NEW speed bumps and pavement 'build-outs' at a Greenock speeding hotspot have been hailed by a campaigning councillor - despite some residents claiming the cash would be better spent elsewhere.

After fighting for several years for traffic-calming measures around Newton Street, Graeme Brooks says he is delighted to see the £70,000 works finally begin following the environment and regeneration committee’s approval last October.

The Conservative Inverclyde North representative insists the council made the right call, despite a handful of residents branding the move as unnecessary.

A total of three objections forced a public hearing to be held over the plans, but councillors agreed to get the measures in place by eight votes to one.

Councillor Brooks said it was only right opposers had their say, but insisted public safety was paramount.

He said: “The outcome is a very positive one and I’m pleased to see shovels now in the ground.

“I have been focusing on this for a good number of years now.

"It was decided the original plan officers came up with did not go far enough and we as elected members thought they could do more, so they went back to the drawing board.

“Then there were some objections to the new plan, so another special meeting had to be held.

“I think it was the right decision to get these measures in place.

“This area is surrounded by a primary school, two parks, a nursing home and it’s a walking route for Clydeview Academy [in Gourock], so you’ve really got five public safety considerations there.

“There are high speeds on Newton Street and there is clear evidence in the statistics that accidents do happen.

"So I’m delighted constituents have been listened to and progress is being made.”

The road humps – termed 'speed cushions' – are being placed from approximately opposite 124 Lyle Road north for 180 metres, and 53 metres west of the 'Craigs' easterly to the junction of Madeira Street and Newton Street.

Build-outs - which involve extending the pavement on one side into the carriageway to narrow the road - are being installed at the east and west corners of Madeira Street and Newton Street and the east and west corners of South Street and Newton Street.

Council chiefs are aiming to have the work completed by the middle of March.

During the latest special meeting held to debate the issue, data presented to councillors showed there had been three accidents over the last four years in Lyle Road where cars were travelling above the 30mph speed limit, and sometimes at more than 40mph.

Council papers also suggested a 'significant number' of motorists were breaking the limit in Newton Street.