New Greenock housing development street to be named after 'prominent' local boxer George Dougan

A road in a new housing development in Greenock will be named after a late boxer and coach of the sport – if the step is given the green light by councillors.

Elected members will be asked to approve naming a street at the site of the former Greenock Health Centre ‘George Dougan Place’ at this week’s environment and regeneration committee.

Planning permission has already been granted for 65 residential properties on the land off Duncan Street, but a name is needed for the road servicing the homes.

Mr Dougan was described as a “prominent local boxer” and coach who was a “significant positive figure” for many young boxers over the years.

A report, which will be considered by members of the committee, said: “He volunteered for over 50 years and was a well-respected figure in the world of Scottish boxing.

“He did his national service with the British army and boxed for the army. He worked hard all his days to provide for his family, mainly as a ships carpenter within the shipyards.

“He was the energy behind Mid Hill Amateur Boxing Clubs, which had previously been located on the site of the development.”

Consultation has been carried out with ward councillors in the area where the development is taking place.

Suggestions were also sought from the developers, but they deferred to the elected members.

Two main suggestions were put forward, including Mr Dougan and former novelist and social commentator John Galt, who died in Greenock and is buried nearby.

However, the ward councillors agreed their choice would be to commemorate the life and contribution of Mr Dougan whose widow, the paper said, has given her blessing to the idea.

The report added: “Given the layout of the new street, the proposal is that it should be named ‘George Dougan Place’.”

Committee members will be asked to rubber-stamp the recommendation on Thursday.