Plans have been approved for a £3 million road regeneration scheme in Inverclyde.

Riverside Inverclyde has been granted permission to start work to remove a sharp corner between Baker Street and Drumfrochar Road in Greenock.

The works include the realignment of the carriageway at the brow of the hill close to Dellingburn Street – known locally as Bakers Brae. An existing stretch of Baker Street will be retained as access for business units. In addition, the council has acquired a number of industrial buildings at the east end of Drumfrochar Road which will be demolished to allow the improvements to go ahead.

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A £1.8m community enterprise hub for small and medium-sized enterprises, micro businesses and business start-ups is also proposed for Baker Street.

Cllr Michael McCormick said: "The road is a principle route in Greenock but poor traffic flows combined with vacant and derelict buildings in the immediate area have limited the potential for investment and economic growth.

"This project will significantly improve traffic flow and also improve first impressions of the area unlocking its future development potential.

"The road-realignment along with the investment in landscaping will considerably enhance the entire area. At the moment the impression this road leaves is one of derelict run-down buildings and vacant and overgrown wasteland.

"This is a major investment in the area by the Council which is aimed at addressing the economic, physical and social needs of the local community."

Fiona Maguire, Riverside Inverclyde's Acting Chief Executive, said: "We expect the building demolition works to commence late summer once all the utility disconnections are undertaken with the main road realignment works starting in November 2017.  The project is due for completion in summer 2018."

(LM)