CONCERNS have been raised over the £6 million refurbishment of Greenock's main shopping street after parts of the road surface were torn up.
West Blackhall Street was coned off between Nicolson Street and Laird Street on Saturday after the speed bump near the Nicolson Street junction was damaged, with large cracks appearing in the surface and brickwork lifted from the street.
The road reopened on Tuesday after repairs were carried out.
Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan now says he wants confirmation that other sections of the street will be inspected to check that they are not vulnerable to similar damage.
He also wants an assurance that taxpayers won't foot the bill for the repair work.
Inverclyde Council says the repair which allowed the road to reopen on Tuesday was only temporary and that it's working with the contractor and design consultant to identify the root cause.
Resurfacing of the road was only completed in March this year after months of construction works as part of a £6 million revamp of the stretch from Westburn Street to Grey Place.
On Tuesday workers were seen clearing debris and patching up the hole with a ‘temporary material’, removing the cones and closed road sign.
Mr McMillan said: “I know it would have been a huge worry to businesses to see repairs taking place so soon after the improvement works were concluded, and it does raise questions about this project, but fundamentally the road has reopened, which I welcome.
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“That said, this surely must be a temporary repair as it cannot be left this way after a £6m investment into the street.
“I very much hope the contractor is footing the bill and not the Inverclyde taxpayer.
“I also will be seeking confirmation that other sections of the road, similar to this, are inspected to ensure they do not have similar defects.”
An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: “The loose debris has been removed and the road reinstated with temporary material which allowed for the road to be reopened to traffic.
“A permanent reinstatement will be progressed and completed at the earliest opportunity.
“We are working with the main contractor and design consultant to establish the cause of the damage to the road surface.
“Further surveys and inspections are also being carried out along the full length of West Blackhall Street.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
