WORK is expected to start this week to tackle a long-standing flooding problem on the A78.

Water is pouring from a defective manhole cover just before the BP Garage on Inverkip Road, caused by a blocked pipe near to the junction with Auchmead Road.

Councillor Ciano Rebecchi told the Telegraph the issue has brought complaints to his door on a 'daily basis'.

He says he contacted various agencies when the matter was brought to his attention back in September, but that it has taken over two months to get to the root of the problem.

Councillor Rebecchi said: "There isn't a day that goes by when I don't get someone complaining to me about this.

"A man even came up to me in the pub the other night at 10pm to raise it with me!

"I phoned the council's roads department, Scottish Water, Scotland TranServ and Network Rail, as I was concerned it the water would damage the railway embankment and get down into the foundations."

He added: "It's a really busy road, it a main throughfare and they are building more houses in Inverkip all the time.

"There are also the new houses at Auchmead Road, so there is lots of traffic using it on a daily basis.

"Our roads department used a camera to investigate and found a blockage that now needs dealt with as a matter of urgency.

"It's bad enough at present, but once the temperatures start to get right down and we are dealing with ice, it will be treacherous."

The long-serving councillor is appealing to motorist to watch their speed when using the road.

He added: "I am urging drivers to slow down on this stretch and take extra care. They are going so fast, there could easily be an accident.

"Pedestrians are also getting soaked and it's coming to the time of year when driving conditions are at their most dangerous."

He said the delay in identifying the issue was caused by finding out whose responsibility it was but is pleased that Transerv are now to carry out works on Wednesday to investigate further.

He added: "I don't know how long the work will take, but it is possible that they might have to dig up the road."

A Scotland TranServ spokesperson said: "Site investigations at A78 Inverkip Road will take place to determine the necessity for further action and potential timescales.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank drivers for their patience while a solution is identified.”