FENCING disappeared in mysterious circumstances from land at a former Gourock school.

It was taken away from the site of the old Holy Cross Primary, which is located near to the Cross of Lorraine monument on Lyle Hill.

A resident who lives near the former school saw the fencing being removed and initially thought metal thieves were responsible.

The gaps caused by its disappearance also sparked safety fears. There were concerns that people or dogs could stray into marshy ground and risk hurting themselves as a result.

The resident who raised the alarm said: “I saw four men taking away sections of aluminium fencing.

“I’d no idea who they were, but I was worried that someone could suffer an accident because the barriers had been removed.

“The fence enclosed council property which is well used by the likes of dog walkers.

“Taking away the fence left big gaps which could have been dangerous.” The resident, who did not want to be named, said she made enquiries about the matter.

She told the Tele that she was advised that the fence had been taken away by prior agreement to be used as a barrier elsewhere.

But Inverclyde Council, the landowners, say this was not the case. The local authority has now taken action to have the fence replaced.

A spokesman said there must have been crossed wires over the fencing and confirmed that steps had been taken to reinstate it.

He said: “There has clearly a misunderstanding, as there has never been any kind of agreement or arrangement for the fencing to be removed and used elsewhere.”