Cleaner water on its way

NEARLY 3000 homes in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth are to get cleaner drinking water as a result of a major pipe upgrade project.

Residents in the Gavell area of Kilsyth, Banton and Balloch, will all benefit from the 1.3 million improvement work being carried out by Scottish Water from Monday.

Catherine Martin, chairperson of the Kilsyth and Villages Community Forum, is pleased the area is to benefit.

She said: "It's fantastic that a project like this is happening to upgrade the water supply in the area. We're delighted that improvements are going to be made to the amenities of the outlying areas of the town and the villages. I'm sure it'll be a great benefit for all homes involved."

The scheme will enhance some 24-miles of piping, with efforts being made to re-line the existing network and flush out any sediment build-up.

The work should be completed by March 2011 however, there will be some interruptions to the normal water supply throughout. Affected households will be given advance warning.

Jim Hassan, operations manager for the water board, said: "We are delighted to be starting this important project which will allow us to maintain a supply of first class water to our customers in these areas.

"Improving the network of pipes throughout the area will help ensure clearer, fresher drinking water is supplied to customers there for years to come."