THANKS to letter writer Bernard Deveney (Tele Postbag, April 24) for checking on the progress of the first phase of the West Blackhall Street upgrade.

However, I am writing this letter to make it clear that the works in West Blackhall Street, well-managed by a team of professionally qualified engineers, are far from complete.

As an experienced builder, Mr Deveney must understand that every major regeneration project has a range of stages and processes.

In the case of West Blackhall Street, this first phase of the works is currently about 40 per cent complete with a projected completion date of August. West Blackhall Street Phase 2 is anticipated to begin later this year.

I hope that this information gives reassurance to Mr Deveney and any readers who shared his concerns.

With all appropriate mechanisms for quality management in place, I felt it important to write with assurances that the workmanship is of the standard we would expect and that all necessary corrections will be made as the works progress to full completion.

When this particular project is finished, we are confident that West Blackhall Street will be more desirable and accessible for residents, businesses and visitors.

I am sure we all agree that the disruption associated with any work of this type can be unsettling and inconvenient but that opening up this treasured part of Greenock with seating and spaces to make the area a more welcoming place is ultimately an extremely important and necessary development.

Councillor Francesca Brennan