Kirkcudbright Academy Half Marathon organisers are breathing a sigh of relief after confirmation that a water pump and security fencing blocking the route are to be dismantled.
Fears had been growing that the unsightly equipment in Harbour Square could mean a diversion for the May 28 spectacle.
Liz Kettle, who co-ordinates back-up for the event, described the fencing and pump as “an eyesore”.
She told the News: “The fencing completely blocks the route of the half marathon and 10km on a route officially measured and endorsed by Scottish Athletics, and on which our licence depends.
“Harbour Square comes into its own when its free from clutter – and this is clutter.
“We are very happy that it’s going to be removed.”
Ms Kettle, who chairs Kirkcudbright Academy parent council, works in the Whitehouse Gallery and is an actor, said the fencing was “a real problem”.
She added: “We pride ourselves in organising a professional, smooth, efficient event and this obstruction did not help us in any way at all.
“Race planning is going very well and I have just collected 250 bottles of water from
Supersave. Tesco and the Co-op have also been very generous.”
A Scottish Water spokesperson told the News: “The temporary pumps in Harbour Square were installed to help alleviate the risk of flooding to properties in Kirkcudbright after previous incidents while works were carried out on the network to improve sewer flows.
“The pumps and fencing are scheduled to be removed permanently this week and will be stored locally in case they are needed in future.
“All being well they should be out by Thursday (today).”
