Scottish Water are set to begin sewer upgrade works between Saltcoats and Stevenston as part of a multi-million-pound project to protect the local environment.

Nearly a mile of the existing 700mm diameter pipe has been upgraded and is expected to be fully operational in early September.

Georgina Reid, Scottish Water's corporate affairs manager for the west, said: "This has been an extremely challenging project from the start so to reach such a significant milestone is very welcome.

"There had been a real issue with repeated bursts on this particular stretch of the network, impacting on customers and of course threatening the nearby bathing beaches.

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"That is why we acted quickly, accelerating a significant investment to address the issues and protect the local environment for years to come."

The relining operation involved constructing giant seven-metre-high scaffolding towers (pictured) to allow the new structural liner to be drawn through the centre of the pipe.

The scaffolding has now been removed and once the sections of pipe taken out to allow access for the liner have been replaced, the access pits will be backfilled and the area reinstated.

Georgina added: "This work shouldn't be noisy, and we are confident the most disruptive phase of the project has now been completed.

"We can only thank local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding over the past few months.

"This project is essential to protect the local environment and when completed will significantly reduce the likelihood of future bursts."

The project is being delivered by Scottish Water's alliance partner, Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA).