COUNCIL chiefs who were set to splash out £130,000 on a refurbishment of Greenock's historic Lyle Fountain have been told their budget for the project is 'significantly' short.

Only one contractor considered suitable to carry out the restoration of the Cathcart Square landmark has come back - with a bid so high that the figure is not disclosed in a report to elected members.

The local authority wants to return the drinking fountain — gifted to the town by sugar magnate Abram Lyle in 1880 — to its former glory.

But the current mystery price tag for the work has sparked a rethink and an investigation into more cost-effective possibilities.

An updated report to councillors states that the solitary compliant tender received is 'significantly over budget', without any mention of the specific sum involved.

The council is now exploring the possibility of re-tendering for the work and allowing the fountain to be removed off-site for the work to be carried out.

The report states: "This would assist in avoiding winter working and potentially reduce overall timescale and cost."

Abram Lyle founded the Lyle sugar refinery which was later merged with Henry Tate's rival refinery to form the Tate & Lyle brand, which continues to exist today.

Mr Lyle was Greenock's provost from 1876 to 1879 before he moved to London and established a refinery which produced his famous golden syrup.

The Lyle Fountain has an ornamental dome which features the crests of 18 prominent Greenock families, including Ardgowan, Watt and Morton.

Another fountain, the Jubilee font on Ashton Promenade, was restored in 2019.