PEDESTRIAN access improvements around a busy junction in the centre of Alexandria have been given the green light by councillors.

Luddon Construction Ltd are to carry out improvement work at the Smollett Fountain, on the junction of Main Street and Bank Street, on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC)

The Glasgow-based contractor was awarded a contract worth more than £600,000 to carry out public realm improvement works in the area at a meeting of the local authority's tendering committee this week – despite some concern over the council's previous experiences with the same firm.

Work is expected to begin on Monday, February 7, and will last for approximately four months.

The exact extent of closures to pavements and/or roads in the area is not yet known.

Council officer Derek McLean told a meeting of the committee on January 12: “This is a request to award a contract to regenerate the Smollett Fountain and surrounding area. 

“The work will include the restoration of the fountain area including footpaths and roads.

"This is the second phase of the three-phase restoration project of Smollett Fountain.

“Temporary work was previously carried out, so this is the permanent development. There will also be the restoration of the fountain itself at a later date.”

Council leader Jonathan McColl said he was happy with the report presented to the committee and the recommendations within it.

He said: “We have had good experience working with Luddon in terms of the quality of work that they do.

"The one issue we have had is the aftermath, and it has been a bit of a challenge to get Luddon to clear up after themselves – particularly if they have a fenced off area for supplies and sheds.

“Sometimes it can be difficult to get them to come back and tidy up those areas.

"Can I just ask that whatever contract we put in place, is quite clear on the requirements there?”

It was confirmed that a requirement to tidy up the area fully will be included in the contract.

Members then unanimously agreed to the proposal.