Almost 10,000 people in Neilston, Uplawmoor and parts of Barrhead will benefit from a �2.5m project to upgrade by Scottish Water.

Contractorshave started work which will change the source of the water supply in these areas from the Neilston Water Treatment Works to the new state-of-the-art Milngavie Water Treatment Works, which is a much bigger and more reliable facility.

The project will involve the extension of the Milngavie water supply from the Gorbals service reservoir at Darnley to the existing service reservoirs at Neilston, the installation of a 4.3 miles stretch of new 12 inch diameter main beneath mainly rural land and fields, and the construction of a new pumping station at the Gorbals reservoir. Neilston WTW will be closed.

Jim Hassan, Scottish Water's water operations manager for the area, said: "Scottish Water has carried out detailed investigations before we started this project and we are delighted to get our work under way.

"We are always striving to provide a secure supply of clearer, fresher drinking water to customers throughout Scotland and this project will benefit almost 10,000 people in Neilston, Uplawmoor and the Gateside and Arthurlie areas of Barrhead.

"We had looked into the possibility of a capital maintenance upgrade project at Neilston WTW but changing the source of supply and installing the new assets is the better, more cost-effective long-term option and this investment will deliver substantial benefits to customers in the area for years to come."

The project, which is being carried out for Scottish Water by contractors Barhale, is expected to be completed this autumn.

Mr Hassan added: "Some traffic management might be required in roads near Balgray reservoir, such as Aurs Road and Balgraystone Road but we will do everything possible to minimise any disruption.

"Our work will also require some tree felling in the Neilston area. This will be done after consultation with the local authority and Scottish Natural Heritage."