East Renfrewshire Council has revealed that it is currently assessing the impact that recent issues with ground conditions will have on a major road project.

The £22.68 million transformation of Aurs Road between Barrhead and Newton Mearns began in January with the route set to be closed for 12 months.

It will see the stretch changed from a single carriage to a safer straighter road with a new active travel route and waterside promenade overlooking Balgray Reservoir.

The Barrhead News asked the council for an update on the works, following rumours that the project is significantly behind schedule, having been due to finish in December.

A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Council said: “The project is working to an agreed programme and regular meetings are held with the project managers and contractors.

"We are aware of recent issues with ground conditions at the site and we are currently assessing what impact this will have on the project.

“The construction site at Aurs Road is working ten hours a day Monday to Friday and five hours a day on Saturday.

"The new visitor facilities are currently being scoped and we will publish a timescale for that work when we are in a position to do so."

Once complete, the road will bring a more direct local route between Barrhead and Newton Mearns by straightening out two sections of the road and replacing a weak bridge.

A 4km circular walking and cycling route around Balgray Reservoir will also be created as part of the works.