INVERCLYDE politicians say they are becoming increasingly concerned about lack of information on the abandoned prison site in Greenock.

The Scottish Government ditched plans for a women’s prison after spending £7.7 million on designing it and buying and clearing the former Greenock High ground on Inverkip Road.

Justice Minister Michael Matheson admitted during a recent visit to Inverclyde that there are no projects in the pipeline for the site.

Now Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil, right, and Inverclyde Council leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, far right, are asking him to clarify what is happening.

Mr McNeil wrote to urge that the site should not be left to waste.

The MSP said: “I am concerned to hear there are no plans for the now vacant site on Inverkip Road. Given the huge sums of taxpayers’ money spent purchasing and clearing the site, it would be scandalous if it was left to waste.” He added: “It must be used in some way to improve prison facilities and preserve jobs of people working in prisons.

“I would welcome your assurance that you will work with the Scottish Prison Service to ensure the site is utilised.” The Tele asked the Scottish Government to comment on the letter, and a spokesperson replied: “Mr McNeil’s letter has been received by the Cabinet Secretary and will be responded to in due course.” Meanwhile, Cllr McCabe is annoyed at the way his inquiry was treated by the Scottish Government.

Following a letter from the Justice Minister stating that the option of using the site to replace Greenock Prison may be re-considered, Cllr McCabe asked if a decision had been made about the site and, if not, when that was likely to happen.

The councillor then received an email from the government saying that his letter had been forwarded to the Scottish Prison Service, who would reply ‘in due course’.

Cllr McCabe then fired off a reply, saying he was “most dissatisfied with this response”.

He said: “If I had wished for a response from the Scottish Prison Service I would have written directly to the Prison Service. When I, as council leader, write to a Minister regarding a matter within his or her area of responsibility, I expect a response from that minister. Can you please ensure that this is relayed to the Cabinet Secretary?” An answer was sent by Mr Matheson’s assistant private secretary, who said: “I am very sorry you are displeased with the way we are handling your correspondence.

“However, I can confirm it was always our intention that Mr Matheson would be replying to your letter. Mr Matheson had already indicated that he wanted to reply, and this had been notified to the Scottish Prison Service.” She added: “The Cabinet Secretary will reply as soon as he can.”