THE Scottish Government is being urged to take over Greenock’s Inchgreen drydock from owners Peel Ports so that jobs can be created there.

The ‘Campaign to Save Inchgreen Drydock’ has been launched by retired union official Robert Buirds, pictured, of Port Glasgow.

A former shipyard and drydock worker, Mr Buirds said he has been holding talks about the issue with local politicians, and felt it was time to publicly call for action.

He said: “Peel Ports have made no investment in the facility since 2002, and rumour has it they want to fill in the drydock and sell the land for housing.

“The drydock is the second largest in the UK, and a major industrial asset for Inverclyde and the west coast.

“We are petitioning the Scottish Government to bring the drydock and facilities into public ownership and attract work for the future prosperity of Inverclyde and its citizens.”

Mr Buirds said Peel Group also own A&P Group based at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead in Merseyside, where there are four drydocks, and also have drydocks in Falmouth, Tyneside and Teesside.

He said: “Peel Group have invested millions in Cammell Laird but nothing in Inchgreen.

“Peel Ports have no intention of investing in Inchgreen facilities and attracting work, or they would not have destroyed the cranes.

“The Peel Group’s investment strategy is totally focused on over £250 million in Cammell Laird, and grand plans to invest £50 billion over fifty years in the Atlantic/Ocean Gate Project which covers both sides of the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal, the docks, container facilities, shipyards and riverside developments.

“Their future investment and the millions of public money they receive from the European Union, Merseyside/Manchester local authorities, enterprise and regional boards and government is all for the Atlantic/Ocean Gate Project — and none for Inchgreen.”

A spokeswoman for Peel Ports Group responded to Mr Buirds’ claims by stating that Inchgreen is currently in use, with an area leased to a marine construction company.

She added: “We remain fully committed to further developing Inchgreen for port-related uses and are in discussion with a number of interested parties.

“Peel Ports Group has no plans to sell Inchgreen.”

No comment was available from the Scottish Government.