Inverclyde Council and the Inverclyde Alliance are backing two bids for a share of the Scottish Government's £60m Town Centre Regeneration Fund, the first phase of which will be known on 20th July 2009.

Riverside Inverclyde is submitting two applications for funding for projects in Greenock and Port Glasgow in the first tranche of funds which account for £40m. A separate bid will be developed for Gourock under the second tranche of £20m in August 2009.

Both the Council and the Inverclyde Alliance have written to Riverside Inverclyde Chief Executive Bill Nicol confirming their support.

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Convener of the Council's Regeneration Committee Councillor Jim Clocherty said: "The Town Centre Regeneration Fund proposals aim to regenerate the town centres of Port Glasgow and Greenock and promote sustainable growth during very challenging times. If our bids are successful we can improve the attractiveness and accessibility of both town centres."

Chair of Inverclyde Alliance Councillor Stephen McCabe added: "Inverclyde is an area of very significant need. In Port Glasgow there is a declining traditional town centre yet there is a real opportunity for further development.

"Greenock has a challenging town centre but again, with the right vision, would become a more positive place with a quality environment for business and the local community."

Over the year Riverside Inverclyde will invest the monies in a series of developments to enhance the physical environment and shopping experience in Greenock and Port Glasgow.

Key sites and properties will be substantially improved along with transport links and parking facilities. Where possible assistance will be made available to businesses looking to expand and move into the town centres.

(GK/JM)