A NEW tender for the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry is set to be agreed today.

Inverclyde's representative on Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) believes the contract will be welcomed by workers and hospital patients who use the crossing.

Councillor David Wilson is a member of SPT's operations committee, which is expected to rubber-stamp an agreement for the service to run from April this year until July 2018.

It will continue to be operated by Clydelink, but at a higher cost of £240,000 a year compared with the current £160,000.

Mr Wilson said: "This is a lot of taxpayers' money as a subsidy, but SPT is happy to support this important service.

"It is vital for Inverclyde workers going to Faslane and Coulport and for people coming across to go to Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

"One of the main reasons for retaining the hospital is because it serves so many outwith Inverclyde – including people travelling by the Kilcreggan ferry."

The route is likely to be subsidised from next year by Scottish Government agency Transport Scotland.

Cllr Wilson said: "SPT is happy for that to happen, so long as the service is as good as it is now."