| Safety First As Temporary Closure Put On Park | 12 October 2006 |
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As a precautionary measure, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is temporaily closing Bayhead playpark in Stornoway pending further investigation of suspected contaminated land. The playpark was built on an area which was historically used as a town dump and recent investigations have shown levels of heavy metals, including lead, to be present underground. Further investigations are being carried out and the Western Isles Director of Public Health has been asked for information. A spokesperson for the Comhairle stressed that the closure was a precautionary measure: “An interim report has been received which shows that heavy metals in quantities above recommended exposure levels have migrated to near the surface. The playpark is primarily used by 0-6 year olds and whilst any health risk is minimal, we cannot take any chances. Further investigations are being carried out and a more detailed report is being prepared. We are currently taking advice on how best to resolve the issue and we are advised that any works of remediation required can be achieved relatively simply. We need to look at the various options and hopefully the playpark can be reopened in the not too distant future”. Notices have been posted at the site in Bayhead.
Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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