A GREENOCK man honoured by the Queen today called for new community facilities in the east end.

Hugh 'Spud' Burns, who received a New Year MBE for charitable work, said: `There's nothing in Gibshill. Inverclyde Council should use some of the extra money it has found to build a new community centre there.` Deputy council leader, Councillor Maxie Hill, said officials would soon publish an `overdue` review of community facilities, but he could not say if Gibshill would be included.

The council's finances have seen a dramatic turnaround in the past year through savings and lower than expected spending on education and social work.

It has earmarked £4.5 million for a variety of projects, but no money has been set aside for Gibshill community facilities.

Mr Burns, who runs the Gibshill Sunshine Club for special needs people, said: `We're coming up to our 25th anniversary but we've had to meet in Crawfurdsburn Community Centre for a year because Gibshill's centre is shut - and it was far better. There's nothing in Gibshill for special needs youngsters or for anyone else.` Councillor Hill said: `Personally I would like to see some of the money being used for community facilities in general.` Gibshill councillor Stephen McCabe said: `I would like to see new facilities in Gibshill as soon as possible. It would be much easier if there was a commitment from the council to help with funding.` He added: `The review of community facilities has been ongoing for some time. It could lead to some rationalisation, but I would be doubtful if it will produce new funding for Gibshill.` The Gibshill centre is due to be demolished soon to make way for new housing.

Communities Scotland and Cloch Housing Association will soon consider tenders from developers who want the contract to build 70 houses for sale and 20 for rent.