Scottish Water (SW) is progressing with the installation of a half mile-long new sewer tunnel beneath the streets of Glasgow.

The £7m project in the Yoker area will help improve the natural environment of the River Clyde and tackle flooding issues.

The scheme, which began in July, involves developing a new sewer tunnel from the grounds of the former Blawarthill Hospital to the north bank of the Clyde.

A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) has now been put into operation near Dyke Road.

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The TBM is 6.7m long, has a diameter of 1.8 metres, weighs over 17 tonnes and comprises of three sections.

Joanna Peebles, SW's regional communities team manager, said: "After about two months of preparatory work, we are delighted to have started the tunnelling proper with this hi-tech TBM.

"The project, which will benefit the environment for years to come, is on schedule and we expect to continue to make good progress as the TBM works its way along the tunnel route below ground over the coming weeks and months."

The project also involves the construction of a new Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) with powered screens at the former hospital site near Dyke Road and another off Dumbarton Road.

Contractors George Leslie are expected to complete the work next summer, depending on weather conditions.

(LM)