SCOTTISH Water has been urged to expedite works to alleviate sewer flooding in Bridge of Weir to minimise disruption to businesses.

Main Street is set to close to traffic between Mill Brae and the Pow Burn from Monday, October 9, until Sunday, December 3, as part of a £1million project to lay a new pipe.

The works were originally meant to happen under a single-lane closure on the north side of the road, but a significant number of uncharted services – mostly fibre and telecommunications – were discovered at the planned location.

These were not found during site investigations in 2021.

As a result, the new larger pipe must directly replace the existing one located in the middle of the road. Scottish Water said this can only be safely delivered under a full road closure.

Councillor James MacLaren, a Conservative rep for the village, has encouraged the corporation to do everything it can to ensure the improvements are completed in quick fashion.

He said: “We’ve had ongoing issues, which I’ve highlighted a few times, with sewage coming out of the manhole at the bottom of the glen, which is next to the Amaretto restaurant.

“It can flood from there on to the main road in heavy rain. It goes into the Pow Burn as well, which isn’t good for the river.

“The fact that the work is going to be going on into November time, which is peak time for some of the businesses with Christmas coming up, is a big concern.

“It’ll be more difficult to get to the businesses while this is going on.

“Scottish Water put out a letter recently, saying they may work Saturdays. Why only ‘may’ work Saturdays?

“We want them to get it over with as quickly as possible.”

A diversion will be in place via Barrochan Road, Houston Road and Bridge of Weir Road.

Drivers have been advised they should allow extra time for their journeys and follow signage.

Scottish Water has vowed to work as swiftly as it can, with weekend working due to take place when considered appropriate.

A spokesman said: “We are working as quickly as safety and conditions allow to deliver this much needed project for Bridge of Weir and we will continue to work with stakeholders and the local community.”

Businesses will be open as usual for the duration of the project.