A GREENOCK councillor has stepped up the campaign to reopen Paton Street Community Centre.

During a recent debate on the future of community provisions in the area, independent Tommy McVey called on officials to put options and costs on the table to get the facility back up and running.

His call for action won the backing of members of the council's education and communities committee, who have now backed his proposals.

A campaign has been launched locally by residents to get the Paton Street centre back in operation after it was closed following a fire.

A 500-strong petition has been handed in to the council and local people have formed a management committee tasked with devising a strategy for the centre's operation.

The report at the committee set out the decisions taken within the recent council budget to save the under-threat community facilities in ward 7 Inverclyde South, which included Paton Street, Fancy Farm Tenant Hall and Grieve Road.

Councillor McVey said it was time to move the proposals to the next stage.

He said: "I want some clarity on Paton Street.

"I support keeping all three provisions open, but there is a management committee in place at Paton Street and a petition signed by 500 people."

Councillors were being asked to allow officers to complete a detailed assessment of community provision in the ward before moving things forward.

But Councillor McVey stepped in to demand it went further, telling officers he wants to know what the minimum cost would be to get doors open, the cost of a basic refurbishment and the cost of a full refurbishment.

He also asked for the report to include funding proposals.

The councillor 's motion won broad support around the table, with SNP's Chris McEleny and Liz Robertson voicing their backing.

Council leader Stephen McCabe added: "I think there is an argument for looking at all community provision in other areas."

Councillor McVey's specific points on Paton Street were included and a report will now come back to committee after the summer break.