COUNCIL officials have been accused of lacking ambition over a new regeneration blueprint for Inverclyde.

The area's MSP, Stuart McMillan, believes officers have put too much emphasis on housing and have missed opportunities to revitalise several key locations in their new local development plan (LDP).

In response, he has suggested the former Inverkip Power Station site for a film studio or 'world-class' holiday park, called for a park and ride facility at Spango Valley in Greenock to boost rail travel and minimise roads congestion, and says the town's East India and Victoria harbours area should be protected to preserve the view.

The MSP has written to council chief executive, Aubrey Fawcett, praising a number of aspects of the plan - but he also raised questions over a number of omissions.

Mr McMillan said: "It's no easy task pulling together such a detailed document, which is the plan Inverclyde will follow for the next five years.

"One constructive suggestion is to invest in our roads, rail and public transport and attract people to Inverclyde in the knowledge they can get to and from the area and travel within the area with ease.

"I would like to see a park and ride facility be introduced at the Spango Valley site to help provide the transport node as mentioned in this plan which would utilise a new timetable and increased services from IBM Halt.

"At present, driving from Wemyss Bay to Port Glasgow at peak times is not for the easily irritated.

"We need to increase the frequency of trains on the Wemyss Bay line for existing residents but also people thinking of moving to the west of Inverclyde, or they will be put off by the one train per hour."

Mr McMillan has questioned whether enough is being done to promote the area as a place to live, work and visit.

The MSP says he's pleased with proposed housing developments at Port Glasgow Industrial Estate and Woodhall - two of the areas identified for the construction of over 500 properties - but says industry and tourism must come first.

He said: "Is Inverclyde Council actively selling our area? What about a film studio at Spango Valley?

"I believe Inverclyde should have that ambition.

"Another constructive solution, for example, instead of housing, would be to develop the former Inverkip Power Station site into a world-class holiday village offering unrivalled views and water sports.

"We can't just build these homes and hope people come.

"We need to give them a reason to do so."

Residents have until tomorrow to have their say on the new plan before the public consultation process comes to an end.

To view the LDP and to comment on the proposals, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/newldp