A CAMPAIGN has been launched to reduce the number of blockages in drains and sewer pipes.

Bosses at Scottish Water have praised people across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire for their efforts to tackle the problem, with an 11 per cent reduction in incidents being recorded over the past three years.

However, the company has stressed that more needs to be done, with 80 per cent of reports of blocked drains and sewers classed as “entirely avoidable” as they are caused by people putting the wrong things down their sinks and toilets.

The new campaign highlights the damage that can be caused by people wrongly disposing of fats, oils and grease down their sinks or by flushing bathroom items such as wipes and cotton buds down toilets.

Such materials can collect in large clumps in sewers and waste water pipes, often creating blockages which can lead to flooding.

Brian Lironi, of Scottish Water, said: “We are committed to reducing the impact of sewer blockages which can cause misery and flooding for our customers.

“We are pleased there has been a reduction in sewer blockages of 11 per cent in the past three years. However, there is a long way to go.

“Our campaign includes working in communities and talking to primary school children about how they can help the water cycle.

“The ‘3Ps rule’ – Pee, Poo and (toilet) Paper, for what can and can’t be flushed – is the simplest way to remember, no matter how old you are.”

Scottish Water plans to visit a number of schools this year in a bid to get its message across.

People can also learn more about what should not be flushed down toilets or poured down sinks and how they can save their drains and protect their homes, their neighbours’ homes and the local environment by visiting the website at www.scottishwater.co.uk/cycle.