RUNDOWN shops in Larkfield could be given a new lease of life after local authority chiefs confirmed they are in advanced talks with an interested buyer.

The largely vacant Ravenscraig Shopping Centre could be in line for a boost after Inverclyde Council, which owns the complex, announced that a preferred purchaser had been successfully sought out.

The majority of shops at the Cumberland Walk precinct are empty except for a Chinese takeaway, a bookmaker’s and a pharmacy.

Council bosses expect the site to remain as a retail space but are staying tight-lipped at the moment about any further details surrounding the sale.

A spokesman said: “The site at Cumberland Walk has been marketed by our property services as a retail development opportunity.

“A preferred purchaser has been identified.

“It isn’t at a stage where we can make an announcement.” The shopping centre sits directly next to the modern multi-million pound Inverclyde Academy, Aileymill Primary school and Ravenscraig Stadium.

Locals are now hoping a deal can be reached so that the row can also be modernised to enhance the appearance of the area and attract new tenants.

News of a possible deal comes just days after council bosses confirmed they are hopeful of finding a new buyer for another of their properties — the former Bogston petrol station on the border of Greenock and Port Glasgow.

Bosses had accepted a bid in principle for the prime site just off the A8 earlier this year, and a deal was expected to be concluded with a company from outside Inverclyde.

However it later collapsed – and the former filling station is now back on the market.

Prospective buyers have until noon on Friday 18 July to submit bids for the old Esso site, which was last in use in 2006.