SCOTTISH Water is now almost half-way through a project to create a a half mile-long sewer tunnel beneath the streets of Yoker.


The scheme started last July and is part of a £7m project to help improve the water quality and natural environment of the River Clyde and tackle flooding issues on Dumbarton Road.


A tunnel boring machine is creating the new sewer which runs from the grounds of the former Blawarthill Hospital to the north bank of the Clyde.


A new combined sewer overflow with powered screens is being built at the former hospital site near Dyke Road which will spill waste water in storm conditions to the new sewer to be discharged to the River Clyde, as permitted by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.


Contractors George Leslie, working for Scottish Water, are expected to complete the work late this summer, depending on weather conditions.


Joanna Peebles, Scottish Water’s regional communities team manager, said: “We’re very pleased to be making good progress with this important project, which will significantly improve the environment on the Yoker Burn, which is partially culverted, and the Clyde.


“The project has included some work in part of Yoker Primary School’s grounds. We have finished this part of the project and would like to thank the school staff, pupils, parents and local residents for their patience and understanding.


“We are liaising with the school about work to reinstate the part of its grounds we worked on.


“We can assure local residents, businesses and road users that we will continue do everything possible to minimise any disruption and stress that any inconvenience will be out-weighed by the long-term benefits to the environment that this investment will deliver.”