Renfrewshire Council has come under fire for “dreadful” communication surrounding roadworks in Elderslie – with a perplexed politician claiming the community has been let down by the local authority.

Frustrations have been aired over a “lack of warning” in advance of the works – which are taking place as part of an investment in the area’s infrastructure – in the village’s Main Road.

READ MORE: Elderslie business owner 'left in the dark' by Renfrewshire Council

Councillor Iain McMillan, a Labour representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, said businesses weren’t given enough time to advise customers of the disruption ahead of the project starting on Tuesday, July 23.

He said: “I haven’t heard anybody, whether they’re a punter or a business person, say the works shouldn’t be getting done.

“Everybody welcomes the works, everybody knows a lot of our roads need to be sorted, but unfortunately there was a total lack of communication.

“Elderslie is a small area but there are a lot of businesses from supermarkets to restaurants, cafes and pubs, and all the rest of it, so there’s a lot going on.

“But the communication was dreadful. The way it was explained to me was that they left it to the contractors, but I think it’s the council’s responsibility.

“The council are usually excellent with their PR but on this one, they’ve let themselves down badly and more importantly they’ve let the community down badly.

“There was a lack of warning that it was happening so businesses didn’t have time to let their customers know but they also rely on passing traffic…there’s no doubt it’s having an impact.”

(Image: Newsquest) The council said letters were sent to residents and businesses who were “directly affected” but after the project got underway, it was told not all properties had received this communication.

A spokesperson said: “We have a statutory duty to maintain our road network. In order to safely carry out the necessary resurfacing works along Main Road in Elderslie a complete road closure was required.

“These works were communicated in line with statutory requirements through the Scottish Road Works Register, public notice site TellMeScotland and publicised in the local newspaper. A valid temporary traffic regulation order is also in place for the closure.

“In addition, we also erected local signage to advise of the works and letters were delivered to residents and businesses directly affected.

“Following the start of works we were made aware that not all properties received this communication. We have raised this with our contractor and apologised to the affected businesses. This will inform our engagement activity for future works.

“We recognise the importance of ensuring our road network is fit for purpose and safe for all road users.

“The works taking place in Elderslie are part of £5 million which is being invested in maintenance and improvements to roads and footpaths this year – adding to the £6.7m already invested in 2023/24.”

It’s understood the works are anticipated to be finished by Friday, August 9.