Work has begun on Scottish Water's multi-million pound investment project in Glasgow's West End to help improve the environment and water quality in the River Kelvin.

The project is being delivered by Scottish Water's alliance partner amey Black and Veatch (aBV) and involves the installation of new and improved waste water infrastructure, including underground Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) chambers and upgraded pipework.

This new infrastructure will help prevent items which are wrongly flushed down the toilet – items like rags, baby wipes, plastic cotton buds, etc. - from overflowing into the River Kelvin during severe storm events and reduce the frequency and volume of waste water spillages in storm conditions.

Preparatory work for the £15 million project which will span eleven sites along the Kelvin Walkway from the bandstand in Kelvingrove Park to the Botanic Gardens begins today, Tuesday 19 February 2019.

During preparatory work, a small number of trees will be removed to allow access for the construction of the new infrastructure. Careful consideration has been taken and alternatives were sought during the overall project design in order to minimise impact, and replanting will take place in conjunction with the local Council.

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An archaeological dig will also be carried out as part of the preparatory works. Expected to begin mid-March, the dig will take place at the site of the former North Woodside Flint Mill and will ensure that anything of historical importance on this heritage site is protected and preserved.

Ruaridh MacGregor, Scottish Water's corporate affairs manager, said: "All of this preparatory work is vital for the success of this project, which will ultimately improve a really important environmental and recreational space in the heart of the West End."

"We know that Kelvingrove Park and the Kelvin Walkway are very popular places for people to spend their free time and we want to reassure everyone that we'll do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum."

Paul Milligan, aBV communication manager, added: "I would really like to thank all of the local community groups and representatives for the local area who have given us their time and attention during the preparation stage for this phase of the project. It really has been invaluable in helping to inform our plans, particularly the best locations for our infrastructure."

Sally Johnston is chair of Friends of the River Kelvin (FORK), a long-established volunteer conservation group that cares for the river. She said: "Through the consultation that we've had with Scottish Water, we realise that the ultimate aim is that the river quality will be improved. We're supportive of the work."

The first phase of construction will commence in late February at the bandstand with the majority of the construction phase commencing in early summer 2019. A section of the footpath near to the bandstand will be closed for health and safety reasons during those works; however, the Kelvin Walkway will remain open throughout this project.

These works are a continuation of earlier construction which took place on the banks of the River Kelvin in the grounds of Hillhead Primary School during last year's summer school holidays.

Work on the entire project is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2020.

(MH)