More people moving to Inverclyde than leaving

Latest population statistics show in-migration overtaking out-migration, raising hopes that a long term trend can finally be reversed and repopulation will take hold.

The population increase is due to positive net migration.

A total of 1,518 people are estimated to have moved into the area with 1,508 people going in the other direction.

At the meeting councillors that although they were disappointed to see an overall population decrease, due to the number of deaths outweighing births, the inward migration figures were a positive development.

Councillor Jim Clocherty said: "This is a very positive report.

"We have been like an oil tanker in a river, it takes forever to turn it around but this shows we are turning and going in the right direction.

"This gives cause for optimism."

Council leader Stephen McCabe told the Tele: “These statistics show that more people are coming to Inverclyde than leaving.

"The fact that the pattern is moving up the way is good news for our area and one that we must all continue the momentum on, to keep it moving in that direction.

“While the overall trend is still projected to be a reducing population, the statistics are increasingly more positive with the rate of decline predicted to slow.

"These increases in people coming to live here show that we can make a dent in that overall trend and, potentially, reverse it."

The council and its community planning partners launched the Inverclyde Living campaign a few years ago to promote the district to people from outside the area and this work is set to continue.

Cllr McCabe said: "At the most recent council budget, we allocated additional funding to focus on marketing Inverclyde as a place to visit and live and to examine the housing development opportunities in our area.

“I would urge all of our partners and residents to join us in continuing promoting what we know to be true – that Inverclyde is one of the best places to live in Scotland.”