A SENIOR minister will visit Inverclyde next week to assess the area's flood defences following a recent downpour which turned the area into an island.

Stewart Stevenson, the Scottish Government's environment and climate change minister, will see first-hand some of the communities worst affected by serious flooding which ground traffic and public transport to a halt.

Local MSP Stuart McMillan confirmed Mr Stevenson's visit as he continues his campaign for better flood defence and prevention measures for Inverclyde.

The west of Scotland MSP wrote to Mr Stevenson to highlight the recent problems which left many people inconvenienced and had a negative effect on householders, tenants and businesses.

Mr McMillan said: "The issue of flooding has been a long-standing problem for the people of Inverclyde and one which requires action in-order to address the issue.

"Last month Inverclyde once again witnessed some of the worst weather conditions in Scotland for a generation and this led to disruptions for businesses, commuters and householders.

"Bringing the minister for environment to Inverclyde is an important step to highlight where Inverclyde has been affected by flooding and what this has meant for the people of the area in terms of their livelihood and daily activities being badly affected." During his visit, Mr Stevenson will see visit flooding hotspot areas like Greenock's West Station.

The minister will also meet with all relevant organisations, at a summit, to discuss the issue of flooding in Inverclyde.

Mr McMillan added: "I hope bringing all relevant organisations together will allow for the issues to be discussed and a strategy put in place to tackle the problem of flooding in Inverclyde."