MacLay Civil Engineering has commenced work on Phase 2 of the Helensburgh CHORD project.

This phase will see the transformation of Colquhoun Square.

The project aims to make the square one of the key focal points of the town through a combination of improvements including:

• Creating a coherent town square with high quality natural stone finishes rather than a crossroads dominated by vehicles
• Creating a larger pedestrian area on the north side of the square
• Reducing pedestrian crossing distances
• Increasing the numbers of seats and seating opportunities
• Increasing the illumination with nearly twice as many lights
• Increasing the number of civic trees and shrub planting in the square.

After the removal of the existing surfacing and footpaths, drainage works will be the first priority. Streetlighting ducting will follow, while the footpaths will be carried out in two stages with outer footpaths and kerb lines being installed and then the new footpath gullies. Work on the laybys will follow, with the road construction work coming last.

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While the work is ongoing a one-way traffic management system will operate through the square, with traffic travelling from east to west along West Princes Street, with the diversion along West King Street.

In addition, the Sinclair Street car park will be closed for around six weeks while it is resurfaced and new lighting and ticket machines are being installed. A small part of the pier car park will be used to store specialised granite surface materials, which will be used during Phase 2.

The work is being carried out over five phases in order to keep the disruption to the town to a minimum.

Commenting on the latest progress, Policy Lead for Special Projects, Councillor Ellen Morton said: "I was delighted to see West Clyde Street re-open and the local businesses becoming fully accessible again. The feedback from locals has been resoundingly positive. They are delighted with what they are seeing on the ground, delivered through the CHORD project.

"The start of Phase 2 signals the beginning of an exciting new future for Helensburgh. It's great to see the council's investment in the area paying off. The council is committed to transforming Helensburgh, as well as our other major coastal towns."

(JP/IT)