Kids ate vegetables grown in Coatbridge school's 'toxic soil', parent claims

Kids at two Coatbridge schools have been growing and eating vegetables in toxic soil at the centre of a contamination scandal.

St Ambrose and Buchanan High exist on the site of a former landfill which contains lead, copper, zinc, methane and arsenic.

The activity was part of a Home Economics class and it is also believed some of the produce was donated to a local community group however, they have confirmed to Clyde News it was never used and was thrown out.

The Scottish Government has launched an inquiry into the site.

Politicians are calling for the schools to be shut immediately instead of waiting until the summer for a Scottish Government inquiry to begin.

We revealed earlier this month three teachers have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, one child has lost his sight and many others have reported being unwell.

Teachers with the NASUWT Union have already committed to walking out for a week long strike starting on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the union said: "Whilst the NASUWT is in dispute over the situation at the school we have taken the unprecedented step of removing our members from the school site because of the serious health and safety concerns . The failure of the employer to act to address these concerns is unacceptable and our legal advisors are also taking appropriate action.

"No stone should be left unturned when the health of staff and pupils is at risk.

"The NASUWT should not be in a position where we have to take such action, but if an employer fails to act appropriately we will."

North Lanarkshire Council says the school is safe and action has been taken to address the issue of the blue water.

A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: "Specialist doctors from the public health department of NHS Lanarkshire have confirmed that no incidence of cancer is linked to the schools. They have also confirmed that no other serious illness is connected to the schools or the site on which they are built.

"The council will liaise directly with trade unions on matters of concern to staff. All the facts demonstrate that the schools and the site on which they are built is safe."