FED-UP motorists have been given a boost after roads chiefs announced a major £1 million investment in our cracked main carriageways.

Scotland Transerv have announced that they are to get to work on projects on both the A8 and A78 in Inverclyde, which they maintain on behalf of the government's Transport Scotland agency.

Local MSP Stuart McMillan, who has been pushing for money for both routes, today welcomed the cash injection which comes just weeks after the Tele reported how local businesses had blasted the state of the local road network.

The vast bulk of the money will be used to fund an autumn resurfacing programme.

Mr McMillan said: “Following my meeting with Transport Scotland’s chief executive last year and my two drives around Inverclyde with senior Transport Scotland officials last summer and last month, I welcome this significant investment to the area.

"I am glad my pressure is paying off.

"I have always had positive and productive discussions with both Transport Scotland and Scotland Transerv, but often I have felt the follow up actions haven’t been quick enough.

"However, to see such a significant amount of investment being announced following my most recent drive around the constituency is a real positive.

"Being able to bring the local Chamber of Commerce into recent discussions has allowed Transport Scotland to hear first-hand from the business community who rely on these roads to run their businesses."

The improvement work will see resurfacing carried out at the A8 westbound approach to Newark Roundabout and the Pottery Street to Bogston stretch.

The rutted westbound approach to the Bullring Roundabout will also be upgraded.

Eastbound, crews will resurface the notorious stretch in Port Glasgow between the layby and Langbank rail bridge.

The roads agency will also continue to investigate the extent of the work required at the High Street bridge which passes above the Oak Mall shopping centre in Greenock.

On the A78, the stretch southbound at Spango Valley will be overhauled.

There will also be cash to improve the pedestrian guardrail at Barrs Cottage and access improvements at Chrisswell.

Meanwhile commuters from Inverclyde will also benefit from the resurfacing of the A78 at Skelmorlie and Fairlie.

Transport Scotland says it has already spent £3.6m during 2018 and 2019, and a further £800k of network maintenance and bridge improvements is already being planned into 2020.

Paul Lynch, Scotland TranServ’s network manager, said: “Across Inverclyde Scotland TranServ is delivering an important programme of work to improve the region’s trunk road infrastructure on behalf of Transport Scotland, supporting the economic growth and development of local communities."

MSP Mr McMillan says he is 'particularly pleased' with the resurfacing on the A8 westbound approach to Newark Roundabout.

He told the Tele: "This is something I have raised with Transport Scotland on numerous occasions.

"While all works announced are positive, I will continue to raise issues and as always I am happy to hear form any of my constituent who wish for me to raise issues on their behalf.”