Commenting on the burst water mains in Glasgow today Bob Doris, SNP MSP for Glasgow said: "I understand that mistakes can be made but I'm deeply concerned about the size of the area affected by this. Householders from Firhill in the West End right through to Rutherglen have lost their water supply. I would be interested to know exactly how many people were without water today and for how long.

"My office has spoken to Scottish Water today and I am satisfied they are doing everything they can to repair the burst. I have been assured that many people have had their water returned and that Scottish Water are on course to return water supplies to everyone by early evening today."

However the Glasgow MSP said his biggest remaining concern was who would be paying for the cost of the operation to repair the damage. Mr Doris said: "Although it would be wrong to comment on this particular instance until the full facts are known, I have also received assurances that in the case of private contractors damaging water supplies, the ordinary water customer is unlikely to have to bear the cost.

"If, indeed, this was damage caused by a private contractor, I am keen to ensure that the no doubt expensive mop up and repair operation carried out today, will not be paid for by already hard pressed council tax payers. I am happy to report that I am satisfied this will not affect the bills of ordinary customers."

Note:

The burst water mains at Crown Street in the Gorbals this morning left householders in the Gorbals, Rutherglen, Oatlands, Carntyne, Dennistoun, Royston, Port Dundas, Firhill, Possilpark and Springburn without water for several hours.