The land at An Aird, Fort William, includes the former town dump, and was used for a major housing, retail and leisure development when it had been reclaimed.

However, the Highland Council has said that an investigation is being undertaken that may lead to remedial work, although it added that it is not aware of any houses being at risk.

A spokesman said: “Landfill sites can contain substances which are harmful to human health, which include the landfill gases methane and carbon dioxide.

“The investigation will seek to monitor the presence of gases associated with the landfill and establish whether the concentration of any gases found pose a risk to buildings and properties or people living and working in the An Aird area.”

It will involve the drilling of boreholes around the area where the landfill used to be. Local residents have been informed and a drop-in facility launched to address any queries.

Ben Meggeson

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