SCOTTISH Water say supplies to the 12,000 homes in Inverclyde affected by today's burst main will be restored overnight. 

Their repair teams have now exposed the area of the burst 18" strategic water main at Whinhill Primary School which knocked out supplies to homes in Greenock, Gourock and Wemyss Bay.

Scottish Water said: "As the result of extensive damage to the main, we will be renewing this section of pipework and we estimate to have these repairs completed by midnight and have all water supplies restored during the early hours of the morning. 

"Our operatives  carried out valve operations which have begun to restore water supplies to around 3,000 properties within the Greenock and Ravenscraig area, however, please be aware that pressure may lower as the system continues to recover. 

"We estimate that about 12,000 properties across the Greenock, Skelmorlie, Wemyss Bay and Gourock areas have been affected by the burst on this strategic water main.

"We have 20 water tankers which are tankering water into the affected areas to support restoring and maintaining water supplies to customers as we progress with our repairs. 

Bottled water collection points are available for customers to collect water at Inverclyde Academy, Skelmorlie Community Centre and Wemyss Bay Primary School.