SENIOR citizens who had complained about a lack of benches at Greenock's busiest bus station are now sitting pretty after the authorities stepped in.

New bus stop benches have been installed at the West Stewart Street terminus so that passengers can rest up as they wait for their services.

Older constituents had contacted MSP Stuart McMillan over the lack of seating at the stances.

Mr McMillan intervened and Strathclyde Partnership for for Transport and Inverclyde Council got together install the new seats.

Local councillor David Wilson, who is also SPT chair of operations, said: “I am delighted to see these new seats introduced for the comfort of all.

"It is pleasing to see we have been able to respond to this simple request which offers a practical solution and meets the needs of users.

“I know consideration was given to those carrying shopping and wanting a seat while waiting on the bus.

"It is good to see, yet again, that SPT working with the council were able to action a solution and demonstrates again what can happen when we work together in close partnership to get things done.”

SPT bosses established that where the seats would need to go in the station fell within the shopping arcade and once ownership of the land was established and permission sought from Inverclyde Council and the shopping centre owners, SPT shelter contractors designed the seats to fit the space available.

Senior citizen Jean Feherty, 88, said: "It's very nice. A lot of older people want to sit down when they are waiting for a bus. It's especially good if you have shopping."

Linda McGregor, 77, added: "I use the bus a lot to go shopping in Gourock. If you miss a bus you have to wait half an hour for another one, so you need a seat."

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, says the improvement said: “This is a relatively small project but it will make a big difference for passengers and is one of the many improvement projects happening in Greenock town centre.

“It has been a long time coming and I’m pleased we have been able to support SPT in making this happen.

"We would like to thank SPT for their continued investment in Greenock and Inverclyde to improve travel links and infrastructure and for working with us on various projects to make Inverclyde an even better place to live, work, visit and do business.”

MSP Mr McMillan says he hopes the improvements will encourage more people to use local bus services.

He told the Tele: "I am delighted that benches have been installed at West Stewart Street Bus Station, as several elderly constituents contacted me about the lack of seating for passengers.

“I am grateful to SPT for actioning my concerns on behalf of my constituents, and for the collaborative work that took place with Inverclyde Council to complete this project.

“This small but important investment will benefit all passengers, but particularly those who’re elderly or disabled, and I hope it will encourage more people to use local bus services.”