The work will improve the existing waste water network in the Johnstone and Elderslie area, boosting the water quality and the aquatic life in the Black Cart Water.

It involves upgrading of several storm overflows which retain storm water when the sewerage network is at capacity, and spill out to local watercourses when required.

As part of the scheme, Scottish Water work has just started at Burnbrae pumping station in Johnstone and is about to begin at Ladeside Drive, Park Road, and Gas Street, where screening to the Black Cart in storm conditions will be improved.

And there will be about 1.4 km of new pipes installed throughout Johnstone, in High Street, Rankine Street, Brewery Street, Canal Road, Peockland, Clark Street and Gas Street.

Nursery worker Helen Radcliffe (48) welcomes the pipe relaying in Johnstone town centre.

She told The Extra: "It's good that the flooding is being tackled in the centre – it's been quite bad recently in some places because of the extreme weather we've been having.

"It may cause disruption for a while but it will be worth it in the end".

Adam Brett (61) walks through Clark Street most days and said it will be "nice to not have to sidestep the water".

In addition, we will close an existing storm overflow and install a new power screened one in Main Road, Elderslie.

This will provide improved screening of storm water into the Old Partick Water, which flows into the Black Cart.

Project manager Paul Sharp said: "Storm water is discharged in heavy weather in accordance with Scottish Environment Protection Agency consent.

"By adding screening we are now improving the quality of the local burns and rivers in the region.

"By improving the networks, we hope to provide cleaner rivers and burns in the Johnstone and Elderslie areas.

"We will make every effort to minimise disruption and keep affected local residents informed during our work".

The work will begin on Monday and is expected to be completed by March next year.