THE Scottish and Westminster governments are being asked to end uncertainty over future regeneration funding for Inverclyde.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil made the call after the Scottish Government decided to slash support for Riverside Inverclyde in 2012-13 before funding stops completely.

And Chancellor, George Osborne, has been contacted by Inverclyde SNP group leader Councillor Innes Nelson over the furore.

Mr McNeil is to meet Alex Neil, Scottish Government cabinet secretary for infrastructure and capital investment, to discuss the long-term regeneration of the area.

Mr McNeil said: "This long-term regeneration strategy was investment we won to transform this area and it has made great progress.

"But there is still work to be done, and I fear our ambitions for the area have been threatened by the Scottish Government, which is failing to live up to its part of the bargain.

"While before, this investment was guaranteed, we are now expected to have to bid for it. I am now confident we will be given the hearing our case deserves.

"I also hope we will be considered for our fair share of the �100 million fossil fuel levy so we can fulfil our potential in the renewables industry and create green manufacturing jobs in Inverclyde.

"The SNP Government talks about preventative spending, which is what these projects are, but so far their actions have failed to match their words." The Scottish Government says it remains 'committed to the regeneration of Scotland's communities, including Inverclyde'.

Meanwhile, Councillor Nelson has written to Mr Neil to ask him to clarify if additional funding may be made available for RI in 2012/13.

He added: "Are you in a position to give assurances regarding post-2013 funding that will be available from the Scottish Government, and other innovative means that will ensure Riverside Inverclyde will continue to deliver meaningful regeneration?" And, in a letter to George Osborne, the councillor asked for assurances about protecting Westminster's contribution to the Scottish Government so that Riverside Inverclyde would not suffer.

Mr Nelson said: "As a result of questionable political decisions made by Westminster Governments since the 1980s, Inverclyde has suffered badly with unemployment, de-population, poverty, poor health and higher than average rates of alcohol and drug misuse."