THE National Grid have been accused of a “cover up” after they claimed to have found “no evidence” of toxicity at a park linked to the deaths of several dogs.
More than six dogs in Granton, Edinburgh, have died due to tumours over the past month and dog walkers believe that this is due to toxic fumes at a local park on the site of an old gasworks.
National Grid, who own Forthquarter Park in Edinburgh, claim to have carried out a series of chemical and microbiological tests and found “no evidence” for a link between the deaths and the ground.
But locals are not satisfied, and want an independent review, saying that they “do not trust” the organisation to complete thorough tests on its own.
Residents are sceptical as to why new exhaust-like pipes — similar to those used to release gas at landfill sites, were fitted into the ground after the dog deaths came to light.
They also say the dog-walkers should continue to avoid the park.
A National Grid spokeswoman said yesterday (Tue): “National Grid has carried out a series of chemical and microbiological quality tests into a possible link between two recent dog deaths and Forthquarter Park.
“These tests have established that there is no evidence to suggest a link between the deaths and the quality of soil or water at the park.”
The spokeswoman said they recognised “the concerns of park users and will continue to work with the council, as lead investigating authority, as it seeks to establish a possible cause”.
John Young, whose seven-year-old Labrador Holly fell ill and was put down after visiting the park, said locals want photographic evidence that the tests have taken place.
He said: “It’s a cover up. They are saying that they have done tests, but they have recently put in white pipes to get methane out of the ground. Why were they put in if there is nothing wrong?
“National Grid are saying that they have been there all the time, but we know they were not. How can we trust them?
“We want photographic evidence of tests being done, and the best thing would be an independent soil test, so that they cannot cover up.”
June Hoy, 56, whose dog Zak suffered internal bleeding after a walk in late December and had to be put down said the National Grid were hoping residents would just “shut up”.
She said: “The National Grid have lied and claimed the pipes were put in recently. So anything the grid says, I won’t listen to.
“The figure of dog deaths has grown from six. It’s too much of a coincidence. I’d tell local walkers, absolutely definitely do not go to the park still.
“Independent tests need to be done, but the National Grid are just hoping we’ll all just shut up.”
Anne Dick, 72, was walking her dog Maxi in Forthquarter Park last week and said that she had no idea about the illnesses other dogs were suffering.
She said: “I didn’t know it was supposed to be poisonous. It’s distressing. I can’t believe it.
“I think they need to let people know, maybe put a notice up. They definitely need to warn people as I’ve seen two other dogs in the park today.”
The retired bookseller added: “I don’t know if they will be able to do anything but I will ring the vet after I get back from here. I won’t be back in the park in a hurry.”
An Edinburgh City Council spokeswoman said: “Our environmental services team are currently still looking into this matter.”
The National Grid said they would not be providing any further comment in response to residents’ claims.
