A VILLAGE councillor has accused Scottish Water of allowing flooding issues in a Bridge of Weir street to “spiral out of control” and has urged bosses to deliver a permanent solution.

James MacLaren has repeatedly raised concerns about overflowing sewage in The Glen, behind the popular Amaretto restaurant, in Main Street.

The problem has persisted for several years, with sanitary towels and excrement discovered lying close to the eatery.

Councillor MacLaren, of the Scottish Conservatives, said he has recently been contacted by residents who are worried about a “lack of urgency” being shown over resolving the situation.

And he has hit out at Scottish Water after the firm told him a solution would not be outlined until the summer, despite being assured one had been identified.

“These problems with sewage overflowing have made people’s lives a misery at The Glen for far too long, ” said the Bridge of Weir councillor.

“Scottish Water has completely failed to show any urgency to deliver a permanent solution.

“Even now, when a solution has been identified, it’s not going to be revealed for a couple of months. I can’t understand the need to wait.

“The situation has been allowed to spiral out of control. Bridge of Weir has suffered many severe rainstorms in recent years, so Scottish Water must ensure residents are not having to endure these spills on such a regular basis.

“It is time for Scottish Water to be completely transparent with residents and businesses and urgently outline how these issues will be fixed once and for all.”

Scottish Water has confirmed it has identified a potential fix for the issue, which could include increasing the size of manholes in the area.

Bosses have said this suggestion is being considered by senior management and a decision will be made in the summer as to whether it is feasible.

A spokesman added: “Optioneering to consider external flooding solutions has recently concluded, with a preferred solution being identified.

“This solution would be to upsize two sections of our combined sewer to increase flow capacity within the pipework. The first section is on Main Street, the second on Mill Brae.

“In addition, five manholes would need to be upsized and a new manhole installed at the bottom of Mill Brae.

“The proposed solution is being considered by senior Scottish Water management regarding whether the project is deliverable and associated timescales.

“A decision is expected to be made this summer, subject to any additional investigations which might be required.”