BALFOUR Beatty has been chosen as the contractor for £15m worth of flood protection work at Gruggies Burn in Dumbarton.

At a meeting of the tendering committee last week, councillors voted unanimously to provide the construction giant with the contract, which would be backed by £12m of cash from the Scottish Government.

Using a framework that grades bidders based on value for money, quality and presentation, Balfour Beatty scored 83.8 per cent.

The two year contract will see the firm design and implement the new strategy, designed to protect homes and businesses if the burn bursts its banks.

As conditions for the award of the contract Balfour Beatty agreed to a number of different conditions, such as paying the living wage, ensuring contractors are paid within 19 days and spending 20 per cent of its labour budget locally.