MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has written to Network Rail to express his concerns over the state of Dumbarton Central train station.

The SNP politician has voiced his concerns about overgrown tree roots encroaching across the station and onto the tracks which could "undermine the structural foundations."

Mr Docherty-Hughes is also demanding that urgent remedial work is carried out to rectify the problem.

In his letter to Network Rail's senior public affairs manager Scotland, Niamh Hegarty, he said: "My constituents are very concerned with the high level of overgrowth that presently exists in the lead-up to and at the station.

"Having recently visited the station to see the present state for myself I took pictures showing the overgrowth and I feel action must be taken for a number of reasons."

Mr Docherty-Hughes claimed remedial work is need to 'send out a positive message' ahead of a busy tourism season.

His letter continues: "With summer and the tourist season fast approaching, Dumbarton Central is a key link to the Highlands of the West of Scotland, Loch Lomond and the town of Dumbarton.

"Dumbarton itself has a number of tourist attractions and will be hosting a number of high profile events over the course of summer that are extremely important to the local economy.

"There is also real concern that the overgrowth and tree roots spreading across the station and under the tracks has the potential to undermine the structural foundations of the station itself which will result in serious problems in the future.

"It is imperative that this area sends out a positive message to people visiting and local people who travel by train and I therefore, call on urgent measures to be taken to clean up the station and surrounding areas to ensure that Dumbarton is seen in the best light possible."

His letter concludes: "I believe that the overgrowth should be cut back, although not completely removed and survey work should be carried out urgently to check the structural condition of the station.

"I hope that this work can be carried out as quickly as possible to ensure that Dumbarton Central will offer a clean and positive welcome but also that it is safe for passing trains and the general public."

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We are committed to investing in the railway through Dumbarton and have plans in place to spend over £2m next year on works to refurbish and repaint the three railway bridges at the station on Church Street, College St and Bankend Road. These works will also involve cleaning the stonework and removing excess vegetation around the structures.”

Network Rail also stressed that they have regular inspection regimes in place and there are no structural issues linked to the vegetation.