A DISUSED former train station that served the old IBM factory in Greenock should be renamed as part of wider development plans for the site, according to Inverclyde's MSP.

Stuart McMillan has called for a new title for the IBM stop as well as the creation of an 'active travel' path from the Spango Valley site.

The SNP man says that the proposals for a route from the station going via Ardgowan Distillery and onto Inverkip village could help to drive up tourism.

The IBM station, previously known as IBM Halt, served the Glasgow-Wemyss Bay line and closed at the end of 2018, two years after the last remaining parts of the factory site shut.

In March this year, businessmen James and Sandy Easdale were granted permission to build up to 450 new homes on the land.

Mr McMillan said: “Although the station is currently mothballed, with plans now being proposed to redevelop the site for housing and Ardgowan Distillery being built further along the A78 towards Inverkip, consideration will soon need to be given to bringing the station back into use.

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“Ahead of the station re-opening, I would like to see the public involved in renaming the station as IBM have long left Inverclyde.

“I personally believe that Ardgowan would be a fitting title, as there is Ardgowan Distillery and Ardgowan House nearby, and it would help visitors to the area easily identify which station to alight from to access these tourist attractions."

The MSP added: “My reason for also mentioning an active travel path is because without one, visitors would likely have to walk through the proposed housing estate in Spango Valley then along the A78 towards Ardgowan Distillery.

“I don’t think many people would like to walk along a busy dual carriageway if it can be avoided, and I also think it might entice people living in the proposed housing estate to walk into Inverkip, where they can dine and drink out, and access their nearest pharmacy and convenience store.

“I don’t foresee any issues with renaming the station but developing an active travel path may be more of a challenge due to the numerous landowners that would need to be involved.

"I’m sure local businesses in Inverkip would see the benefit of this, as would any future Spango Valley residents.

“I hope that the Scottish Government and Network Rail are keen to explore this further.”