PRESSURE is mounting on Inverclyde Council to 'immediately' address a looming recycling crisis amid fears that large build-ups of waste could become infested with vermin.

The Telegraph recently highlighted recycling points which were bursting at the seems following the withdrawal of the kerbside glass collection and collapse of locally-run collection company Greenlight.

Now Greenock-born Tory MSP Jamie Greene and his party colleague Councillor Graeme Brooks are demanding urgent action from Municipal Buildings bosses following a raft of complaints from residents.

Mr Greene said: "The situation with Greenlight is unfortunate and obviously was outside the control of the council, however, the responsibility lies with the local authority to swiftly respond and ensure that people have access to a frequent and reliable collection service that meets the needs of the community."

The MSP added: "Recycling waste has been piling up in some areas, which not only causes distress for households but runs the risk of attracting vermin.

"It is vital that this is dealt with in the immediate future.

"Council leaders must act now to get the situation under control."

Bottle banks were left overflowing since the demise of Greenlight and Cllr Brooks says he has received complaints about domestic collection.

Cash-strapped council bosses scrapped kerbside glass collections to save money, which has led people to increasingly use recycling points.

But Mr Greene pointed out that this option poses a 'difficulty' for those people who have no access to a car.

Cllr Brooks added: "My number one priority is to ensure that the impact of local residents is minimised and that a long term solution can be put in place.

"Currently there are problems with collection, that do need to be addressed.

"I will be making immediate representations within the council immediately regarding this matter and would urge any residents affected to get in touch."

A council spokesman said: “The vast majority of residents, around 90 per cent of properties, are receiving recycling services as normal.

"For the ones which continue to be affected, including high rise and tenements, we are delivering short term fixes which includes making use of the recycling facilities.

"These will be in place until our long term solution to this highly unusual situation caused by Greenlight going into administration is delivered.”