SAVE our College campaigners have welcomed the support of another local pressure group calling for investment in jobs and skills across Inverclyde.

The fight, being championed by a group of prominent senior councillors, has now been boosted by backing from those leading the Save Our Inchgreen Dry Dock campaign.

The group says it is concerned by falling student numbers, cuts in courses and a need to invest in the college since it was merged with further education bases in Paisley and Clydebank.

Inverclyde's independent councillors are fully behind the college campaign group and have been joined by Lib Dem Ciano Rebecchi and Labour's Colin Jackson.

They have repeatedly voiced their concerns at council committees and have backed a ten point plan to secure the future of the college which has been drawn up by the pressure group.

Councillor Tommy McVey said: "I very much appreciate the Inchgreen Group’s support for the Save our College campaign.

"It is important that Inverclyde has the appropriate level of educational infrastructure to support local businesses.

"A vibrant, fit for purpose James Watt College will certainly help do that. That is what we all want to see."

The Greenock councillor criticised the lack of support from local MSPs.

He added: "The silence from them has so far been deafening. They need to step up and get involved."

Save Our Inchgreen Dry Dock activists want the facility to be developed to create jobs - and would also like to see it taken into public ownership.

The say a strong college network in Greenock will lead to job security in the area and a more skilled workforce - crucial to attracting inward investment.

Councillor Jackson added: "The reason I suggested the college campaign group seek the support from the Inchgreen dock campaign group is that over many decades the industrial base in Inverclyde has gone through many changes, from heavy industry to electronics to call centres.

"James Watt College has been integral in providing the training and education that helped many workers retrain and re-enter these professions.

"The Inchgreen Campaign group and the college campaign group have similar ambitions - to see investment in the college that will provide a skilled and educated workforce.

"This will help attract the well paid unionised skilled jobs to Inverclyde that the Inchgreen Group are campaigning for."

Port Glasgow councillor Drew McKenzie added: "We all want to see a vibrant college in Inverclyde with a wide array of courses and qualifications available. Students should not have to travel outwith Inverclyde to access further education."

West of Scotland College has repeatedly challenged claims by the campaign group and say they are committed to the future of a Greenock campus.