SCOTTISH Water works on Cowdenbeath High Street should be completed by tomorrow (Friday).

Traffic lights were installed, near the Stenhouse Street junction, yesterday and the job should be finished much quicker than expected.

Local councillor Darren Watt had been informed about the works, by Fife Council transportation officers, and told they were estimated to last six working days, until Thursday October 7.

However, a Scottish Water spokesperson told the Times: "We would like to thank Cowdenbeath residents and commuters for their patience while we carry out this essential maintenance work on Cowdenbeath High Street.

"The traffic lights will be removed on Friday once the necessary reinstatement work has been completed and the tar has set.”

The Scottish Water team was on site looking for and uncovering valve covers which have at some point been covered over.

The covers have now been located and the reinstatement team should be carrying out the works today.

The traffic lights should be removed by the end of the day tomorrow once the reinstatement has set.

Cllr Watt had posted: "We can all appreciate the need for essential maintenance and repairs but our High Street contends with endless delays and disruption, and it's simply not fair on local businesses who are desperately trying to survive and keep afloat.

"With the ongoing Covid crisis already having a detrimental impact on businesses, it's imperative they are given essential support and additional custom, however, with continuous roadworks and delays, it's very little wonder people choose to avoid Cowdenbeath altogether.

"As a local resident and regular shopper on our High Street, I hear first-hand the concerns from business owners about their ongoing challenges and how these disruptions affect trade and custom.

"I wholeheartedly encourage people to visit our High Street, support our local businesses and not allow such delays to be a deal-breaker.

"We have hundreds of free parking spaces and a huge variety of shops and places to eat, as well as well known chains such as B&M, Morrisons and Lidl in the town centre."

And Cowdenbeath Community Council posted: "We know it’s a pain folks (an understatement we know) but please remember to support our local businesses and not allow such delays to stop you coming to shop in Cowdenbeath.

"We have hundreds of free parking spaces and a variety of shops and places to eat. Don’t let this essential repair work stop you from coming to the town."