FLOWER power could be set to win the day in a row over a controversial road sign in Gourock which is blocking shop fronts.

Town councillor Terry Loughran has called on Inverclyde Council officials to start discussions with business owners in Kempock Street over the display board outside Studio Flowers.

The sign directing people to the outdoor pool and Lower Kempock Street car park sparked anger among the owners, and residents, after being installed four weeks ago – because it blocks the view of the florists to traffic heading westbound.

It also obscures the frontage of women’s clothes store Alexa Blu In Fashion next door to vehicles heading in the opposite direction.

Owners of both shops said their pleas for the sign to be relocated have been ignored by council officials.

But Councillor Loughran who is also convener of the education and communities commitee, has now requested that officers find an amicable solution.

Cllr Loughran said: “I believe that it is important that we have the correct signage in place in the correct location to best support local shops and businesses to benefit from the huge investment that has been made in Gourock.

“I have asked officers to discuss the issue with the local traders.”
Mr Loughran says the sign was put up in response to requests from traders and was part of the recently-completed £5.2 million redevelopment of Gourock town centre.

All three Gourock councillors have voiced concern over the display board and vowed to raise the matter at a council meeting unless a solution is found to suit all parties.

Last week the Tele told how fed-up Studio Flowers co-owner Shona McTaggart, right, had decorated the sign pole with flowers to brighten it up and make it ‘less dreary’.

The controversial sign has been the subject of a torrent of criticism online, with hundreds of people calling for it to be removed or relocated.