A CAMPAIGNING councillor has welcomed a series of major improvements to Port Glasgow Railway Station.

David Wilson says he is delighted that - pending final approval - elevators will be installed on the platforms to make them more accessible for people with disabilities.

Plans to demolish a footbridge and add the lifts alongside a new ramped entrance is currently winding its way through the planning process - and is no on the 'prior approval' notifications list.

Councillor Wilson, who is also operations chair at SPT, said: "I have been campaigning for this for the last 15 years, so it is great to see if finally on the brink of happening.

"There will be a lift on each platform to take people up to a bride across the railway and then they can cross onto the other platform.

"The current stairs make it impossible to access the railway bridge for people with disabilities, as well as some elderly passengers when carrying heavy luggage.

"This will be far more inclusive.

"Port Glasgow is among the busiest stations in Inverclyde and at rush hour there is a lot of footfall. We need to have the facilities in place to mirror that."

The politician says that the changes will reinforce Port Glasgow's position as a prominent transport hub, alongside the town's park and ride facility.

Councillor Wilson said: "These improvements will turn Port Glasgow Station into a significant focal point for people coming and going. We also have the park and ride, which is going to be expanded, so it is all positive for the town.

"We also have the bus station and a 20-minute service to upper Port Glasgow on three different services."

Councillor Wilson says the improvements in the town centre, retail park, community centre and Parklea is making Port Glasgow increasingly popular with shoppers and visitors.

He said: "The retail park is doing very well and there have been a lot of improvements in the town itself, with new pavements, the community centre, Parklea and the shared campus.

"It all bodes well for the future."

The station project is being jointly funded by Network Rail and SPT.