WORK is to be carried out in a bid to prevent flooding on the Wemyss Bay railway line.

Bosses at Network Rail will improve drainage at Branchton and Inverkip stations in an effort to stop them being deluged.

Trains have had to be cancelled in the past when the stations are affected by heavy rainfall.

A spokesman from Network Rail said: “At Branchton we’re going to jet our drainage, basically force water through at high pressure to make sure they’re fully clear.

“And at Inverkip we’re going to clean our culvert again to remove debris which has been washed down from the hillside above.” But the company has also stressed that other people will have to play their part to keep the anti-flood scheme on track.

They said: “We also need other landowners/bodies to take similar action with their drains and watercourses.

“There was a meeting with ourselves, the council, Scottish Water and others to look at what else needs to be done as the actions we are taking will only be truly effective if supported by other works in drains and areas we don’t own or manage.” Councillor Ciano Rebecchi, whose ward covers the area in question, today welcomed the news but feels a concentrated effort must be made on all fronts to effectively tackle flooding in his patch.

Councillor Rebecchi, pictured above right with residents, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Network Rail is going to do work there but I would like to see the same thing happen on the Auchmead Road area too.

“Some work has already taken place in Inverkip as trees have been cut down to stop branches blocking the gullies and a fence has been put round a culvert in Spey Road to stop people falling in so it’s a lot safer.

“There is also a problem with flooding in Wemyss Bay as water runs from behind the hills behind the Wemyss Bay Hotel and onto the road. Something has to be done about that too.” News of the railway anti-flooding work comes as various agencies, organisations and politicians unite to try and resolve similar problems at the opposite end of the district in Cartsburn, and elsewhere.

Flooding specialists and businesses affected by repeated road closures, train cancellations and damage to property met for a special summit at Greenock’s RBS Mortgage Centre.

It was arranged by Greenock & Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil, who has called for more effective co-ordination to try and prevent flooding.

WORK is to be carried out in a bid to prevent flooding on the Wemyss Bay railway line.

Bosses at Network Rail will improve drainage at Branchton and Inverkip stations in an effort to stop them being deluged.

Trains have had to be cancelled in the past when the stations are affected by heavy rainfall.

A spokesman from Network Rail said: “At Branchton we’re going to jet our drainage, basically force water through at high pressure to make sure they’re fully clear.

“And at Inverkip we’re going to clean our culvert again to remove debris which has been washed down from the hillside above.” But the company has also stressed that other people will have to play their part to keep the anti-flood scheme on track.

They said: “We also need other landowners/bodies to take similar action with their drains and watercourses.

“There was a meeting with ourselves, the council, Scottish Water and others to look at what else needs to be done as the actions we are taking will only be truly effective if supported by other works in drains and areas we don’t own or manage.” Councillor Ciano Rebecchi, whose ward covers the area in question, today welcomed the news but feels a concentrated effort must be made on all fronts to effectively tackle flooding in his patch.

Councillor Rebecchi, pictured above right with residents, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Network Rail is going to do work there but I would like to see the same thing happen on the Auchmead Road area too.

“Some work has already taken place in Inverkip as trees have been cut down to stop branches blocking the gullies and a fence has been put round a culvert in Spey Road to stop people falling in so it’s a lot safer.

“There is also a problem with flooding in Wemyss Bay as water runs from behind the hills behind the Wemyss Bay Hotel and onto the road. Something has to be done about that too.” News of the railway anti-flooding work comes as various agencies, organisations and politicians unite to try and resolve similar problems at the opposite end of the district in Cartsburn, and elsewhere.

Flooding specialists and businesses affected by repeated road closures, train cancellations and damage to property met for a special summit at Greenock’s RBS Mortgage Centre.

It was arranged by Greenock & Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil, who has called for more effective co-ordination to try and prevent flooding.