A businessman has reacted with dismay to news that “nightmare” roadworks are to return to Dundee’s West End.
Scottish Water left Blackness Road and the surrounding area in May following months of main work.
At the time, local businesses spoke of their frustration at the disruptive nature of the work.
Now, Scottish Water has confirmed it will revisit the site next month to readdress work connected to ongoing efforts across Dundee.
Local business owner Paul Murphy, who owns the Balgay Hill Bar, described the relentless nature of the utility work as a “nightmare”.
He said: “The last time they cut off my electricity and my gas.
“Accidents can happen, but they ended up causing a flood in the pub as well.
“The workmanship last time was so sloppy it is unbelievable.
“This will cost me money, business wise.
“Last time, I lost 50% of my business, which meant the part-time staff weren’t getting any hours.
“Why was this not fixed?”
West End councillor Fraser Macpherson said: “The lack of communication is disappointing.
“There has been various utility work done over the past 18 months to two years.
“A lot of this will be necessary work, but this is yet more disruption.
“Businesses will undoubtedly ask why this was not done at the same time of previous work?”
It is understood the work will begin on October 9, during the October holiday, in an attempt to minimise disruption.
A spokesman for Scottish Water confirmed the work is part of ongoing £5 million improvement work in Dundee.
The spokesman said: “During the original works in Blackness Road, flushing was carried out on this section of main.
“However, it has been identified that this was not sufficient and, due to the condition of the pipes in this part of the network, it is necessary to re-line these additional sections of water main.
“We would like to apologise for the need to return to this area to carry out this further work.
“The new phase of work will take around two weeks to complete and is due to begin on October 9, during the school holidays, in order to minimise any further disruption to customers.
“There will be no road closure in place during the work and, instead, temporary traffic lights will be in place on Blackness Road between the junctions of Rosefield Sreet and Ure Street. These lights will be manned during peak times to help keep traffic flowing.”
The spokesman added that the work will help secure a “reliable water supply for our customers for many years to come”.
