COUNCILLORS have branded the delay to a major overhaul of Alexandria town centre “disappointing” but maintain it must go ahead – despite it costing an extra £300,000.

Plans to develop busy Mitchell Way hit a stumbling block last week when it was revealed a major gas main had been discovered beneath the site.

Coupled with a number of “unforeseen” obstacles, West Dunbartonshire Council officials told elected members at a recent infrastructure, regeneration and economic development (IRED) committee they would have to fork out the eye-watering extra sum to ensure the project was completed.

But local councillors remain convinced plans must continue, with council officers warning “not moving forward with the development opportunity at this time would see a continued decline of the town centre”.

Cllr Caroline McAllister told the Reporter: “Whilst it’s disappointing that the site requires the works necessary for the development to progress, we need to balance the costs against the advantages this development will bring to the Vale.

“Having an anchor retailer in the Vale is a boost to the area and sends a strong message that Alexandria is worthy of investment, thus encouraging other retailers to site, boosting the local economy and bringing employment opportunities.

“The addition of much needed social housing on the site is welcomed and goes some way in meeting the housing needs of local people.”

As previously reported, the site was sold to CCG Scotland and Kingsmead Developments last year in a bid to revamp the town with new shops and housing at a cost of around £630,000.

A Lidl, nine retail units and a three-storey housing development are already earmarked for the area with terms being set with Caledonia Housing for 26 one and two-bedroom flats above the retail space.

However, the gas main – which would pose a “health and safety risk” which developers were not alerted to, as well as the need for strengthening a retaining wall and building two entirely new substations – has meant has resulted in a £282,000 bill.

The report to councillors states: “The developers commissioned topographical and intrusive surveys and the results from these together with the the unforeseen issues resulting from the detailed design have resulted in a significant increase in the overall cost of the development.”

However, the project’s cross-party support resulted in the agreement to grant the additional funding to allow the development to continue, with the majority stating their main priority was ensuring the site underwent its transformation.

Cllr Ian Dickson added: “The regeneration of central Alexandria has enjoyed cross-party support for a decade.

“The council has talked about this for long enough but now is the time to actually do something about it and deliver much-needed benefits for the local community. I certainly believe that it is well worth the investment.”