Contractors are to begin work next week to solve the overheating Gore Glen coal waste bing in Midlothian.

The scheme involves workers excavating the waste around the hot-spot on the Kirkhill Tip, which forms part of the Gore Glen Woodland Park at Gorebridge.

The coal tip began to spontaneously combust last summer and is now burning both and below ground, making the area highly unstable, particularly as the site lies between the busy A7 and The Borders railway line.

The Coal Authority, which specialises in resolving the impacts of coal mining both at home and abroad, including the engineering and maintenance of coal waste tips, is working on the project alongside the council.

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Eric Burgess, Commercial Manager for the Coal Authority, said the works could take up to seven works to complete. However, he added it is difficult to accurately predict a timescale due to the nature of the job.

"This is an amenity site that is not only accessed by the public but also lies between a main road and a railway line." Mr Burgess said.

"It is situated in a very awkward place and the heated ground has made it very unstable, resulting in falling trees, fires and smoke," he said.

Cllr Derek Rosie added: "Council members acknowledged that we need to get this situation resolved as quickly as possible so we can fully re-open this important area to the public.

"The paths and woodland in the park offer a great wildlife habitat that is enjoyed by locals and visitors."

The council said it is considered unlikely there will be undue dust or smoke arising from the works that will adversely affect neighbouring properties. However, monitoring will be undertaken during the course of the works, specifically with regards to dust and other potential gaseous pollutants.

(LM/MH)