Town centre work ongoing due to weather but completion in sight

TOWN centre improvement works in Oban are still ongoing, almost six weeks after they were due to be completed, writes Louise Glen.

As yet, there is no final date for completion of the works, but it is understood it is likely to be within weeks – rather than into the autumn.

When asked for a completion date, a spokesman for Argyll and Bute Council said: ‘Station Square is nearing completion, subject to good weather.

‘After this, the scheme will be substantially complete, with just some smaller works, such as planters, to complete.’

In a statement about the improvement works, he continued: ‘ We are now entering the final phase of the project. Progress this week has been good, despite poor weather.

‘The majority of work has been focused on the installation of the new lighting columns and infilling paving around new cable pillars and lighting columns.

‘As a result of this, work we have been able to remove more barriers and fully open the pavements in most areas.

‘ Work on the planters has also progressed in advance of the new slating wall going ahead next week.

‘ Painting work to the north pier road bollards has continued on site while shotblasting and painting of the sea wall lighting standards off site has also been completed.

‘Land Engineering has been unable to lay the resin bound material in Station Square due to the weather conditions, however, we are confident with better weather forecast next week these works will get under way.’

The works are part of a multi-million pound scheme to enhance the sea front in Oban. It has included the pedestrianisation of Stafford Street and will also see improvements to the North Pier and the formation of pontoons in Oban Bay, to the north of the pier.