A GREENOCK bar-restaurant which has been closed for eight years is reopening with up to five new jobs on the menu.

Connelly's in Nicolson Street is being revived and will be back in business within a matter of weeks.

It was latterly known as Slanj until 2011 when the premises closed.

A Renfrew-based company bought the bar in April 2015 and a £150,000 renovation began early the following year.

After being stripped back to the bare brickwork inside, the project subsequently stalled and the premises remained untouched for nearly three years.

Work resumed again recently and now the bar is 'three to four weeks' away from reopening.

Having been known as Connelly's for many years, the owners have revived the name.

A new sign went up at the weekend and it is all hands on deck for the reopening.

The owners declined to comment on the ongoing refurbishment but the Tele has learned that it will be more of a sports bar and there will be a full food service.

There has been a radical internal makeover with modern fixtures, fittings and eye-catching wall art whilst some of the original features have been retained, such as the brickwork and stained-glass windows designed by Greenock artist Alec Galloway.

Around five members of staff will be taken on initially, but that could rise.