Work is to begin on a £3 million regeneration project in Greenock.

The scheme involves removing a sharp corner between Baker Street and Drumfrochar Road, known as Baker's Brae, by cutting through the site of former industrial buildings. Features include lowering kerbs, landscaping and improving sightlines.

The project is being delivered by regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde and completion is scheduled for spring 2019. Baker Street will be closed between Regent Street and Ingliston Street for one week from Monday, 25 June. Further varying traffic management restrictions will be imposed over the coming months as work continues on the project.

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The £3m scheme includes a £300,000 contribution from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), while plans are being proposed to develop a £1.8m community enterprise hub for small and medium-sized enterprises, micro businesses and business start-ups.

Cllr Michael McCormick said: "This is a key route through Greenock but the combination of poor traffic flow and derelict buildings has been stifling opportunities for investment and economic growth.

"This project will greatly enhance the area and unlock its potential for future development and growth which can only be good for the local community."

Riverside Inverclyde Chief Executive, Fiona Maguire, said: "The road closure is essential to allow Scottish Water on site to lay new connections so that we can begin work in earnest. There will be a degree of inconvenience to people who use the road regularly but I am sure once completed they will appreciate the improvements we are making."

(LM)