Children walking to school had to avoid human waste that was streaming down the pavement where their lollipop lady is posted.

The mess was just outside a pub and yards from shops in Jerviston Street.

Workmen spent two days last week locating the section of damaged pipe and repairing it. Scottish Water now believes the problem has been solved.

One angry parent said: "This has been going on for weeks and it seemed nobody knew how to fix the problem.

"It beggars belief that you have human waste running down the street for so long in this day and age."

Shopkeepers were also unhappy, but one said: "The person I really feel for is the lollipop lady who has to work there."

A Scottish Water spokesman apologised to its customers in New Stevenston, saying damage to the sewer was caused by external contractors working in the area.

He added: "We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience this issue may have caused local customers."

Full story in February 4 edition of Times & Speaker