Significant regeneration plans for Stane Gardens in North Lanarkshire are to commence on 13 January.

The project will cost around £3.45m.

Under the proposals, and in partnership with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the local authority has approved plans to clean up historical contamination at the site. Tests have previously revealed that the land has been heavily contaminated due to its industrial history. With the site now cordoned off to the public for safety reasons, work to restore the land can begin.

Last year, the first phase of remediation work was completed with the most contaminated soil being removed.

Other work on the project will include improving the physical water environment of the site. Over the years, the South Calder Water has been changed physically due to development. As a result, part of the water course is formed by a straight, concrete channel. The improvements made during this work will return the river to a more natural form, as well as stopping water being contaminated as it flows through the existing underground culvert.

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Starting this month, contractors VHE will cover the entire site with an impermeable material to contain the contamination. A layer of soil will then be laid over this material. The work is expected to take seven weeks to complete, with the area then being landscaped and seeded, with trees also being planted.

Work will then move to the South Calder Water which will be restored from Burnbrae Road eastwards and will see the concrete channel and part of the culvert removed and a winding channel, reflective of a natural river, being reinstated. The bed will be replaced with gravels, rather than concrete, and native plants will further enhance the biodiversity.

North Lanarkshire Council has contributed £1.5m to the project, with another £1.5m from SEPA's Water Environment Fund and a further £450,000 from the Scottish Government Vacant and Derelict Land Fund.

Commenting on the project, Councillor Helen McKenna, Convener of the Environmental Services Committee, said: "Since we discovered the contamination at Stane Gardens, the council has worked closely with SEPA to identify the best way to clean up the site and make it safe for local people.

"We appreciate this has taken some time but we are confident the action plan agreed will ensure Stane Gardens is safe for local people to use. We have consulted the community on our plans throughout, and they will continue to be involved as the site develops.

"As well as cleaning up the site, the investment from SEPA means we can also create an attractive local facility for everyone to enjoy. It will be a lasting legacy for the community of Shotts."

(JP)