MULTI-MILLION pound plans to redevelop Port Glasgow town centre were welcomed today by local traders.

The £43m proposals follow consultations with residents and businesses, and include a new road from the A8 to Princes Street, as well as funding packages to develop empty shop units and support new businesses.

The high cost, however, means only some of the ideas are likely to go ahead.

Port Glasgow Traders’ Association chairman, Drew McKenzie, said: “The findings of the consultation do not come as a surprise, and nor does the price ticket that has been attached.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the council to prioritise these recommendations. It is important that a number of them are acted on as a matter of urgency.

“The regeneration of the town will take many years, but at least now we have a detailed blueprint in place from which to work.

“It is very important that this new report is not consigned to a drawer, but is used as a guide for all future development.” Mr McKenzie also emphasised the importance of shoppers continuing to support local businesses, saying it was the only way to encourage new enterprises to open in the area.

And he congratulated Inverclyde Council and urban regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde for their ‘genuine efforts’ to revitalise the town centre in recent years.

He said: “We have welcomed an excellent car park designed specifically for shoppers. We have witnessed the revamping of many shop exteriors and the installation of a much appreciated canopy along part of Church Street and Princes Street.

“Our local councillors have engaged properly with the traders and other parties within the town, and have addressed many of our concerns.

“But it was appreciated by all concerned that much still needs to be done. It was also noted that the thinking had to become more long term rather than quick fix.”