Walkers and cyclists are putting their lives in danger there by trespassing on a work site close to the river where an important power cable is being replaced.

And vandals have attacked fencing which was erected for public safety on the golf course side of the river.

The warning has come from Bonhill and Dalmonach Community Council, who have advised pedestrians, cyclists and anglers to stay away from the Dalreoch to Strathleven stretch where it goes under the Alexandria by-pass.

A 25 kilovolt (kV) power cable is being installed for the SP Energy Networks infrastructure firm by contractors Balfour Beatty, and the community council says it’s received reports of the work being held up by members of the public entering the site.

Community Council secretary Jack Fordy says that as well as being dangerous, trespassing is also holding up the pace of the work.

The letter states: “Could local walkers and anglers please note that the Strathleven to Dumbarton footpath beside the River Leven is closed at the point where it passes under the A82 and for a few hundred meters on each side.

“These works are necessary to ensure security of electricity supply to the area.

“The existing supply lines have been in position for more than 30 years and are deteriorating.

“This activity involves ground handling 25,000-volt cables with large machinery, and we have to stress that entering this site is very dangerous.

“We understand that it can be frustrating to have to stop short on a planned walk or cycle, but Balfour Beatty have assured us that if they can get ahead without interruptions, the work will be completed by November of this year.

“They have also assured us that the path will be restored to a higher standard than before.”

A Balfour Beatty spokesperson said: “We are delivering essential power modernisation works on behalf of SP Energy Networks throughout Strathleven and Dumbarton.

“As part of these works, a section of underground cable running between Strathleven and Dalreoch will be replaced. In order to carry out this work, access to the existing cable is required via the footpath running underneath the A82.

“We informed residents of the footpath closure on August 4, 2020, ahead of works commencing on August 17. Works are due to be ongoing until mid-winter.

“We apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause and will continue to work with SP Energy Networks to minimise disruption to the local community and the travelling public.”