Inverclyde Council has taken the opportunity to renovate empty commercial premises while giving trainees the chance to get invaluable on-the-job training.

Vice Convener of Regeneration Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld said: “There are two aspects to this. The first is to do everything possible to bring council owned shops and premises which have been lying empty for years ,back to an acceptable standard which will make them more marketable.

“The second is to utilise the trainees engaged by Inverclyde Community Development Trust under the Future Jobs Fund program to carry out this work and in the process learn new practical skills.”

A shop that has lain empty for five years at 62-64 Tower Driver in Gourock has been undergoing renovation work after the unit next door was recently improved and successfully leased as a beauty salon. Two units in Lynedoch Street in Greenock have also been upgraded.

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Councillor Ahlfeld added: “Both initiatives are proving to be a great success with many young people gaining permanent employment, going on to formal educational courses or deciding to take part in other training opportunities.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone and I hope the refurbished premises will encourage and enhance the opportunities for start up businesses.”

Inverclyde’s Future Jobs Fund is delivered through a strong partnership between Inverclyde Council, Inverclyde Community Development Trust, Jobcentre Plus and voluntary organisations and has been recognised as the best performing local authority scheme in Scotland by the Department for Work and Pensions.

The scheme offers exciting and rewarding job opportunities for 18-24 year olds for six months which include training programmes to enhance their skills and improve their long term job prospects.

Since October last year 300 jobs have been created through the Future Jobs Fund scheme including the six people involved in the upgrades of commercial premises.

Councillor Ahlfeld added: " Inverclyde Community Development Trust has performed an excellent job on this programme offering life changing opportunities for many young people. I am delighted that here in Inverclyde we are recognised nationally as the best performing local authority of Scotland."

(GK)