THE prominent steel sculpture being built for a Port Glasgow town centre roundabout could cost more than expected and take longer to appear.

‘Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow’ was initially to be completed next to the retail park by sculptor John McKenna this spring, but he said last September that he was ‘some months behind’ schedule.

Now a council official has revealed other problems with the 30-feet high structure, estimated originally to cost about £250,000.

The artwork was commissioned by Inverclyde Council and urban regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde (RI) to create a ‘sense of arrival’ at the western entrance to Port Glasgow.

It is hoped it will boost business confidence and attract jobs, investment and shoppers.

The sculpture, which pays tribute to the working people of the Clyde and the Port’s rich shipbuilding heritage, came out on top of a public poll three years ago after receiving nearly half the votes.

But environment director Scott Allan has now said fabrication, implementation and installation issues have emerged.

He told councillors on the environment and regeneration committee: “We are still working with RI to determine and review all of the details.”

There have been structural design changes following talks between Mr McKenna’s structural engineers and other specialists representing Scotland TranServ, who are responsible for the A8.

RI has held off awarding of a contract for the sculpture foundations while a detailed investigation is made.

A further report will be presented to the committee in June, and Mr Allan said meanwhile expenditure will be limited as much as possible.

Council officials and RI will work together to monitor the situation. Council leader Stephen McCabe, who represents the area, expressed his unhappiness at the delay.

He said: This is disappointing. This is an iconic project.”