A SHOPKEEPER couple say they have lost half their trade because of a burst sewage pipe outside the shop.

Jim Ward, whose wife Shona owns Ashton Stores on Albert Road in Gourock, says dirty water has been gushing down the street right outside the premises, making it almost impossible for customers to get into the shop.

The situation has been going on for almost two weeks but recent heavy downpours have only made the flooding worse and Jim told how he has had to CARRY some shoppers over the floods just so they can get into the shop.

But takings have been cut in two and the couple fear that there could be worse to come.

Jim, 59, said: "My fear is if it gets into the shop, we're ruined.

"We'd have to close.

"I feel helpless.

"We're losing half a day's trade every day.

"We've had a constant flow of sewage since the 24th of September.

"I've had to lift some shoppers across it to get people into the shop."

The burst is coming from the roadway just around the corner in Ashton Place and sending dirty floodwater onto the main road.

Jim said: "It's all over the place.

"The neighbours and the Spinnaker Hotel next door to us have been complaining about the situation as well.

"The drain outside the hotel is jammed packed full of waste products.

"It's a real health hazard."

Initially Jim called the council and roads department who referred him to Scottish Water and he says he is becoming impatient at the way the situation has been handled.

He said: "They've been out a couple of times.

"They were out on the first Saturday and lifted the drains and marked the road.

"Then someone came down on Saturday and lifted the drainage covers and said they would send in a cleaning crew.

"I want something done now."

Scottish Water today confirmed they are aware of the situation and apologised.

Bosses say they are waiting on a date for when the work will be carried out.

A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “We have instructed our contractor Clancy to clean and survey a section of sewer on Albert Road to check for any damage.

“We would like to apologise to customers and residents for any inconvenience this issue has caused.

“Scottish Water will always attend and support clean-ups for customers when sewer flooding is reported to us,

“This can be via our online reporting portal as well as on 0800 077 8778.”