Water supplies restored after problems in North Lanarkshire Published duration 19 June 2015

image caption Water collection points were set up in the area

All homes and businesses in North Lanarkshire affected by problems with the taste and smell of their water supplies have been told it is now safe.

Scottish Water said restrictions on drinking, cooking and washing with the mains supply have now been lifted.

The problem had affected properties in Carfin, Newarthill, New Stevenston, Dalziel Park and Chapelhall.

Nine local schools remain shut. Sampling is continuing to find out what caused the problem.

On Thursday, Scottish Water said it had been told the water had an "oily based substance" with a strong odour.

It advised people living in the affected areas to only use mains water to flush their toilets.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's chief operating officer, said: "Scottish Water has now been able to lift restrictions in all of the affected areas.

"The water is safe to drink and use as normal, and we have held discussions with the consultant in public Health Medicine.

"We had managed to lift restrictions to the vast majority of customers last night, and we are now in the process of leafleting the remaining properties to advise that the water can be used again as normal."

He added: "We have had a significant team working on this issue and many staff have been working hard to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. We have also worked to provide customers with alternative supplies and provide information to those affected.

"I would like to apologise to customers who have been inconvenienced and we thank all customers for understanding and patience."

Scottish Water said it would continue to closely monitor its network in the area.

North Lanarkshire Council said Taylor High, St Theresa Primary School, Brannock High, Keir Hardie Memorial Primary School, Our Lady and St Francis Primary School, New Stevenston Primary School, St Patricks Primary School, Chapelhall Primary School and St Aloysius Primary School would all remain closed on Friday as a precaution.

They are due to reopen on Monday as normal.

A spokesman added: "The school water systems are being flushed through as an additional precaution to ensure water supplies are clean."