TRANSPORT officials have launched a formal investigation into the running of a problem-plagued Inverclyde ferry service.

Officials from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) have begun a probe into the Gourock to Kilcreggan route run by Clydelink.

Island Princess, the only boat in operation on the crossing, was off for 10 days in the space of three weeks last month.

There was a further seven days of disruption in June and a string of mechanical and safety faults have been recorded while fed-up passengers have had to contend with a 90-minute replacement bus instead of the 13-minute sailing.

Calls have been made for SPT to tear up the contract with Clydelink and for Scottish Government agency Transport Scotland to take over the reins.

Councillor David Wilson, who is Inverclyde’s representative on the SPT board and also chairs the organisation’s operations committee, today confirmed an investigation is now under way.

Mr Wilson said: “I’ve been appalled at the problems with the ferry, as have officers, to the extent that they have began a service review of the operator.

“This is a process that exists for buses as well, where if you have so many indiscretions the points add up and you are called in for a chat.

“Officers are in the process of doing that.

“SPT are very aware of the situation and are closely monitoring it.

“We apologise to the ferry users.”

Clydelink was awarded the contract in 2012 and in April this year landed a £320,000 extension until July 2018.

The cost of running the service has soared up by 50 per cent but passenger numbers were down by eight per cent in the year up to June.

Councillor Wilson says Clydelink was the ‘only show in town’ when the contract was put out to tender earlier this year.

He added: “In terms of the future, Transport Scotland have agreed to include the Gourock-Kilcreggan ferry in their consultation process for the Gourock-Dunoon ferry.

“SPT are perfectly happy for Transport Scotland to take over the running of the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry.

“Unfortunately the consultation has been delayed.

“The current contract with Clydelink runs until July 2018 when it was anticipated Transport Scotland would take over the route.

“SPT went out to tender for this eighteen months prior and the only feasible applicant was Clydelink.”