LIVES could be at risk following the end of a long-standing traffic ban outside Morton’s ground on matchdays, according to a Greenock councillor.

Vehicles will no longer be stopped from travelling along Sinclair Street before or after Ton home games - despite the presence of crowds.

Club bosses have laid the blame at the door of Police Scotland, claiming that chiefs have withdrawn officers to manage traffic on matchdays.

But the force insist it is an issue between the Ton and Inverclyde Council.

Morton chief executive Warren Hawke said: “For 100 years Sinclair Street has been closed on matchdays, that’s just what happens.

“To then be told by Police Scotland they can’t provide us with the service any more and to close the road [ourselves] is financially unsustainable for our football club.

“We’re being asked to close a road that isn’t our responsibility.

“We’re working with as many authorities and agencies as possible to get this resolved but this isn’t a Morton-specific issue, it’s got nothing to do with the club.

“We’re trying to work with the council, who have been very supportive but we’ve been left holding the baby from a Police Scotland decision.”

Police usually close Sinclair Street and officers managed the flow of vehicles to and from the car park opposite Cappielow back onto the A8 trunk road - with Morton paying for the service.

Club bosses say the force will no longer step in without an official temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) being in place to shut the road, but the issue is complicated because East Hamilton Street is controlled by Transport Scotland and not the council.

The Tele also understands there has been a substantial increase in the policing costs, which Ton officials are unwilling to pay, and that applying for TTROs would also hit the club in the pocket.

Ward councillor Jim McEleny says the council is doing all it can to support the club.

Councillor McEleny said: “I’m a fan of the club and a season ticket holder but I also represent the people of the area as a ward councillor and their health and safety is paramount.

“It’s sad to say it but I’d rather see games cancelled than have someone knocked down and killed.

“I’m concerned about the impact this is going to have on supporters, the people that live in surrounding communities and road users.

“Morton have played home matches with minimal impact on the community for decades and it’s clear that the police decision to withdraw support has caused this situation.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “This is a matter between Greenock Morton Football Club and the local council, however, police will continue to monitor the situation.”