A CAMPAIGNING councillor is demanding urgent action to mend a broken pipe that is causing misery for a Linwood pensioner.

Scott Kerr wants Renfrewshire Council and Scottish Water to come to an agreement over who is responsible for fixing the collapsed pipe, which has led to the grounds outside the woman’s Bridge Street property being flooded with sewage.

The Houston, Crosslee and Linwood representative said the situation must be resolved immediately for the sake of his constituent’s health.

Councillor Kerr told The Gazette: “This is no way for anyone to live, let alone an elderly woman.

“It is completely appalling that she is having to live with human waste in her midst. With each passing day, it is having a more detrimental effect on her wellbeing.

“There simply shouldn’t be this sort of legal dispute and back and forth over who is responsible for this drain.

“There is an elderly woman at the heart of this story. The council and Scottish Water must find and deliver an urgent solution to this issue once and for all.

“I’ve spoken to this woman and she is very distressed. She can’t wait weeks for this to potentially be resolved among solicitors. Everyone involved needs to resolve this immediately and I will be continuing to push for that to happen.”

Council chiefs and Scottish Water have been unable to come to an agreement as both claim the pipe repairs are not under their remit.

It is understood the main dispute is whether the blockage is located in the public sewer or council-owned flats.

A council spokesperson said: “The responsibility for this sewer pipe and the clearance of any sewage lies with Scottish Water and officers are undertaking appropriate action to ensure they resolve this matter quickly.

“If Scottish Water do not carry out their responsibilities as soon as possible, we will consider what action we can take in terms of clearing the sewage to further support residents with this situation.”

A Scottish Water spokesperson added: “We are aware of the issue at this address and have attended the property on several occasions to assist and offer advice.

“This is a private matter.”