THE SNP say they will motor ahead with proposals for a new Inverclyde bypass as an alternative to the problem-hit A8 if they take control of the council.

Group leader Chris McEleny, who is standing for election in Gourock, has pledged to carry out a feasibility study to look at creating a secondary route through the district if he becomes the local authority leader after this week’s vote.

For years the A8 has been plagued by closures due to flooding, traffic accidents and other emergencies, including the recent fire and subsequent demolition of the McKechnie Jess meat factory.

Mr McEleny says a solution is long overdue and plans to sanction an investigation into an alternative route if the SNP take control of the Municipal Buildings.

He told the Tele: “In an ideal world if there was a better, faster, more reliable road in and out of Inverclyde connecting to the M8 absolutely people would support that.

“But we need to see if it would be feasible in the first place, where an alternative road would be, and the economic impact of it.

“Ultimately what would be the cost and would it be worthwhile?”

The Inverclyde SNP group chief believes a new carriageway would also provide relief from the sheer volume of traffic lights along the busy main road.

He said: “Between Gourock and Port Glasgow there’s something like 17 sets of lights.

“It actually takes you longer to get from Gourock to Port Glasgow than from Port Glasgow to Glasgow.”

Mr McEleny has suggested the bypass could be financed by having a rethink of how Inverclyde’s share of the city deal cash is spent, in particular the proposed £9.4 million renewable energy hub at Inchgreen Dry Dock which is not scheduled to get under way until 2021.

He said: “You have the wider city deal and it’s fair to say there’s been questions on some of the projects. The Inverclyde renewables hub, for example, when would that be completed?”

The A8 bypass plans feature in the SNP’s manifesto for Inverclyde as the party puts transport high on the agenda.

It says: “Flooding, accidents and emergency situations can cause serious hardship to people who require to travel along the route and there is an impact on the Inverclyde economy.

“Ensuring reliable and economic access in and out of Inverclyde is essential to attract investment, tourist footfall and new residents to live in Inverclyde.”

Voters go to the polls in the council election on Thursday.