A MULTI-million pound school refurbishment job has been hit by a series of delays with the current completion date now four months behind schedule.

The £6.5m renovation and extension at St Mary's Primary should have been completed last November but 'adverse weather' has prolonged the work.

Inverclyde Council chiefs had previously advised members of the education and communities committee that the protracted project would be completed this month.

However, it has now been announced by officials that it will be late March before it is done.

Pupils will have to wait until Easter before they can move in.

A report by officials said: "The contractor's current programme is indicating a completion at the end of March 2020 with the further delay partly in connection with adverse weather and difficult ground conditions experienced installing underground drainage/services.

"It is anticipated that the transfer [of staff and pupils] will now be programmed to align with the Easter holiday period with exceptional closure days at the end of that period.

"Progress is being monitored closely.

"Engagement with the head teacher and wider stakeholders will continue as the project is progressed towards completion."

Staff and pupils will continue to use the former Sacred Heart School in Larkfield until the work is completed.

The interior of the St Mary's building is being remodelled, with all classrooms and teaching facilities modernised and a new gym/assembly hall erected.

Its roof has been completely re-slated, all windows have been replaced and stonework mended.

The report, which will go before the committee on January 21, states that the 'majority of teaching spaces are at an advanced stage'.