Plans are under way which will see a major shake-up of the streets in Oban town centre and hopefully help traffic flow more smoothly.
Pedestrianisation of some roadways with others reverting to two-way traffic, are at the heart of the plan, but there is concern at a potential loss of town-centre parking.
The Corran Esplanade, which runs from Stafford Street along the waterfront towards Ganavan, could be opened to two-way traffic under the revamp plans.
The project is part of a £6.2million development plan for Oban. The council has taken steps to pedestrianise Stafford Street by the North Pier.
The Traffic Regulation Order to de-trunk the street, paving the way for it to be pedestrianised, should be completed by next month.
At Wednesday’s area committee meeting for Oban Lorn and the Isles, councillors will hear that a Transport Scotland feasibility study into the converting of the Esplanade to two-way traffic will be completed next month. Chairwoman of Oban Community Council Marri Malloy said: “I think it would be good if Stafford Street was pedestrianised, but I’m not sure about loss of parking on the Esplanade.
“Obviously if the Esplanade was two-way you won’t be allowed to park there because there won’t be room any more. We are doing away with eight spaces when Stafford Street is pedestrianised.
“I don’t have a problem with the idea but I do think they need to look at parking first.”
A spokesman for Argyll and Bute Council said: “The Esplanade two-way feasibility study has been developed as part of the Oban Strategic Partnership Forum’s commitment to explore options for the improvement of the road network and traffic management systems in and around Oban.
“The plan to pave Stafford Street is part of the wider plan to regenerate Oban. Argyll and Bute Council is committed to exploring any and all measures to support the local economy in Oban.”
The cash is coming from Oban’s share of the council’s Chord (Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay and Dunoon) waterfronts rejuvenation project.