THE people elected to represent our area have made their feelings quite clear plans to berth massive cruise ships at Greenock and bring crew members ashore amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The answer is no.

Unfortunately while councillors voted unanimously to reject the proposal by Peel Ports on public health grounds, all that local authority officials can do is write a letter to 'urge reconsideration' of the matter.

It seems ludicrous that the people charged with governing our area are powerless to stop something they - and the public - seem so against.

This area has suffered more than the rest of Scotland in respect of COVID-19. Our death rate per head of population is larger than anywhere else in the country.

The document that went before elected members suggests that there is no need to use the Clyde and Greenock and that the move is for reasons of 'commercial advantage'.

Money can't be allowed to be put ahead of public safety.

The message is loud and clear to Peel Ports from Inverclyde - take the plan elsewhere.

See Pages 4 and 5

NICOLSONS bar has been a real success story since it opened.

It has won praise for its food, drink and atmosphere so it is good to hear the encouraging noises coming from owners about the future.

Hopefully all local businesses enjoy a bounceback when this lockdown is over.

See Page 10