Midlothian Council has said 64 homes are to be demolished in Gorebridge, after elevated levels of carbon dioxide were detected in the properties.

It is thought the carbon dioxide is coming from old mine-workings.

A council meeting was held yesterday (17 June) where it was decided that demolition work should be carried out. However, a final decision on what should happen to the cleared land is to be delayed until the multi-agency group managing the public health implications of the ongoing situation have completed its analysis of an options appraisal.

The homes were constructed from 2007 to 2009 – without special protective barriers, known as gas membranes – underneath. A gas membrane was installed at the nearby Newbyres Care Home, built at the same time, but not underneath 10 "extra care" homes close to the care home on Gore Avenue. These properties are now set to also be demolished, the local authority has confirmed.

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Councillor Owen Thompson, Leader of Midlothian Council, said: "I can only imagine the worry and distress being experienced by residents in these homes and demolition is the only option which will rule out entirely the possibility of further leaks of carbon dioxide into these homes over the longer term.

"Our planning can now accelerate and we will ensure we work with each individual resident, together with our NHS colleagues, to support them as much as possible in the process of finding them alternative permanent tenancies meeting their needs.

"Our first priority is protecting residents' health. Meanwhile we are currently taking legal advice in relation as to whether any of the consultants or contractors engaged by the council failed to comply with their legal obligations."

Last month, the Council informed residents that each of the options being considered would involve vacating their properties for at least three months.

(JP/CD)