A £15,000 survey to help transform a rundown glen has been welcomed by councillors.

Inverclyde Council has put up the funding for a feasibility study of Auchmountain Glen.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, communities convener, said an assessment was needed to decide what was needing done to restore the beauty spot to its former glory.

He said: “The glen was once a spectacular walkway where the paths and bridges were well developed and maintained.

“Unfortunately over the years the area has become overgrown and vulnerable to vandalism and graffiti. There is a real concern now about public safety given the poor condition of some of the bridges and it is time we had a proper look about what needs to be done and how much can be realistically achieved.”

The glen was built in 1887 by the Belville Boys — a group of unemployed shipyard workers — who cleared and landscaped the area and installed statues, seats and fountains.

Volunteers at the Auchmountain Project have followed in the Belville Boys footsteps by clearing debris from the burn and tidying up the area.

The proposal is to develop a restoration project to extend their work to the upper reaches of the Glen.

A feasibility study will be commissioned to establish the extent and cost of the work needed and also to be available to help with bids for possible funding from bodies such as the Lottery Heritage Fund.

Communities vice convener Councillor Natasha Murphy said: “This is a very worthwhile project and represents an important part of Greenock’s heritage.

“It is crucial that the feasibility study also examines the sustainability of any future management of the glen to ensure it remains a key asset in Inverclyde’s catalogue to heritage and historical sites.”

The committee agreed to allocate £15,000 from the Grants to Voluntary Organisations (GTVO) budget to fund the feasibility study and for any balance to be used to assist developing the project.