WORK on a �2.9 million project to deliver improved drinking water for more than 65,000 people will cause some main road closures.

The major work by Scottish Water, starting from 25 February and running until September, will involve upgrading more than 27 miles of water mains across Greenock, and Skelmorlie, to tackle the problem of discoloured water.

With work to be carried out in 48 streets and temporary road closures planned water bosses are warning that some disruption is expected.

Road closures will begin on Monday 25 February when Murdieston Street shuts at its junction with Brachelston Street for one week.

Drumfrochar Road, from Mill Street to near its junction with Baker Street, will close from 5 March to the end of that month.

As well as this, the road will be shut from the junction of Murdieston Street and Cornhaddock Street to the junction of Cornhaddock Street and Broomhill Street from 30 March to 9 April.

Drivers will also see a stretch of the A78 Inverkip Road closed from the roundabout at Nelson Street to the junction of Bruce Street and Roxburgh Street from 9 May until 22 May.

In July, Baker Street will close at its junction with Drumfrochar Road to its junction with Dellingburn Street from 12 July to 26 July. This will include the closure of the first 150 metres of Ingleston Street.

Scottish Water has warned that the closures are subject to change as the major project unfolds.

It began in October last year, with work on the first phase in the Larkfield area already completed.

Mark Maclaren, Scottish Water's regional community manager for Inverclyde, said: "We would like to thank affected customers and road users for their co-operation and patience while we carry out this important work.

"We will always try to maintain water supply to properties and any customers affected by planned interruptions to supply will be informed in advance.

"We apologise for any inconvenience. Investment of this nature is not possible without some disruption but we will do all we can to minimise this." The work, which is being carried out by contractors George Leslie, involves the relining of 18 miles of mains, the cleaning and swabbing of about eight miles of mains and the replacement of about one mile of mains.

Scottish Water is holding a public exhibition about the work at Greenock Town Hall, Clyde Square on Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm.