A £3.5m improvement works project has started this week to replace the existing sewer rising main at Craigendoran Pier, Helensburgh.

This investment will see the welcome arrival of a long term solution to help mitigate the need for ongoing maintenance of the main, bringing lasting benefit to the community.

The first phase of work to replace 1800 metres of main started on Monday and is scheduled to be completed by September.

Scottish Water will endeavour to keep any disruption in the area to a minimum during this period.

Argyll and Bute Councillor Ellen Morton has been a long standing campaigner to have the improvements carried out.

She welcomed the beginning of the improvement works this week, saying: "I'm pleased Scottish Water are delivering on their promises.

"We've had a lot of issues with the sewerage pipe.

"Basically it's old and it leaks and cracks and needs replacing.

"I'm delighted that it will be replaced because it's been a problem for a considerable period of time."

Ruaridh MacGregor, Regional Communities Manager at Scottish Water said: "Scottish Water is committed to investing millions of pounds in upgrading, maintaining and building new waste water treatment and systems to ensure we meet the high European Legislation standards for protecting the environment.

"This project has been widely received by the community as the new pipeline being installed will significantly reduce the chance of failure in the future."

The activity will consist of the installation of an underground plastic pipeline from the existing Craigendoran Pier sewage pumping station to the existing sewage treatment works at Ardmore.

Sam Neill, Programme Project Manager, said: "The existing main is in a deteriorating condition so it is essential this is resolved as quickly as possible to ensure we are constantly providing the highest quality service.

"During the construction phase of the works, parking on the shore side of Craigendoran Railway Station will be affected.

"Parking will be limited here to maintain access to the work area.

"Access to the foreshore will be maintained for walkers and visitors where possible.

"We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this essential work may cause customers and reassure them that work will be carried out as efficiently as possible to ensure minimal disruption to the local community."