DRIVERS have been warned to expect major delays on the A8 again tomorrow morning as the closure of the main road in Greenock moves into a SECOND day.

Police say the road is likely to remain closed in both directions in the morning as a result of the devastating fire at the McKechnie Jess factory.

Police are asking motorists to leave plenty of time to travel to and from Inverclyde.

They expect that the westbound carriageway may open again at some point tomorrow.

Firefighters remain on the scene of the factory fire and at this stage are still trying to make what is left of the building safe.

Sergeant Jason Logsdon of Greenock police said tonight: "We are expecting the major delays to continue. The road is likely to remain closed, with the lanes in one direction expected to open at some point tomorrow.

"The fire service are working towards making it safe."

The trunk road has been shut since the blaze broke out at 3am this morning, causing a day of chaos. A diversion was put in place but Greenock became gridlocked with motorists stuck in massive tailbacks for three hours or more.

Diversions will remain in place with alternative route taking vehicles through Port Glasgow and Gibshill. Kilmacolm Road in Greenock, which had been closed to allow water pipes to be laid by Scottish Water will remain open for now to help alleviate congestion as much as possible.

Sergeant Logsdon added: "We would especially like to thank the drivers who remained calm in the face of the delays. We would ask for heir continued patience.

"We would advise motorists to check for updates before travelling."