A GREENOCK town centre thoroughfare axed from a major free wireless internet rollout nearly two years ago is set to be reinstated to it — dependent on other projects and the impact of Covid.

West Blackhall Street — seen as the town's traditional high street — was removed from the £185,000 contract in April of 2019 due to council budgeting constraints.

But now the cobbled street is being seen as an important addition to the overall 'Smart Town' programme — other factors permitting.

An Inverclyde Council spokesman said: "Following a review of the programme, we were able to identify opportunities where we could build upon the good work that had already been done, utilise existing resources and link in with other projects, including the new Greenock Ocean Terminal development and the planned regeneration of West Blackhall Street, to extend coverage into more areas, including West Blackhall Street itself and surrounding town centre locations.

"The next phases of the rollout are dependent on the progression of other projects and the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

"But we're hopeful that we can continue this rollout as part of our ongoing commitment to regenerate Greenock Town Centre."

The free wifi contract — part of an overall £1.9 million regeneration funding package — was awarded to tech firm Capita in July of 2018.

It was hailed at the time as an 'ambitious and innovative' project to make Greenock one of Scotland's first 'smart' towns.

The loss of the wifi for West Blackhall Street annoyed some traders who were already unhappy that the new cruise ship complex, planned for the Waterfront Cinema area, would divert visitors away from them.

The council spokesman said: "Initial work on the Greenock town centre wifi project has been completed providing first-class wireless internet access which is free to all in the heart of the town centre, including in the town hall, and at the nearby Watt Institution and new Greenock Health Centre building.

"Early feedback has been very positive."

The Telegraph understands that any extension of the rollout will be met from the original £250,000 budget, including the £185,000 supply and delivery work awarded to Capita, which the council says it has been able to build upon to extend the scheme.

West Blackhall Street was removed from the project in 2018 because the council was advised to opt for fibre optic cabling to supply the internet connection.

Officials said that, despite it being a more expensive option, it would deliver better value to the taxpayer and last longer.

Depute council leader Jim Clocherty said at the time: "But there's no use putting old technology in and very quickly it's out of date.

"Technology is fast moving."