The road and pavements in Princes Street, Port Glasgow, are to be upgraded as part of Inverclyde Council's £2.5 million towns and villages investment.

The £335,000 works will begin on Monday 17 September and are expected to last until the end of the year.

Regeneration Vice Convener Councillor Colin Jackson said: "The need to replace and improve the footpaths in Princes Street is seen a priority for the ongoing regeneration of Port Glasgow.

"It is the main thoroughfare through the town centre and once completed will enhance the look and feel of the area.

"We have already completed the new spur road from the A8 and we have identified further environmental improvements to the town centre including removal of redundant buildings and the restoration of empty shop units.

"Taken together all of these will boost existing businesses and attract fresh investment into the area."

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The additional carriageway works have been made possible by an award of £150,000 from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and will be managed by the Council's delivery agent Riverside Inverclyde.

Inverclyde Councillor David Wilson, Vice Chair of SPT, said: "I am delighted we have been able to contribute to a project that will help to breathe new life into Port Glasgow town centre.

"We have already helped to fund the local park and ride car park and are looking to make the train station more accessible – all of which will make the area more attractive to visitors and help the local economy."

Hillington-based Landscape and Contract will deliver the project. Managing Director Brian MacAllister said: "We look forward to working with Riverside Inverclyde and the Council on the project. The proposed works and quality of the paving specified will bring a vast improvement to the streetscene in Princes Street. 

"There will inevitably be disruption throughout the project, however we have a proven track record in the delivery of high quality streetscape schemes in busy town centres around West Central Scotland and we will work closely with all businesses, residents and stakeholders in the project to minimise the impact of the works as far as is reasonably practicable."

Councillor Jackson added: "There will be a certain amount of upheaval for traders and shoppers while these improvements are made. Road and footpath closures will be advertised well in advance so we would ask people to be patient. I am sure the result will be worth it."

(CM/MH)