AN URGENT warning has been issued to locals as an area of a popular park has become contaminated.

East Renfrewshire Council urged people to stay away from the Capelrig Burn, which runs through parts of Newton Mearns and Rouken Glen Park. 

A 'pollution incident' is currently being investigated by Scottish Water and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). 

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The council advises that people and pets should stay away from the water and that the situation is being dealt with as a matter of urgency. 

Locals reacted to the news on social media and many reported experiencing a strong smell in the area.

One dog-walker commented: "The Capelrig Burn was exceptionally smelly on Sunday and we kept our dog on the lead."

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They added: "When we looked at the water it looked contaminated although we did not know what with."

Another said: "Thought so. Stinks of sewage." 

The council assured concerned residents that the contamination was contained to Capelrig Burn, and that warning signs have been erected at Rouken Glen park. 

Scottish Water confirmed that the contamination was the result of a sewage issue and that their teams had cleared the area of blockages. 

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “We have been on-site dealing with an issue with a sewer which appears to have been caused by a third party and resulted in discharge into the Capelrig Burn, Newton Mearns. 

“The team has successfully cleared a blockage and there is no longer any discharge into the burn.

"A clean-up will of the area will now be carried out and further investigations, including a CCTV survey of the sewer pipe, have now been completed.

"These have shown that there is no issue with our infrastructure in this area.  

“Appropriate measures had been arranged to ensure any impact on the local environment was kept to a minimum. 

“We continue to liaise with the SEPA and other key agencies.”

SEPA has been contacted for comment.