Who are the Lib Dems trying to kid?

I see that Port Glasgow's two Lib Dem candidates have come up with a grand plan to improve Port Glasgow Town Centre.

Point 1 - abandon the proposed park and ride at Highholm and build houses instead on the site with the park and ride at Bogston or Woodhall.

Comment: Bogston is less suitable for a park and ride as it is on the Gourock line; the only sites at Woodhall are owned by River Clyde Homes and earmarked for housing; Woodhall is a limited stop halt. The Council already has plans for further new housing near to the town centre at Lower Mary Street.

Point 2 - provide a new shoppers car park off Princes Street.

Comment: This has already been agreed as part of the Labour-led Administration's £1m investment in the town centre, which Liberal Democrat Councillors voted against. Work on the car park should commence within the next few months.

Point 3 - cuts rents for Council owned shops.

Comment: The Council is willing to negotiate with prospective tenants over rents and can offer rent free periods in certain circumstances.

Point 4 - keep Council jobs in Port Glasgow.

Comment: The Council is planning to establish a customer service centre in Port Glasgow in one of the vacant shop units.

Labour's plan for Port Glasgow Town Centre is a bit more ambitious:

• £1m investment to improve shop fronts; provide a new car park; environmental improvements; and create a new entrance way at the eastern end of the town centre, complementing major works completed over the last few years;
• Work with owners to develop plans for empty and derelict properties, including potential redevelopment for housing;
• Utilise funding from SPT to give a major facelift to the bus station and create a park and ride facility, which should free up parking spaces within the town centre for shoppers;
• Upgrade Coronation Park, with an extension to the children's play park already completed.