HUNDREDS of car enthusiasts are planning to stage a ‘takeover’ of Greenock Esplanade.

The Cruise Greenock and Glasgow Modified car clubs are promoting a four-hour ‘end of season’ event on the waterfront next month.

In a message posted online, they appealed to their members to ‘keep it legal as much as possible’.

But Inverclyde Council have told them to stay away if they can’t keep the peace, while householders say they find the event ‘very alarming’.

The clubs are drumming up support on Facebook, and say that, so far, 74 owners of modified cars have promised to be there, and a total of 209 are interested in getting involved.

The message says: “The Esplanade is over a mile long, and we plan on filling it from start to finish.

“No doubt the police will be present and out to try get people - so make sure you keep it legal as much as possible, and watch your speed around the area.”

It adds: “We want to try make this a static event, as it is on the roadside.”

The council, who are already considering placing permanent speed and surveillance cameras on the Esplanade to prevent it being used as a racetrack, today warned that residents must not be disturbed by the drivers during their planned event on the evening of October 8.

A council spokesman said: “The Esplanade is a truly stunning location enjoyed by thousands of visitors throughout the year.

“The vast majority of those take into account that the area is also home to many people, and don’t engage in activity which could disturb neighbours - if you can’t do that, best to stay away.”

The spokesman added: “The ‘takeover’ being advertised on social media will raise some eyebrows when it urges people to ‘keep it legal as much as possible’.

“Organisers of a planned event will require to make sure they fully comply with the law at all times - and not ‘as much as possible’.”

The police said they were aware of the event being circulated via social media.

Sergeant Jason Logsdon said: “The event was mentioned at the last community council meeting, where a representative for the cruise club attended to alleviate concerns.

“Police and the local authority have held discussions, and will provide an appropriate presence to minimise disruption to the local community.”

But Greenock West and Cardwell Bay Community Council insist the gathering was not discussed at the meeting.
Community councillor Eddie McEleny, inset, said: “On the subject of speeding on the Esplanade, a person from Cruise Greenock told the meeting that the group were law-abiding, and he would relay to them the message of residents being annoyed and intimidated by anti-social behaviour resulting from motor vehicles.

“Cruise Greenock also stated that they organised ‘cruises’ in different locations, but at no time was the Esplanade mentioned.

“In terms of any legality or safety or public orders issues that may arise, responsibility will lie with the organisers to co-ordinate with the police and council and other authorities to ensure safety and no public nuisance.

“Residents will not be comfortable with the proposed ‘takeover’.

“When a group say that they intend to ‘takeover’ a certain area, this message is very alarming and not something residents or members of the public want to hear.

“There are many places car enthusiasts can convene that do not antagonise local residents – we are disappointed, therefore, that a group has chosen to do just 
this.”