Residents in the Angus area are being urged to watch what they flush down the toilet after hundreds of wipes clogging a sewer were removed in Monifeith.

In total, the Scottish Water team filled five rubbish bags with wipes that had been dumped into a single section of sewer.

Gavin Noble Scottish Water Sewer Response Team Leader for the Angus area, said: "The volume of wipes from this recent blockage in Angus is an ideal chance to remind customers of the consequences of putting inappropriate items down the toilet.

"Every year there are around 37,000 blocked drains and sewers across Scotland, which can cause flooding and pollute rivers, burns and coastal waters.

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"Around 80% of these blockages that clog up the cycle are caused by either inappropriate items being put down the toilet, or fat, oil and grease being put down the sink.

"We believe the best way to tackle blocked drains and sewer flooding is to work together to help prevent blockages that can clog up the cycle in the first place and we would urge customers to follow the Scottish Water Cycle Campaign."

The Cycle Campaign has urged customers to use the 'Three P's rule' and only flush pee, poo and toilet paper down toilets.

A reminder of the bathroom 'never flush' items checklist is as follows;

• All wipes (baby, personal cleansing, toilet and household cleaning) - even if the pack says 'flushable'.

• Sanitary items (sanitary towels, tampons, liners, applicators and backing strips).

• Cotton wool, cotton buds, disposable nappies and nappy liners.

• Condoms, incontinence pads, colostomy bags, used bandages and contact lenses

(LM)