DRIVERS in Inverclyde are facing lengthy A8 delays for the second day in succession because of a broken manhole cover.

The problem caused chaos westbound last night, after a small stretch at East Hamilton Street near the IBM building had to be blocked off.

Roads chiefs pledged it would be repaired overnight, and carried out the necessary work.

But today's weather conditions, with heavy rain falling throughout the day, caused damage to the cover and meant it had to coned off again.

Traffic jams built up quickly, with tailbacks stretching all the way to Port Glasgow.

Motorists are being warned that the road misery will continue for the time being, as the new round of repairs won't start until after rush-hour.

A Scotland TranServ spokesperson said: “Due to extremely heavy rain and a high tide, the manhole cover which was reinstated last night has been damaged on the A8 East Hamilton Street in Greenock.

"This is located at the point where the conflict of tide and catchment area run-off is greatest. The fault was reported this afternoon and will be repaired as soon as traffic flows are sufficiently low.”