COMMUNITY councillors have demanded urgent action over a troubled Inverclyde ferry service.

Greenock West and Cardwell Bay Community Council are calling on the Scottish Government to get the Gourock to Kilcreggan route back to full operation after months of ‘serious disruption’ caused by technical and safety issues.

The latest round of disruption started on September 13, when the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) grounded operator Clydelink’s ‘Island Princess’ because of ‘serious deficiencies’.

The service, run by Clydelink on behalf of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, returned to normal last week but campaigners say they have had enough of the problems.

Community council chairperson Eleanor Bristow said: “We call on the Scottish Government to heed calls from community councils, commuters, MSPs and individuals, and act to resolve this issue once and for all.

“This service is a lifeline for those who use it.

“While traffic on this route is lower than some others, this does not diminish its importance to the people who rely on it.

“We urge all elected members to work together to put pressure on the government to act on their word to take responsibility for the route from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.”

Scotland’s transport minister, Humza Yousaf, is keen for government agency Transport Scotland to take over of the route, and has urged SPT to sort it out before any transfer.

A spokesman for Transport Scotland said they are aware of the recent ‘significant disruption’.

He said: “We understand the frustrations of the passengers that rely on this link. The minister has already met with the local MSP and community councils on this issue.

“Clearly this situation is not acceptable, and the minister will be writing to SPT to address these issues and their impact on future service levels.”

Inverclyde Council’s representative on the Clyde Ferry Users Group, Councillor Chris McEleny, added: “Any disruption is unwelcome, so it is vital that every effort is made and every possibility explored to ensure it can be sustained and relied upon by the people who need it most.”