A CAMPAIGN group which fears for the future of the West College Scotland in Greenock has handed over a 'ten-point plan' designed to protect it.

Save Our College activists have collected more than 1,500 signatures so far as they warn about downsizing and cuts to the local campus.

They want to restore the James Watt name which they say will give the campus its identity back.

Local councillors, staff, students and union officials are all backing a number of changes aimed at increasing student numbers and securing the campus for the long term.

Councillor Tommy McVey said: "This ten point plan is reasonable, sensible and positive and will return the college to what it should be.

"We all want to see the college flourish and we believe this plan will help.

"It is important that the council continues to have an input as we have been very concerned about the fall in student numbers and reduction in courses."

The campaign has support from a number of councillors as well as EIS representatives and staff based at the Greenock campus.

As well as bringing back the James Watt title the plan looks at modernising the existing estate and a drive to establish how many local people are looking to study in Greenock rather than elsewhere.

The campaign group also want a greater presence from Inverclyde on the management board, better marketing and monitoring.

Save Our College is also calling for a return of community classes and distance learning programmes.

Their action plan also suggests boosting commercial activity to improve links with local businesses.

Independent councillors Lynne Quinn and Drew McKenzie were joined by Labour and Lib Dem counterparts Colin Jackson and Ciano Rebecchi to endorse the plan.

Cllr Jackson said: "My main concern is that the most vulnerable in our community are disadvantaged if they have to travel to go to college.

"I have raised my concerns about that with our head of education."

West College Scotland Principal Liz Connolly has publicly pledged that there would be no downgrading of the Greenock campus and recently assured the Tele she was fully committed to the future of the campus.

A WCS spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that the document was delivered to the college last Monday.

"The college is considering the contents and the executive team will meet with trade union representatives to discuss further."