FEARS have been raised over the future of community facilities after a dismal turnout at two meetings to find a management committee to run the Grieve Road community centre.

The controversial move to save the hall over its Paton Street counterpart has taken another turn with no-one volunteering to run it.

The Telegraph understands only one person attended the first meeting in September and the same happened at a further meeting on October 8.

Councillor Tommy McVey told the Telegraph: "We must maintain community facilities in this area, whether that is in Grieve Road or Paton Street.

"If we can’t get a management committee in Grieve Road then we have to look at what other options are available.

"We have a management committee in Paton Street then common sense dictates that we should invest there.

"The Paton Street committee are very enthusiastic and full of ideas to develop the centre into one which is fit for the 21st century.

"With the right guidance and support, it could become another Branchton or Craigend Resource Centre, which are both excellent facilities.

"Having a facility like that in ward 7 would be a fantastic asset for this community.

"Hopefully, my fellow councillors will agree with me on this."

Councillor Natasha Murphy says she is disappointed with the lack of volunteers.

She said: "I am disheartened that no one from the community appears to be interested in participating in the running of a community centre.

"For a community centre to be successful we need to have the backing of the people who are invested in the area.

"Future investment cannot be made without the community wanting to play an active part in the facility.

"I would ask anyone with a heart for their community to come forward and help in any way they can."

The issue will be discussed at a meeting in the Municipal Buildings next week and Councillor John Crowther is urging residents to get behind the plans.

He said: "I am concerned at the poor turnout of residents in response to an appeal by ward councillors and council officials.

"Not only have Inverclyde Council made resources available for a new parking area at the community centre, they have been actively consulting with residents in a potential new internal layout of the facilities.

"If a management committee can be established this will give the ward councillors more influence to advance the argument for extra resources to be committed to bringing the proposed internal layout of the hall to fruition.

“If a management group cannot be established this will be a massive blow and could put any extra funding at serious risk.

“I am makin a plea to all residents to get behind the plans and support the community facility proposals."