A MAJOR £1m project to rid a large part of Greenock from a dirty water supply will make a huge difference to people’s lives, says a campaigning councillor.

Independent Tommy McVey is delighted that Scottish Water are to start upgrading the mains network in and around Old Inverkip Road, Pennyfern and Barrs Cottage from today.

Residents have had to suffer yellow and brown-coloured water through their taps for more than a decade.

They have been pleading with the utility company to fix the problem for a long time.

From Monday, Scottish Water will begin a seven-month project to improve almost 18km of mains in the area.

Councillor McVey has been pressing the company on the issue after being contacted by constituents and is pleased something is finally being done.

Mr McVey said: “People have been in touch with me since I was elected last year but this has been ongoing since way before then.

“From speaking to residents, it’s been a big problem for them for a long time with sediment in their water.

“To be fair to Scottish Water, the issue has been raised and they are now acting to fix it and the sooner that happens the better.

“Clean water is very important. It’s a health consideration first and foremost.

“It is great that things are finally moving forward to try and fix it.”

Contractors Caledonia Water Alliance will carry out the work in stages, starting in Pennyfern Road today.

They will then move onto Old Inverkip Road, Gateside Avenue, Auchneagh Road, Munro Street, Neil Street, Sutherland Road, Larkfield Road, Drumfrochar Road, Lemmon Street, Delfie Drive and finish in Inverkip Road.

There will be road restrictions in place throughout, including three-way traffic lights at Pennyfern.

Councillor McVey said: “I am pleased that the works are scheduled to start next week.

“It has been a long slow process but finally residents in ward seven are going to see an improvement in their water quality.

“I’d like to thank all those residents who brought this to my attention and I am delighted that I was able to be of assistance.

“As a local ward councillor that is what I am here for.”