GOUROCK Community Council will hold a special meeting on Monday to discuss the hotly-debated £5m town centre regeneration project.

Kempock Street traders sought the session, which is open to the public, because of concerns over disruption to shops during roadworks.

They are asking for compensation for loss of earnings from Inverclyde Council and Riverside Inverclyde (RI).

Representatives from traders and the council will be at the meeting.

Community council secretary Lynne Quinn said: “Traders are worried about the traffic management and parking in Kempock Street.

“SNP MSP Stuart McMillan and Labour’s Holyrood candidate for next year’s elections, Siobhan McCready, will also be at the meeting, as well as local councillors.

“The claim for compensation has serious implications not just for Inverclyde Council but Scottish councils as a whole.

“Case history exists for compensation, however it is not clear.”

The Tele reported on Monday how traders are up in arms over the impact that the redevelopment – which involves creation of a new road and one-way scheme – had had on takings.

They claim the disruption has played a key factor in the closure of two shops in the last fortnight.

A total of 37 traders have signed a letter, written by businesswoman Suzanne Mark from lingerie outlet Straps of Gourock, expressing their displeasure and calling for some form of reimbursement, but the council says anyone wishing to seek compensation should take their own legal advice.

Local authority bosses have also pledged that the work will be finished nearly next month and insist that the benefits from the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ investment will be worth it. But the community council intends to push for direct help for businesses on its patch.

Secretary Ms Quinn said: “We want assistance from RI on re-advertising Kempock Street as being open for business, and promoting it for Christmas.”

Monday’s meeting starts at 7pm in the Gamble Halls, Shore Street.