Drivers in Barrhead are being warned to expect four weeks of delays as emergency works are carried out near a school.

From today (Tuesday, April 2), temporary two-way traffic lights are in operation on a stretch of Commercial Road close to St John’s Primary.

The lights will be in place while Scottish Water (SW) carries out repairs on a damaged 300mm-wide sewer pipe within the school grounds.

According to the water supplier the road traffic management measures have been agreed in conjunction with East Renfrewshire Council and are expected to remain in place for around four weeks.

With delays expected, SW is advising road users to leave extra time for travel and thanked drivers and residents in advance for their patience and understanding while the works are carried out.

The pipe had previously been repaired but the team then discovered other defects on different locations along it.

Further explaining the difficulty surrounding the job and the length of time it will take to be addressed, SW described the ground conditions as "extremely challenging, very sandy and wet" which makes the excavations very tricky.

The over-pumping has to be set up on Commercial Road to access the manholes there so that services can continue while the works are ongoing.

The over-pumping takes the sewage away from the main sewer pipe so that the repairs can be done.

SW said this cannot be set up in the school grounds as sand could get in the pumps and damage them/stop them from working.

Access is also needed to existing manholes.