Plans have been announced to renovate the Talbot bridge graphics on Linwood Road, preserving an important reminder of the area’s industrial past.
Network Rail has agreed to fund and carry out the renovation work on the former sign that once welcomed workers and visitors to the Linwood car plant.
The plant closed in 1981. It originally opened in 1963 under the Rootes Group and later changed ownership, first to the American brand Chrysler and then to Peugeot-Talbot before production ended in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The distinctive graphics on the railway bridge have become a familiar landmark for residents and visitors travelling into the area from the bypass towards Elderslie and Paisley, or heading towards the Phoenix Retail Park and Ferguslie.
The work is currently scheduled to take place in the 2028/29 financial year, although efforts are being made to bring the project forward to 2027/28.
Councillor Andy Steel, SNP representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, welcomed the development.
He said: “This is really great news. It’s important for two reasons, firstly it’s part of the social history of our area and deserves to be maintained in a decent standard, and secondly because it is the entrance point for a lot of visitors coming off the bypass and heading to Elderslie or Paisley. That first impression they get will be a lot better when the decals are repainted.
“But mostly it’s about showing respect for the people in our communities whose families worked there and for whom it’s a part of their own heritage.
“This has been a mild obsession of mine for a while and why I put forward a motion to council asking for this to happen. I was determined not to let it be forgotten about and I’m very grateful to the Network Rail and council officers who have got together and made it happen.”
Councillor Robert Innes, SNP representative for Linwood, said the graphics remain an important symbol of the area’s history.
He said: “The Talbot bridge artwork is an important reminder of Linwood’s industrial past and the generations of workers and families connected to the car plant. It’s a symbol of the pride many people still feel in the contribution the area made to Scotland’s manufacturing history.
“I’m delighted that Network Rail have agreed to fund the renovation work and I’d like to thank council officers for the work they have done with Cllr Steel and myself to progress this project. Restoring the graphics will help preserve that heritage while also improving the appearance of a key gateway into Linwood and the surrounding communities.”
The renovation will restore the bridge graphics to a high standard, helping ensure the tribute to Linwood’s manufacturing heritage is preserved for future generations.