A GREENOCK salon owner says she will be forced out of business if action is not taken to prevent filthy water seeping into her premises.

Ann Robertson, who owns the Blow Your Top hairdresser’s in Newton Street, faces a huge £12,000 repair bill after her shop’s storage area was left floating in what she described as ‘sewage’ water.

It’s the latest episode in a long-running saga which has seen her premises left under water repeatedly over more than a decade.

Ann is now at breaking point, with her business swamped by floods over an 11-year period.

She now fears for the future of her shop, which employs her daughter Arlene Humble and her colleague Claire Fyfe.

Ann told the Tele: “This could force us out of business. It has caused about £12,000 worth of damage.

“The water started flooding in again about seven weeks ago and we can’t stop it.

“The environmental health came out to visit and they tested the water and found that there is sewage in it.

“But they don’t want to know with the exception of one officer called Cameron, who was a great help.

“Scottish Water came out too but said it’s an issue for environmental health. I’m completely stressed out about the whole situation and I feel really bad for my staff.”

Ann says she has been forced to fork out over £36,000 over the last 11 years due to flooding in her premises.

She added: “This has been going on since 2005 and this is the fourth time we’ve been flooded.

“I’m at the end of my tether – we can’t go on like this, we need something done now.”

Ann has contacted Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan about the issue.

She added: “Ronnie Cowan and his secretary Louise have been a great support, as they came up to visit.

“Our customers have also been very supportive throughout the years so I want to say thanks so much to all of them.”

The Tele contacted Inverclyde Council, whose spokesman said: “Our environmental health officers have been supporting owners of the businesses there and will continue to.

“The basement at one of the shops has been affected by ground water.

“An analysis of recent samples has revealed levels of bacteria which indicate some sewage contamination.

“The drainage and its maintenance is the responsibility of the business owners.

“I understand one of the business owners has now commissioned a drainage inspection which should give them a clear view of what the problem is and the solution they will need to put in place to fix it.”

Bosses at Scottish Water told the Tele they are not responsible for the issue.

They said: “We have visited this business on a number of occasions and advised that it is a private issue. We believe that the environmental health department of the council is now discussing this with the business.”