THE owners of one of Greenock's biggest and busiest pubs have drawn up safety measures to enable it to reopen when the go ahead is given.

Pub chain J D Wetherspoon, which runs the James Watt in Cathcart Street, has unveiled plans for how the pub will operate once lockdown is fully lifted by the Scottish Government.

Under the safety plan, all employees will have their temperature taken daily.

Two extra staff will be taken on to walk around and clean surfaces and touch points throughout the pub.

Staff will complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work.

They will also be provided with protective gloves, masks and eyewear, and hand sanitiser dispensers will be dotted around the pub.

Screens are to be installed at till points and in seating areas where it is not possible to separate tables to the social distancing requirement,.

Customers will also be encouraged to order via the Wetherspoon app to cut down on trips to the bar.

The pub will use one entrance with a separate exit door where possible, floor stickers will be introduced and a reduced food service is on the menu, but opening hours will not change.

Dedicated staff will monitor the pub at all times in order to maintain social distancing standards and there will be a member of staff on the door at peak times.

The team will receive full training on the new way of working.

Neil Clark, manager at The James Watt, said: “The government have not confirmed any reopening date for pubs.

“However, it is important that we are prepared for any announcement.

“We have spent a number of weeks consulting with staff who work in our pubs, as well as area managers in order to draw up our plans.

“The safety of staff and customers is paramount."