CALLS have been made for a major new transport project in Inverclyde to support economic growth and reverse the population decline.

Stuart McMillan, the Greenock and Inverclyde SNP MSP, has submitted a nine page plea to Roy Brannen, the chief executive of Transport Scotland.

One of his proposals is for a bypass to take pressure off the A78/A8 trunk roads that serve as the only main route in and out of Inverclyde.

Mr McMillan said: “Inverclyde is an excellent location for living, business and tourism but we always need to strive to improve the opportunities for our area.

"My submission is aimed at helping everyone currently living and doing business locally as well as aiming to help stem depopulation with a population growth consideration."

Mr McMillan has also called for an additional train service each hour on the Wemyss Bay line to support major housing proposals and traffic lights along the A78 corridor to be adjusted to reduce congestion and to help keep buses running on time.

In addition, he has proposed the establishment of a 'National Ferry Building Strategy' that includes Ferguson's in Port Glasgow and for designated cycling routes to be introduced to encourage people to leave their cars at home.

He added: "We need reliable and resilient transport infrastructure – and considering the major housing developments proposed for the west of Inverclyde, it’s crucial that there are more trains serving people on the Wemyss Bay rail line.

"If we don't address these issues we are looking at more cars on the A78 clogging it up and making it much harder for those relying on local bus services.

"Businesses are impacted by issues on the trunk network as it can result in supplies not being delivered – regardless of whether it’s food or raw materials."

Mr McMillan also believes there should be more investment in promoting active travel options such as cycling.

He said: "It’s also important that we shift our focus towards active travel – which means creating designated cycling lanes and prioritising buses. Improving the signalling of the traffic lights along the A78 would help keep the buses moving, making them a more attractive option for commuters.

"A bypass has been muted over the years and I know Cllr Chris Curley has undertaken a vast amount of work in this area. It’s something we have discussed numerous times and something that should now be seriously looked at.

"My submission demonstrates the challenges, but also the opportunities, that exist in Inverclyde. That's why it’s vital that a major transport project is scheduled for our area."

Mr McMillan hopes his proposals will be included in the National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2) which is due to be drawn up this year.