HOUSEHOLDERS have told of their anger over claims that Scotland's water agency was slow to respond to a contamination scare.

Around 6000 residents and businesses in parts of North Lanarkshire were warned not to drink, wash with or even boil water from their taps after reports of murky brown supplies, which smelled of fuel. It is feare the disruption will continue until the weekend.

Nine schools remain closed and homes and businesses in Carfin, Newarthill, Chapelhall, New Stevenston and Dalziel Park have been advised to use tap water only for flushing toilets.

Scottish Water, which said it had responded as quickly as possible, said initial investigations found there was an "oily substance" in the network.

The firm detected the problem late on Wednesday and worked through the night to deliver bottled water to affected homes.

Employees also set up bottled water distribution points - giving out more than 250,000 litres - which were packed out with people throughout the day.

Residents said they noticed issues with the water supply on Wednesday afternoon and were concerned that action was not taken sooner.

Janice Clifford, 56, from Carfin, said: "I really don't think they responded quick enough.

"My daughter phoned up at about 5.30pm because she noticed the water was murky when she was running a bath for her kids and Scottish Water told her it was fine.

"They said just to let the water run until it was clear. Then you get a leaflet in the morning saying: don't even wash your clothes with it this morning. She could have put the kids in that bath.

"It was definitely a slow response."

Anne McSorley, 67, said: "I only found out in the morning when my neighbour warned me. I'm worried it will carry on for days."

Peter Farrer, chief operating officer for Scottish Water, advised people to go to their doctor if they were concerned about the effects of the contaminated supplies.

He said: "People will be concerned but we've not heard of anybody with any illness. If they are concerned in any way they need to go and speak to their GP."

A spokesman said they responded as quickly and efficiently as possible.