A GREENOCK councillor today slammed environment watchdogs for failing to remove a pile of tyres and rubble stacked next to a shop.

Colin Jackson warned that someone could be seriously hurt unless enforcement agency SEPA act on the fly-tipping on private land in Ingleston Street.

The Tele reported last month that the Premier store owner Sukhdeep Benning is concerned his adjacent shop will catch fire.

Despite repeated calls to take action SEPA has yet to issue an enforcement order.

Councillor Jackson said: "This has been going on for six months and nothing has happened.

"They have not issued an enforcement order to the landowners.

"These are big industrial tyres.

"We have had two incidents where tyres have been rolled on to Belville Street and John Street.

"One of the incidents was reported to the police because it was a close call - it was rolled on to oncoming traffic.

"Someone is going to have an accident.

"The fire brigade also consider it a health and safety concern.

"Inverclyde Council officers have done all that they possibly can and have removed what they can.

"But their hands are tied because it is private property."

Shop owner Mr Benning raised the alarm after taking over the premises.

He was facing difficulties obtaining an off sales licence, until Cllr Jackson intervened on his behalf.

Mr Jackson said: "The fire officer had raised concerns during the application because of the health and safety risk with the tyres but I went down to explain that it wasn't Mr Benning's fault.

A SEPA spokesman told the Tele that they were investigating the issue.

He said: "Officers are continuing to investigate the unauthorised deposit of waste and fly-tipping on private land at Ingleston Street, Greenock.

"We are in contact with the landowner, and his representatives, and when our investigation is complete we will make decisions around any potential enforcement action."

But Councillor Jackson says he is unconvinced by that response.

He told the Tele: "These are strong words but they have taken no action whatsoever.

"They need to issue an enforcement order."