Work begins next week on a £5m project to tackle flooding in Bearsden and Drumchapel.

The £4.8m program involves the updating of a local sewer and more than half a mile of pipes will be upgraded. Council leader Susan Aitken said it would help create better conditions in the area to build "many more new homes" in the north west of Glasgow.

The work, by Scottish Water, will help stop flooding in Conon Avenue in Bearsden and Moraine Avenue in Drumchapel.

Ruaridh MacGregor, corporate affairs manager for Scottish Water, said: “Sewer flooding causes a great deal of distress for householders and also has a detrimental effect on the local environment so we’re really pleased to get this project up and running.

“There will be some unavoidable disruption in the local area when the work is under way, however, the benefits of this project will far outweigh any inconvenience. With pipes being laid in phases, we will do all we can to minimise any impact on our customers. We thank all local residents and road users in advance for their patience and understanding.”

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Thomas Glen, deputy chief executive of Place, Neighbourhood and Corporate Assets at East Dunbartonshire Council, said they welcomed the "substantial investment" in improving the sewers.

He said: “After completion of our Colquhoun Park Flood Alleviation Scheme in 2014, we welcome this substantial investment into improving the existing Scottish Water infrastructure in this area. This new pipework and upgraded sewer will bring significant benefits to the residents of Conon Avenue and to the surrounding area in terms of minimising flood risk experienced historically by locals and will protect and enhance the environment.

“We are delighted that work will shortly be getting under way. This project has been a great example of successful partnership working and we look forward to the completion of the works.”

The work is being carried out by Scottish Water’s alliance partner amey Black and Veatch (aBV) and its specialist contractors.

Council leader Susan Aitken said: “This investment not only addresses the risk flooding in the Drumchapel and Bearsden area but creates the conditions which allows us to build many more new homes in the north west of the city.

"This is a terrific example of how working with partners in Scottish water and East Dunbartonshire Council we can find solutions to long standing issues and deliver for our communities.”

The project is expected to be completed in February 2021.