MOVES to open up Port Glasgow Railway Station to disabled passengers have taken a major step forward.

Public transport body Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has pledged £700,000 to support major engineering works which will see Inverclyde's busiest station get a new bridge linking the two platforms.

New lifts will also be fitted to allow for independent disabled access.

It follows a long campaign for better access at the station.

Local councillor David Wilson, who chairs the SPT operations committee, is delighted the investment it is finally getting under way.

He said: "The SPT is committed to improving accessibility to public transport and connectivity in our town centres and I am very pleased with this latest investment.

"We have already invested in the park and ride facility, as well as town centre environmental work.

"Port Glasgow train station is now the busiest in Inverclyde and this work reflects that.

"Only Wemyss Bay and Gourock train stations have disabled access at the moment."

It was four years ago when SPT launched a feasibility study into disabled access at the Port station.

The work is part of a wider plan to improve public transport infrastructure and active travel.

Back in 2019 the train station was prioritised for 'step-free access' funding from the Department of Transport, which was welcomed by MP Ronnie Cowan and town councillor Jim MacLeod.

Cllr Wilson says the work is another improvement for Port Glasgow, which has enjoyed a lot of regeneration in recent years.

He added: "We have had the shared campus, the retail park, the investment at Parklea playing fields and Ferguson's and now the train station.

"The only spot left is Clune Park and we need to make a solution for that a priority."

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s capital programme for this year includes investment of £22m to cover projects across 12 local authority areas.

Its chair, Councillor Dr Martin Bartos said: “Careful consideration has been given to what projects can be delivered and those which most benefit the travelling public most.

"Projects which aim to reduce journey times and improve infrastructure for all transport users are a priority, as they play a key role in transforming public transport in the west of Scotland."