Now expected to begin in 2021, the Lochgilphead Front Green and Colchester Square public realm projects are part of the council-funded Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund but are also being supported by the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Fund, Sustrans and the Lochgilphead Phoenix Project via the Co-operative Local Community Fund.

They will make improvements to the Lochgilphead Front Green and Colchester Square by improving drainage, resurfacing and upgrading play and amenity facilities.

The proposals include an area of resurfacing to the Colchester Square area of Argyll Street which may be delivered separately, earlier in 2021.

Councillor Alastair Redman, policy lead for economic development, said: “I want to reassure everyone that we are working really hard to deliver the projects successfully. Our goal is for construction to begin in 2021 with the majority of works being completed during the summer.

“I appreciate this is a disappointment for the local community. The fact is, despite all our efforts to procure a contractor to deliver the works, we haven’t been able to secure one at this time. Such has been the far-reaching effects of COVID-19 across all areas of life.”