TRAFFIC problems in upper Gourock will be discussed this evening at a special meeting called by the town’s community council.

They say traffic management plans presented in the past by Inverclyde Council ‘did not meet enough of our community’s needs’.

Community council secretary Jackie McKelvie says local people ‘have better ideas’.

She said: “We are listening to those ideas, enabling a wider conversation this evening.

“The meeting is for anyone with solutions and ideas to help.”

The talks will discuss congestion, bus services and parking, as well as speeding and pedestrian safety.

Jackie said: “Three schools in the area — St Columba’s, St Ninian’s and Moorfoot — all have issues at drop-off and collection times.

“There are concerns over roadworks, new builds and deliveries, as well as the closure of roads, re-direction of buses and traffic.

“People are also worried about rat runs on roads at night.

“Visibility at certain points needs to be addressed from the drivers’ view as well as the pedestrians’ view, and there is also a lack of parking and dangerous pavement parking.”

Jackie says the special meeting this evening will involve workshops and discussion.

She added: “It’s not simply a platform to complain and air concerns.

“Our findings will go to the local authority as soon as possible to enable the decision-makers to use the information to help solve these problems.”

The meeting will be in St Ninian’s Primary, Staffa Street, from 7pm to 9pm.