EXTRA funding worth nearly £100,000 has been released by the government to help fix weather-damaged Inverclyde roads.

The council is to receive a £96,000 payout from the Scottish Government to repair surfaces which have been affected by harsh winter conditions.

It’s part of a £10m funding package being divided between the country’s 32 local authorities.

Money is being distributed by the government in partnership with council umbrella group COSLA.

It will help cover the cost of roads maintenance and additional repairs following the extended wintry weather.

Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan said: “Many roads have been badly damaged during the extreme weather this winter.

“I’m pleased that the Scottish Government and COSLA have allocated these additional funds to Inverclyde Council.”

The £10m funding pot was announced by finance secretary Derek Mackay, who represents Kilmacolm as part of his Renfrewshire North and West constituency.

Mr Mackay said: “Scotland experienced unprecedented levels of extreme weather in recent months, culminating in the issuing of our first-ever red alert for snow by the Met Office in late February.

“The severe weather led to local authorities incurring unexpected additional costs to their maintenance budgets, and simultaneously caused more damage to Scotland’s road network.

“By assisting councils to keep our road networks safe and efficient, we’re not only improving conditions for road users, we’re also extending the life span of that network — benefiting the wider economy.”