PUBLIC protection staff at the council have received a special commendation from Police Scotland for helping to tackle crime in Inverclyde.

The team - which includes community wardens, anti-social behaviour officers, trading standards and environmental health staff - have been awarded an award by the Divisional Commander.

The honour from Chief Superintendent Alan Murray recognises the ‘instrumental’ role the team play working alongside his officers to protect people in the area.

Ch Supt Murray said: "This team are instrumental in providing high levels of co-operation and partnership working to identify, target and resolve matters affecting communities in the Inverclyde area."

Public protection staff are involved in things like housing, CCTV, parking enforcement and licensing standards.

An awards ceremony would have normally taken place at the Beacon Arts Centre to honour their commitment to keeping the area safe.

Council leader Stephen McCabe, who accepted the honour on behalf of the team, said: "Congratulations to our public protection team for this well-deserved recognition.

"They carry out a wide range of important work in our communities and work closely with the police and other partner agencies, often going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our neighbourhoods, town centres and rural areas are safe.

"We’ve read many stories over the years and just recently about some of their heroic work and I’m delighted for the whole team that they have been recognised by Police Scotland."

Just last month, the Tele reported on two community wardens who were hailed for helping to rescue a man and his neighbours from a burning building in Port Glasgow town centre while on their lunch break.

Chief Inspector Debbie Reilly, Inverclyde area commander, who put the public protection team forward for the award, says they have played key roles in everything from thwarting thieves and rumbling rogue traders to addressing anti-social behaviour and laying down licensing law.

Ch Insp Reilly said: "Protecting the public is ultimately down to the police but it cannot be done without the help of others as well.

"The way the council team go about their business is really commendable and it’s only right we recognise it – from members of the staff out dealing with the public to those behind the scenes making important management decisions.

"The partnership between us is really strong.

"We all work together with the same priority – to keep the public safe – and we understand what each other does and complement each other.

"It was only right and proper that I put them forward for this award and I’m delighted the commander agreed."