Discolouration and griminess of the new granite blocks in Colquhoun Square was brought up at last week's Helensburgh Community Council meeting, with members sharing their concern for the untidy looking street.

A member told the meeting friends were concerned the square was already looking dirty, and that could put off visitors to the town.

Councillor Richard Traill said Argyll and Bute Council had bought a street sweeper, after testing one out at the end of last year.

He said: “They are buying one of the street sweepers, principally for the centre. It’s got a brush.” The appearance of stains on the square were also commented on, with worry noted about the use of brown rock salt rather than white salt to grit the area.

Councillor Traill added: “They were looking at ways to remove the stains from the granite. “I think it’s things like coca-cola and rust cause the stains on the stone.” A date was not given for the introduction of the sweeper.