Overflowing sewage is 'making villagers' lives a misery'

A councillor has accused Scottish Water of allowing flooding issues in a Renfrewshire village to “spiral out of control” and has urged bosses to deliver a permanent solution once and for all.

James MacLaren has repeatedly raised concerns about overflowing sewage in The Glen, which sits behind the Amaretto restaurant in Bridge of Weir’s Main Street.

The problem has persisted for several years and, at points, sanitary towels and excrement have been discovered lying close to the eatery.

Councillor MacLaren says he has recently been contacted by residents who are worried about the “lack of urgency” being shown over resolving the situation.

And he has hit out at Scottish Water after the firm told him a solution would not be outlined until the summer, despite being assured one had been identified.

“These problems with sewage overflowing have made people’s lives a misery at The Glen for far too long, ” said the Conservative Bridge of Weir councillor.

“Scottish Water has completely failed to show any urgency to deliver a permanent solution.

“Even now when a solution has been identified, it’s not going to be revealed for a couple of months. I can’t understand the need to wait.

“The situation has been allowed to spiral out of control. Bridge of Weir has suffered many severe rainstorms in recent years so Scottish Water must ensure that residents are not having to endure these spills on such a regular basis.

“It is time for Scottish Water to be completely transparent with residents and businesses and urgently outline how these issues will be fixed once and for all.”

Scottish Water has confirmed it has identified a potential fix for the issue, which could include increasing the size of several manholes around the area.

Bosses have said this suggestion is being considered by senior management at the moment and a decision will be made in summer as to whether it is feasible.

A Scottish Water spokesman said: “Optioneering to consider external flooding solutions at Main Street in Bridge of Weir has recently concluded with a preferred solution being identified.

“This preferred solution would be to upsize two separate sections of our combined sewer to increase the flow capacity within the pipework. The first section is on Main Street, the second on Mill Brae. In addition, five manholes would need to be upsized and a new manhole installed at the bottom of Mill Brae.

“The proposed solution is being considered by senior Scottish Water management regarding whether the project is deliverable and associated timescales. A decision is expected to be made this summer, subject to any additional investigations which might be required.”

Story by local democracy reporter Steph Brawn