COUNCIL chiefs have been warned they may have to find an extra £300,000 to build two new children’s homes — as the projects are hit with delays and difficulties.

A report says that the cost of building replacements for Neil Street in Greenock and Crosshill in Port Glasgow is set to rise by £350,000.

The Neil Street contractors have asked for an extension which will push the completion date back to later this summer.

Meanwhile construction on the Crosshill replacement is now not likely to begin until later in the year.

But council leader Stephen McCabe says the local authority will do whatever it takes to get the residential units completed for children in care.

Councillor McCabe said: “We are completely committed to the replacement of Neil Street Children’s Home and Crosshill. We will obviously look at what has to be done.”

Councillors on the health and social care committee have received a briefing on the latest situation with the projects.

Contractors on the Neil Street replacement formally asked for more time to complete the project and officers warned that additional funding may be required.

It was originally due to be finished by March this year.

Technical services staff are also reviewing the design of the new Crosshill after problems came to light about poor ground conditions.

Work had been due to start in October but it’s expected that it will be next year before a brick is laid.

Finance officers are now looking at ways to reduce the funding gap caused by the delays.