A CONCERNED Greenock shop owner says a pile of tyres stacked next to his premises are a major fire risk.

Sukhdeep Benning, who runs a store in Ingleston Street, fears his convenience store is in danger of going up in flames unless action is taken.

He is leading calls for the flammable tyres dumped on private land next to the shop to be taken away.

Now local Councillor Colin Jackson has stepped in to force the authorities responsible to act on the 'dangerous' fly-tipping.

Premier Convenience owner Mr Benning said: "It is ridiculous, I have been complaining about this for months.

"If it was to be set on fire it could spread to my roof.

"I have spoken to the council and to SEPA.

"People have complained in John Street as well because they fear children could get hurt."

Mr Benning, who recently took over the east end store, says he has contacted his local councillor Colin Jackson who has stepped in to alert all the relevant authorities.

Inverclyde Council confirmed they have already removed a large amount of tyres from the site and say that officials have been monitoring the situation.

Store owner Mr Benning added: "Nothing seemed to be getting done about it until I contacted Councillor Jackson."

It is understood environment agency SEPA will now serve an enforcement order on the owners of the private land in Ingleston Street.

Councillor Jackson told the Tele: "The situation has now been escalated.

"Ccouncil officers have now done everything that they can to resolve the situation but it is down to SEPA.

"The council has been monitoring the site and removing what they can."