FIVE new water refill stations are to be installed in communities in and around the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park this summer - but Helensburgh will have to wait its turn.

Scottish Water announced recently that top-up taps will be placed at locations in Balloch, Aberfoyle, Callander, Balmaha and Rowardennan over the next few months, with further taps set to be introduced in Aviemore, Pitlochry and Mabie Forest in Dumfries and Galloway.

The utility firm revealed the expansion of the Your Water Your Life initiative as it marked World Refill Day.

In June the Advertiser reported on hopes that Helensburgh might join the growing network of refill points across Scotland, which is estimated to have saved the equivalent of more than 450,000 single use plastic bottles through top-ups at the push-button water outlets.

Sarah Davies, a member of both Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) and the Plastic Free Helensburgh group, told a meeting of HCC: “I sent a letter and got a reply to say that the next few that are being installed are already planned and we’re not on the list but that they would consider us highly in the next batch.

“They wanted to know a bit more, so I told them that it would be down near the new swimming pool. They also wanted to know about footfall, and I have to say I don’t have a clue what the footfall is along the front of Helensburgh but I’d have thought it’s as good as many of the places that have got these taps.

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“They want to know if there are any long distance paths, so of course I’ll tell them about the John Muir Way and the Three Lochs Way, so I would think we can push ourselves quite high up the list, but it won’t happen tomorrow.”

Simon Jones, director of environment and visitor services at the National Park Authority said: “These taps will benefit both the local and wider environment by reducing litter and helping address the environmental impact of single use plastics such as water bottles.

“As well as being a serious threat to the National Park’s wildlife, litter impacts local communities and affects visitors’ enjoyment while they are here.

“We have significantly increased our resources on the ground for this season and these new taps complement the additional bins, toilets and staff we have put in place to support the increased numbers of visitors we are seeing.

“If visitors can refill their water bottles, there is less demand for single use plastic bottles, making it easier for people to leave no trace of their visit.”

Scottish Water bosses say the new taps will be switched on after a series of tests have been completed to ensure the water is “wholesome”.

The taps are said to be regularly inspected and cleaned.

To find your nearest refill point visit yourwateryourlife.co.uk.