INVERCLYDE is to get almost £2 million to tackle flooding problems — but more cash will be needed in the future.

The cash is on the way after an earlier disagreement between the council and a joint panel made up of representatives from the Scottish Government and COSLA (the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) over how it should be allocated.

The difference of opinion was resolved after it was agreed that the Greenock element of the Inverclyde Flood Protection Scheme — made up of a number of hydraulically linked parts — was actually a single project and so complies with the rules for assistance.

Now the government is to provide £1.7m to cover 79 per cent of the projected £2.2m cost of the scheme.

It follows months of detailed discussions involving the council, the Scottish Government and COSLA.

Depute council leader Jim Clocherty described the news as ‘extremely welcome’.

He said: “I would like to thank all involved for their hard work.

“For the past few years we have made identifying, planning and dealing with flooding a priority, and it is fantastic we have now secured the funding to press ahead and make a real difference.” His views were echoed by council chief executive John Mundell, who added: “We have been in detailed discussions to see how funding could be secured, and I am delighted we have now been able to make our case.

“I would like to add my own thanks to all involved and especially to COSLA officers for their assistance.” Inverclyde has suffered severe flooding affecting housing, main roads, rail lines and town centres.

Scottish Government environment and climate change minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “I am delighted that, following adjustment to refine the scope of works, I can confirm £1.7m of funding has been agreed by the Scottish Government for an eligible new flood protection scheme for Greenock.

“I look forward to seeing the undoubted positive impact of the scheme for residents and businesses in the town, and hope that it has the by-product of helping to foster the confidence of individuals and businesses to invest in Greenock.” Councillor Michael McCormick, the local authority’s environment and regeneration convener, says the causes of flooding in Inverclyde are not simple, and the solutions to fix them are complex and costly.

He told the Telegraph: “Rather than one single event, such as a river bursting its banks causing the problem, it is a series of events whose cumulative effect gives rise to the serious flooding that has led to misery and disruption to householders and businesses.

“This funding will allow us to address these multiple causes and go a long way to reducing the problems that flooding can bring. It will make a significant difference — but more money will be needed to address all of the known areas of flooding in Inverclyde.”