THE number of parking spaces in Greenock town centre could be cut by around HALF under new regeneration plans.

Up to 45 per cent of current bays along West Blackhall Street could vanish to make room for trees, wider pavements, outdoor seating and other 'public realm' areas.

The proposals are part of a blueprint to help revitalise the struggling high street stretch, where businesses have suffered badly in recent years due to falling footfall and a string of high-profile shop closures, including the likes of Burger King, Peacocks and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

A total of £2.65m has been set aside to redevelop the town centre, including £1.9m for West Blackhall Street from Inverclyde Council.

The local authority and regeneration body Riverside Inverclyde have brought in a private consultancy firm, Ironside Farrar, to come up with ways of improving the key thoroughfare.

One of the key proposals from the consultants is to significantly reducing parking spaces by between 45 and 20 per cent - despite a lack of bays being one of the biggest existing complaints from shoppers and beleaguered traders.

A council spokesman said: "Consultants on behalf of Riverside Inverclyde have created a range of proposals examining how additional investment in West Blackhall Street can be progressed.

"The purpose of the consultation is to find out views of a range of people, including residents, visitors and shop and business owners.

"This is the first step of that consultation.

"It is important that all views are expressed through that consultation and that together a workable solution is found that delivers improvements to the town centre.

"That way we can all work together to deliver a package of regeneration improvements to benefit everyone and continue to support a growing and thriving town centre."

A report produced by Ironside Farrar and RI - which has been seen by the Tele - outlines a range of ideas to 'consolidate' West Blackhall Street's role as a 'key retail, night time quarter and place to live'.

According to the document, there is a 'high level' of on-street parking with 176 parking spaces in the area.

Only 76 of those are actually on West Blackhall Street, with the rest on side streets.

Officials warn that to achieve 'meaningful' change 'some loss of on-street parking may be necessary'.

Members of the Greenock Town Centre Regeneration Forum are being consulted on how best to revive the street's fortunes and the public will also get the chance to have their say in the centre of the Oak Mall on Thursday from 12.30-5pm.

Officials from Ironside Farrar will be on hand to discuss their ideas and listen to suggestions from shoppers.