Scottish Water has now clarified to councillors the details of additional works in Blackness Road, following criticism by me about the fact that the road is being dug up again just months after the original disruption in the street was completed.
Scottish Water’s Corporate Affairs Officer has now advised :
“As you will be aware we have carried out work in Blackness Road earlier this year. Unfortunately, following the earlier work, some sections of the water main which were originally flushed have now been identified as requiring to be re-lined as per the other mains in this area. Unfortunately, this means we will have to return to Blackness Road to carry out this work.
There are essentially 3 sections to this work. Section 1 is from approximately Annfield Road to opposite the Fire Station. Section 2 is from Rosefield Street to approximately the bus stop opposite Annfield Road. Section 3 involves a small section of open cut mains replacement at the junction of Glenagnes Road.
Work is scheduled to be carried out starting on the 9th October and is expected to take approximately 2 weeks. We will be able to carry out these works using temporary traffic lights which will be manned during peak times to ensure the traffic is kept moving as much as possible. There will be no road closure required. The section of work at Glenagnes Road will not require traffic lights but will be done under localised give and take traffic management. These works have also been planned to coincide with local school holidays to try and further reduce any disruption caused.
Some customers will have some disruption to their water supply during these works. All affected customers will receive notice prior to any planned interruption.
We are fully aware regards the previous disruption caused by the work carried out before and we will do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum.”
I have already made clear to Scottish Water how concerned I am at further disruption to the east end of Blackness Road just months after the completion of works by Scottish Water. The previous works by Scottish Water ended as recently as March and Scottish Water did finish in nearby Blackness Street until last May.
I am also concerned that, in addition to roads disruption, the company has said that some residents and local businesses will have disruption to their water supply. It should be remembered that its only months since the previous disruption and the local community is seriously asking why Scottish Water failed to do all the work it had to do the first time around.
I have sought assurances that the company will do all it can to minimise the effect on the local area and its residents.