THE railway line to Helensburgh could be at increased risk from storms, flooding and rising temperatures, according to a new report on climate change.

The report, by Climate Ready Clyde (CRC), says more action is needed to “address climate impacts on key infrastructure”.

It highlights “coastal erosion risks to railway infrastructure on the north bank of the Clyde” as an area in need of attention.

The study also says the Vale of Leven Hospital could be at risk from flooding in the River Leven and that the Erskine bridge could need costly wind barriers as a result of “extreme exposure” to storms.

The CRC report warns that by 2050 the wider Glasgow area can expect far more powerful storms, regular heatwaves and heavy winter flooding, affecting up to 1.8 million people.

CRC warns that failing to adapt and prepare for climate change could cost the area several hundred million pounds a year by the 2050s.

Helensburgh’s MSP, Jackie Baillie, said: “If the predictions made in the report are realised, people on this side of the Erskine Bridge could be cut off unless wind barriers are installed and the Vale of Leven Hospital could be at risk of flooding, leaving people to travel further for access to health treatment.”

Ross Greer, West Scotland Green MSP, added: “This year alone the west of Scotland has seen the ‘Beast from the East’, a massive heatwave and damage from high winds.

“Unless we take this threat seriously there’s more of this to come, and this report sets out just some of the problems we can expect in the next 30 years.”