CRACKS have started to show in the Broomhill high rise flats which were renovated in a £30 million regeneration programme - with a full probe now under way.

River Clyde Homes has been forced to carry out investigations after faults were found on Broomhill, Prospecthill and Whinhill courts on Ann Street.

They sent up contractors in high access cradles to get a closer look, after using drones to take pictures.

The housing association were responding to reports of fractures, along with discolouration and water pouring down onto the street below.

Campaigning ward councillor Colin Jackson has taken the matter with both housing and council bosses.

It follows problems with biomass heating system installed in the neighbourhood, part of the Greenock central area recently named as the most deprived place in Scotland.

Councillor Jackson said: "I raised this with River Clyde Homes but they didn't act so I raised it with council bosses.

"River Clyde Homes agreed to investigate the issue.

"They hired a firm who used drones to take pictures around the high rises.

"I have been told that major problems have been identified."

The Broomhill regeneration programme was launched to tackle deteriorating housing stock and address social issues and it has been hailed by housing bosses.

All three high rise flats were fully refurbished, along with surrounding lower level blocks.

But the estate has been beset with problems and local people have called for an inquiry.

A catalogue of complaints have been logged over the £7m biomass district heating system, with RCH recently admitting to problems and vowing to rectify them.

Cllr Jackson also hit out last year when RCH axed £5m worth of environmental improvements in surrounding streets - including Ann Street and Dempster Street - and the under-pressure association later promised to go ahead and carry out the work.

River Clyde Homes insists the checks being carried out on the Broomhill blocks are routine.

Richard Orr, senior project manager, said: “River Clyde Homes had instructed drone camera surveys of the 13 multi-storey blocks that we manage.

“This is a routine maintenance requirement in order to maintain the warranty on the render systems.

“When we have the full results, any required actions will be taken.”