A PUBLIC hearing is to be held over plans to make a busy Greenock street one way.

Councillors voted to have the hearing after an objection was submitted over a proposal to make Bearhope Street one way northbound from Roxburgh Street.

Speaking at a council meeting on the matter on Thursday, SNP councillor Jim McEleny, said he was also concerned about the plan.

He added: “I think this will compound traffic problems by forcing traffic onto Sir Michael Street.

“We should be looking at Bruce Street and Duncan Street to see what other solutions there are.”

SNP councillor Innes Nelson queried what the problem is with the current system.

In response, Willie Rennie, who is the head of environmental and commercial services, said: “There is issues with parking on Bearhope Street and the loading bay.

“So the proposal is to make it one-way.”

Labour councillor Martin Brennan said he was aware of the problems and had received a number of complaints from residents.

He said: “This area has bedevilled both pedestrians and motorists for some time.

“It’s compounded by the fact that employers from a housing association park in the area, and residents too.

“There is the fact that there is a carpet firm right up at the corner with customers coming and going.

“I have had numerous complaints from residents.

“One lady whose home looks out over the area said she is convinced it is only a matter of time before there is an accident there.”

The proposal was submitted after a business on Bearhope Street asked the council for help to address difficulties they have with loading and unloading at their business.

Following a site visit from the council’s roads department, a plan was drawn up to address the loading and traffic management issues.

During a public consultation, two objections were received, both of which centred around the impact a proposed one-way system would have on the adjacent junction of Regent Street, Roxburgh Street and Sir Michael Street.

To address the concerns, a study was commissioned by the roads service to investigate the likely impact of the one way system on the Sir Michael Street junction.
The study found that, although there would be more delay at this junction, it would still operate within capacity with the additional traffic from Bearhope Street.
Following the discussion, councillors voted for the committee to hold a public hearing before a final decision is made.