A CAMPAIGNER fighting to save Inverclyde’s historic Inchgreen Drydock has met with a senior regeneration official to find out what the future holds for the site.

Ex-shipyard worker Robert Buirds from Port Glasgow launched the campaign in December and now has over 2,500 signatures on a petition demanding investment in the facility.

Mr Buirds met with Inverclyde Council’s director of environment and regeneration after accepting an invitation from local authority leader Stephen McCabe, who is backing the pressure group.

The campaigner was given updates on the plans to redevelop Inchgreen and expand Greenock’s Ocean Terminal, which are both owned by Peel and in line for £14 million and £9.4m of Glasgow City Deal investment respectively.

Mr Buirds said there was ‘no progress regarding Inchgreen’ but he added: “Peel have confirmed that there are no plans to infill the drydock and are in discussions with various companies.

“The sum of £9.4 million has been allocated by the City Deal for the future development of Inchgreen but Peel have made no approaches to develop joint plans to revitalise the drydock.

“Plans for the Ocean Terminal development and investment are being finalised, with Peel’s contribution identified as £6.1m.

“An agreement will now be drafted for both parties, Peel and the council, to sign and submit for final approval by the City Deal board.”

The former trade union official says he was buoyed by the news about Ocean Terminal but stressed that people need to continue supporting the Inchgreen campaign to ensure there is investment there too.

Mr Buirds told the Tele: “The Ocean Terminal development will create jobs in the construction phase and in the new visitors’ centre, benefit Scottish companies exporting their goods from an improved facility, increase tourism with additional cruise ships visiting and encourage tourists to stay local with the new museum and visitor centre. 

“However, it won’t have the major impact a fully operational Inchgreen would by creating numerous skilled jobs that Inverclyde needs for its future industrial development.

“The public and politicians must keep up the pressure on Peel to invest at Inchgreen and return the drydock to a fully operational industrial facility.”

For more information about the campaign visit www.facebook.com/campaigntosaveinchgreendrydock