DUMBARTON’S train services will return to near-normality next week after ScotRail announced that more than 90 per cent of services will operate from August 3.

All routes in the area will have normal early morning, late night and peak services, with one hundred per cent of normal capacity provided during peak travel hours although many seats with have to remain empty to maintain physical distancing.

The increase in services comes ahead of the expected reopening of schools on August 11, which could result in an increase in the number of people travelling by rail.

Travellers are urged not to travel if they unwell or have a temperature, to wear a face mask or cover if they are travelling and maintain physical distancing measures.

David Simpson, ScotRail operations director, said: “Thanks to the hard work of staff across Scotland’s railway, we’ll operate as close to a normal timetable as possible from Monday, August 3.

"Like businesses across the world, we continue to face challenges caused by coronavirus, but we will have every available train in service.

“We do need everybody to continue taking personal responsibility for their travel choices, because physical distancing can’t be guaranteed.

"Customers who do travel with ScotRail should follow our five rules for safer travel, including the wearing of a face covering on trains and at stations.”

The social distancing requirement on trains and at stations in Scotland was reduced from two metres to one on Monday, July 27.