BRIDGE repairs which will result in the closure of a key Gourock road for nearly two months have been postponed for a second time.

Inverclyde Council today confirmed that the 'essential' improvements to the structure on Cardwell Road will now begin in May.

The work was originally scheduled to start on October 15 last year with a seven week timeframe set for them to be finished.

Council officials put the project on hold after concerns were raised about the impact it would have on local businesses in the run-up to Christmas.

The work was supposed to get under way this month but it has been postponed again, until the weather improves and when there is more daylight to ensure it is carried out as quickly as possible.

An Inverclyde Council spokesman said: "Cardwell Road is a key route into Gourock and we recognise how important it is to the local community. "We had planned to do essential maintenance on the road bridge in December but postponed it to allow traders to make the most of the pre-Christmas rush.

"We did consider doing the work in January but May offers better conditions in terms of more daylight - so longer working days - less traffic and warmer temperatures. "We felt that all these factors were important in terms of getting the work done as quickly as possible and causing the least disruption to the local community."

The project will involve the removal and replacement of waterproofing membrane on the Cardwell Road bridge, which runs over the Gourock to Glasgow railway line.

Repairs will also be carried out to the existing concrete bridge deck and new kerbs and pavements installed on the stretch between Caledonia Crescent and Caledonia Gardens.

Council chiefs say the work is necessary to protect the bridge, increase its lifespan and avoid more extensive and disruptive work at a later date.

A spokesman said: "The work is part of our ongoing programme to maintain and improve crucial components of the road network. "Some £60,000 will be spent on waterproofing the bridge deck and completely replacing the road surface.

"The work is expected to take seven weeks and we will do all we can to keep any delays and inconvenience to a minimum."