The proposal to improve the A78 at Inverkip has been made by council chiefs as part of special ‘City Deal’ funding agreement which covers the Clyde Valley area.

It is understood that Transport Scotland officials have now met with local authority representatives regarding their plan.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has confirmed that short to medium term decisions over the Inverkip North junction of the road will be taken soon.

MSP Stuart McMillan — who has campaigned on A78 safety issues over the last eight years — today welcomed the developments.

He said: “Concerns have been raised by myself, on behalf of my constituents, for some time and it’s heartening to learn that our voices are being heard.

“The announcement that the City Deal proposal for a roundabout at Inverkip will be welcomed by my constituents and seen as a victory for our years of campaigning.” Transport Scotland ruled out spending £1 million on a roundabout in 2009 and decided on the cheapest option — improved road markings — costing £10,000.

However, bosses have now decided that the danger junction is ‘worthy of further investigation’, it has been confirmed by transport minister Derek MacKay MSP.

In a letter to Mr McMillan, the minister states: “Our operating company for the south west unit has prioritised the road safety investigation to commence at the start of the new legislation year in April.

“This will consider what measures may be appropriate for the existing junction in the short to medium term.” Mr MacKay adds: “I can advise that the Glasgow Clyde Valley City Deal that was signed in August 2014 includes proposals by Inverclyde Council for a roundabout at Inverkip.

“Please note that it is a matter for City Deal to prioritise their projects.”