Teachers at a school where four current and former teachers were diagnosed with cancer are beginning strike action over health concerns at the campus.

Significant concerns have been raised about Buchanan and St Ambrose High Schools in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, built on a former landfill site, after incidents of blue water coming from taps.

Members of the NASUWT union at Buchanan High walked out yesterday to Friday June 28.

NASUWT members at St Ambrose High will take strike action on June 25, 26, 27 and 28.

The council has insisted the schools and the site are safe.

Buchanan High was closed to pupils yesterday.

Gerard McLaughlin, head of education at North Lanarkshire Council, said: "Despite the facts being presented about the water being safe at the school campus and evidence demonstrating that it has been since early December and as recently as April 29, and that public health has stated there is no evidence to support a link between blue water at the school or the site itself and any serious ill health, the NASUWT has decided to take industrial action at Buchanan High School.

"This follows extensive dialogue between senior council officials and representatives of the NASUWT over the last 24 hours."

The Scottish Government last week set up an independent review to help address the fears of parents and teachers.

NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates said: "Our members are suffering deep stress and anxiety about their health and welfare due to the failure of their employer to take the necessary action to provide assurances about the safety of the site.

"While the independent review promised by the Scottish Government is a welcome development it still does not commit to a full comprehensive site survey which tests the water, air, soil and fabric of the building.

"Teachers are deeply anxious about whether there is any link between conditions at the School, including the blue water and a range of health issues among staff."