A FRESH move is being made to have a notorious Renfrewshire road upgraded.

Elected members from all political parties have backed a motion put forward by Councillor Andy Doig, who represents Johnstone and surrounding villages, which calls for improvements to the A737 between North Ayrshire and Kilbarchan as a dedicated City Deal project.

The Glasgow City Region City Deal is to fund major infrastructure projects in Renfrewshire, creating thousands of jobs in the process.

One of the major projects proposed was a new opening bridge over the River Clyde to connect Renfrew with Yoker but this could now be swapped for two crossings over the White Cart River.

Cllr Doig said he sees this change as an opportunity to bring improvements to the A737 back on the table, after the idea failed to make the initial shortlist of projects.

For years, there have been concerns over the safety of that stretch of the A737, with numerous accidents taking place.

Cllr Doig, who is an Independent councillor, said: “I would like to thank both the Labour and Tory groups for supporting my amendment at the Leadership Board.

“This is an issue which rightly transcends party politics.

“Having read the report on the City Deal update, it was clear that, due to the Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) development progressing, the nature of scope of the three City Deal projects for Renfrewshire may have to change.

“If the menu is to change, then I saw that as a major opportunity to put the subject of the A737 upgrade back on the table for consideration.

“I am pleased due consideration was given to my amendment by my civic colleagues because we are all getting e-mails from local residents complaining about the state of the potholes on the A737, which are a real health and safety risk.

“We are also currently lobbying Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce to back our case as the A737 is the transport spine of Renfrewshire and I think the Leadership Board decision reflected that reality.”

The GAIA also now includes the development of the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland in Inchinnan, next to Glasgow Airport.

Work to build the £65million industry-led institute will start later this year.

However, council leader Iain Nicolson has sounded caution over any hopes that an upgrade of the A737 will take place under the City Deal investment.

He said: “These projects are about improving employability. The City Deal does not decide on road projects, which are the responsibility of other organisations like Transport Scotland.

“But we support investment in the A737 and we will continue to have dialogue with the transport minister on issues in Renfrewshire.”