Five miles of Victorian and burst-prone water pipes in Glasgow city centre are to be replaced in a £3.5m upgrade.

Scottish Water said the rehabilitation work would improve services by replacing ageing distribution mains below some of the city's busiest streets.

The project will start in late July and should be completed in about a year.

A spokesman said it would "reduce the risk of bursts and the inconvenience to customers, road users and pedestrians caused by them" and also "help provide clearer, fresher drinking water to properties in the area".

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Geoff Aitkenhead, Asset Management Director, said: "This major investment underlines Scottish Water's commitment to supporting the regeneration of the city and improving infrastructure in the city centre. It will benefit our customers for many years to come and help the city as it prepares for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games."

Most of the work will be carried out on George Street, Hope Street, Bath Street, Renfield Street, St Vincent Street, Wellington Street and Sauchiehall Street.

Work has been targeted on pipes where there has been a history of bursts. Further information about individual parts of work, and other streets affected, will be made available as the project progresses.

Charlene McBride of the company thanked road users and businesses in advance for "co-operation and understanding" and said the long-term benefits would eclipse short-term inconvenience.

(NE)