A FUMING town centre resident has slammed the disruption being caused by roadworks during the ongoing £3m revamp of West Blackhall Street.

Mary Solomon, 50, has lived in her flat on the street with her partner for the last eight years and says she's always enjoyed staying in the town centre, until now.

She says the street has become 'a mess' during the regeneration scheme and is fed up with the constant noise from the project.

Greenock Telegraph:

She said: "They were even working on Sunday. It is so bad I've been sitting in the back room.

"I can't take the upheaval of it.

"When it's done I will have a bench planned that will be facing looking into my close door. I'll have an audience every time I come out of my front door.

"The council don't listen to residents, we never got asked."

Mary's partner Kevin MacLeod bought the flat 30 years ago but the couple say they now face an obstacle course just to get in and out of their property.

Mary said: "It's ridiculous. None of the bins are getting emptied and it's encouraging rats. I had to bring it to the council's attention.

"It's a mess and I don't think it will encourage people to come back into the town."

She is also unhappy with the decision to create a new cycle track on the street as part of the upgrade.

Mary said: "These new benches are facing inwards, towards the shops, in case people step out in front of a cyclist.

"But have you seen anyone cycling on that cycle lane on the main road round the corner?"

A spokesperson for Inverclyde Council said there had been an increase in usage with the cycle lane in Dalrymple Street.

They added: “We consulted with members of the public, residents, partners and local businesses about the £3.2 million improvement works to West Blackhall Street by sending letters and we held two open days late last year for people to come along and find out more.

"We have also posted regularly on our social media channels and engaged with local media to inform people about the ongoing work.

“This work is temporary and will result in West Blackhall Street becoming a vibrant area which is accessible for all.

"There will be additional space for pedestrians and cyclists as well as new public areas for people to enjoy with extra seating, lighting and decorating planters containing trees and shrubs to enhance the environment.

“Benches are being installed to enhance the street scene and encourage people to enjoy spending time in the area.

"The position of the benches with backs has been considered with the view that, were they to face the road, they would need to be positioned back from the kerb to give people enough space in front of them.

"Moving them in this way would reduce the width of the available footway.

“We hope people will share in our positive vision and get behind Greenock.”