Inverclyde Council has developed a plan to tackle the long-standing problem that has been affecting Westmorland Road. Work got underway yesterday to install a new drainage system, with the project expected to last around eight weeks.

It follows extensive investigations and surveys by the council’s roads service to get to the root of the flooding problem and develop a suitable solution.

The improvement works will include the removal of old infrastructure to make way for a new chamber, submersible pumps, pipes and associated power supply at the corner of Westmorland Road and Chester Road.

The flood prevention project is expected to cost around £50k, which includes a five-year maintenance programme for the submersible pumps. 

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “We know Westmorland Road residents and road users have been badly affected by flooding for a number of years and I’m pleased for them that work is now underway on a solution to those flooding issues before autumn and winter hits.

“Things are never straightforward and sadly other works to date have not been enough to stop the flooding. Despite the complexities of the project, council officers have worked tirelessly to get to the root of the problem and come up with a permanent and long-term solution.”

Some temporary road closures and restrictions will be required during the course of the works.

It is expected that the main works will take 4-6 weeks to complete and then another couple of weeks for a power supply to be installed for the pumps.