Keith residents have praised Scottish Water’s work on a major flood alleviation project – despite it running six weeks over schedule.
The work in Moss Street has involved replacing approximately 400ft of existing water mains with a new “box sewer”.
The replacement, designed to cope better with flooding, will run between Findlater Lane and Broad Lane.
The project was due to be completed by the end of March, but the deadline was extended until June to allow for unforeseen set-backs.
The delay meant residents faced the prospect of four more months of disruption around Moss Street on Findlater Lane, Smiddie Lane, Spinners Lane, Fairmers Lane and Broad Lane.
However, last night, Scottish Water said it had “good news” for the people of Keith, as it announced the site will now be cleared by the end of this week.
A Scottish Water spokesperson said: “This project was progressing really slowly up to end of January and it did look as if it would not be complete until the end of June.
“However, the good news is that ground conditions got better and progress then improved. The sewer works are now complete so the risk of internal flooding has been removed from the properties.
“Road re-instatement is currently underway and the site will be cleared by the end of this week.”
Last night locals said they were impressed with the efforts of Scottish Water’s contractors, George Leslie Ltd.
Butcher Lewis Shepherd, who stays on Spinners Lane East, just off Moss Street, said the firm had worked hard to keep disruption to a minimum.
“They have had those traffic lights set to perfection,” he said.
“There haven’t been long tailbacks or long waits. George Leslie has done a cracking job, there has been no hassle with them at all.
“The only annoying thing was there was a big generator there going all night, but it had to go to keep the pipes and the sewers going. We had to put up with it because it kept the water on for everyone.”
Jim Murray, of 28 Moss Street, added: “It’s been a wee bit noisy at nights, but apart from that it has been okay.”
Andy Ducat, Scottish Water project manager, said: “The work involved the lift and re-lay of the existing water main along this route.
“Scottish Water would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding whilst this essential work was carried out.”