FAMILIES in North Motherwell have hired a lawyer over fears the land their houses are built on is contaminated.
Residents of Forum Place, Tiber Avenue and Marius Crescent are worried that the former Metropolitan Vickers factory site is contaminated with heavy metals or radium from making munitions, x-ray equipment and luminisers in the early part of the 20th c
entury.
The factory, off Watling Street, was then taken over by heating firm Satchwell Sunvic in the middle of the century and it was closed in the 1970s.
It was cleared and decontaminated by Scottish Enterprise in 1993 and Scottish Homes bought the ground in 1997.
Twelve years ago work started on the Clyde Link Development with Lanarkshire Housing Association and later Clyde Valley Housing Association, providing homes for around 400 people.
A leaflet detailing the site's history has been issued to every resident. It includes a claim that many residents are experiencing health problems which may be related to their living conditions.
Glasgow solicitor Elizabeth White Craigmyle, of BMK Wilson, has taken on the families' case.
She said: "I represent 10 families in North Motherwell and have received numerous calls regarding concerns that houses in this area might have been built on ground that is still contaminated.
"There is a concern among my clients that certain health issues might be linked to their living conditions. They complain of a chemical, sooty gas-like smell which is causing most of my clients to feel unwell.
"There is a need to know what processes North Lanarkshire Cuncil is involved in as regards recent activities on the site. I have asked the council this question and await a response."
A joint statement has been issued on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council and CVHA.
The council's pollution control manager Charles Penman said: "While all parties are satisfied the land was fit for purpose when it was built on some years ago, we are nonetheless taking this matter seriously and to alleviate residents' concerns a full investigation of site conditions is about to begin."
LHA says it supports the sentiment of the joint CVHA and council statement but as it has passed the matter on to its insurance company it had no further comment at this stage.
Full story in March 11 edition of Motherwell Times
