THE iconic Comet paddle steamer replica has reportedly been condemned after being left to rot through council inaction.

The landmark is arguably the most iconic symbol of Inverclyde's rich maritime history and no repair work has been carried out on the crumbling structure - a year after £50,000 was set aside to 'urgently' help address a catalogue of serious structural issues.

The Telegraph can reveal that the only money spent since the cash allocation was announced has been on a feasibility study into what restoration options - if any - are now available.

We understand from a number of sources that a surveyor hired by Inverclyde Council to inspect the vessel has condemned it, and this has not been disputed by the local authority.

A currently secret survey report - which is being kept under wraps by Municipal Buildings officials - is set to go before a future meeting of the environment and regeneration committee.

The council says it is 'reviewing' the findings of the currently confidential report.

The Telegraph told last April how 'essential repairs' and repainting worth £50,000 were to be carried out on the 1962 replica of Europe's first commercially successful passenger steamboat.

But nothing has been done.

A council spokesman confirmed: "No further repairs as yet have been carried out pending the feasibility study and efforts to find a long term solution for the Comet replica."

Officials anticipated last April that 'significantly' more money would be needed to secure the vessel's long term future.

Councillor Drew McKenzie, who raised the issue of her plight in February last year, said at the time of the £50,000 allocation: "I was pleased that £50,000 was set aside for work to be done on the Comet replica and to explore and implement a maintenance strategy that will secure the long term future of the boat.

"If we did nothing now it will simply disintegrate in front of our eyes."

Councillor McKenzie said: "It is falling to bits.

"The last time it was refurbished it was taken to Ferguson's.

"Now it couldn't be lifted.

"There would need to be on-site restoration, otherwise it will sit there until it falls apart."

He added: "It's part of the town's heritage.

"She needs to be taken care of on an ongoing basis."

The council spokesman said: "It's clear that the Comet replica has suffered significant deterioration over the years.

"A feasibility study regarding its future has been carried out and we are currently reviewing those findings.

"The report assesses the current detailed condition of the replica of the original Comet paddle steamer.

"The cost of the feasibility study was part of the £50,000 set aside in the council’s 2019/20 capital budget for investigation of its condition and options for the future.

"A report will be prepared and presented to elected members as soon as possible outlining what choices are available.

"This will be considered before any formal decision is made."

The spokesman added: "We are concerned about the condition of the Comet replica.

"It is an important symbol of Inverclyde and Port Glasgow’s rich maritime history."

The original Comet was built for Sir Henry Bell at the John Wood shipyard in 1812 and she entered service on the River Clyde between Greenock and Glasgow.

Writer Sir Walter Scott and world famous Greenock engineer James Watt were among her passengers.

No lives were lost when she was wrecked in strong currents in December 1820 at Craignish Point, near Oban, with Bell onboard.