a damning report on the site, which is near Cronberry, south of the A70 Cumnock to Muirkirk Road.

Safety concerns include a flooded working void, a lack of safe walking routes throughout the site and a large overhanging rock structure which will have to be addressed.

In addition, the abandoned mine workings fail to protect the amenity of the nearby communities and residents from the negative impacts of the unrestored site.

“These are in relation to such issues as visual amenity, residential amenity and landscape impacts.

“Overall, the site will be re-contoured to reduce the uneven and dangerous slopes and depressions within the site, where ever possible,” added Mr Keane.