Homes hit by water safety warning

Residents in parts of Langholm have been told to boil their water

Residents of about 600 homes in Langholm have been warned not to drink their water after the discovery of cryptosporidium contamination.

The parasite - which can cause diarrhoea and vomiting - was found in the supply to the old part of the town.

An incident management team has been set up by Scottish Water and NHS Dumfries and Galloway.

They have advised residents in the area that water may only be used to drink or prepare food if it is boiled first.

It is believed that adverse weather conditions may have caused the problem with the water supply.

"We appreciate the inconvenience that this advice to boil water will bring to people and businesses in the affected areas but at all times our priority has to be the protection of public health," said Dr David Breen of NHS Dumfries and Galloway.

"The incident management team is continuing to monitor the situation and review the need to continue this advice."

Bottled water has also been made available in the town which is preparing for one of its busiest days of the year with its common riding on Friday.