Redundant shipping containers could be the answer to Helensburgh's "stagnating" housing market, a town businessman has claimed.

James Steel believes people struggling to buy a home of their own in the town because of unrealistic prices in the property market would do well to consider the "container" option.

As we reported last week, Mr Steel is seeking permission to set up six redundant containers as a "show home" near the centre of town.

He is asking Argyll and Bute Council for the go-ahead to locate the containers on a site in East Clyde Street, next to Arnold Clark's garage and showroom.

This week, Mr Steel told the Advertiser that reaction to his plan had been very positive.

"I have heard nothing negative so far," he said.

Mr Steel, 41, runs R.B. Steel & Co - started by his father Bobby in 1959 - which specialises in UK and international removals.

He said: "I was born and bred in Helensburgh and know the town well, so I want to bring something affordable to the market that's reasonably straightforward. But we need to start thinking outside the box.

"The town's housing market is stagnating, but there is land available. People have invested a lot of money in their homes but are unrealistic about the retail value. As a result, I have seen houses on the market for months - years, even - and not selling. I do see this as the answer."

Mr Steel is making his move as this novel concept rapidly increases in popularity, with a number of UK companies getting in on the act and fashionable container homes springing up worldwide from New Zealand to California.

One - lavishly furnished and using multiple containers welded together - is on sale at Crossford in the Clyde Valley for offers over £545,000.

However, the Helensburgh businessman says he would gear his prices to the lower end of he scale, though stresses that prices would very depending on the requirements of the client.

He said: "We have plans to offer single and double container units 'off the shelf' by the end of this year and custom orders for multiple unit homes into next year and beyond.

"These units can be installed almost anywhere and in places normally inaccessible by normal standards using our unique 'twist lock' foundation pad.

"Our basic model garden room/office will be available at £9,995, a starter home hopefully will come in around £40,000 depending on finish level.

"The client will hold the key, as they effectively will dictate the final price dependent on their requirements."

"They are easy to move with crane or hiab lorry and can be sited off grid - independent of electricity and water supplies - using various different technologies like solar panels and heat pumps."

The planning application can be viewed by searching Argyll and Bute Council's website for the application code 17/02154/PP.