A POLITICAL truce which has existed within Inverclyde Council amid the coronavirus crisis was abandoned during a committee debate with one councillor twice calling another 'snidey'.

Labour's Jim Clocherty hit out at the SNP's Chris McEleny after his rival criticised his support of local authority officers over the recent Covid-19 parking restrictions debacle.

Councillor Clocherty had stated that officials took a 'common sense' approach to the mass placing of traffic cones to prevent on-street parking and ensure safe social distancing as non-essential shops reopened.

Councillor McEleny responded: "If you think a common sense approach has been displayed you've obviously not went for a walk down West Blackhall Street and seen the state it's in.

"If you think that's a common sense approach then perhaps you need to consider your position."

Councillor Clocherty snapped back: "I think that was totally uncalled for.

"There's been a couple of times you've made snidey comments.

"What I'm saying is that officers have clearly listened to the Scottish Government proposals, they've moved in order to try to ensure that social distancing is put in place.

"They've also listened to elected members' concerns, they've moved on those concerns and they will continue to do so.

"I think your remarks were really quite snidey actually."

The bust-up occurred during a meeting of the council's governing policy and resources executive sub-committee.

Councillor Clocherty moved that the committee support a recommendation to 'note' the actions taken by officers.

However, an amendment proposed by Conservative member Graeme Brooks, that car parking spaces are only closed where it is clear there would be no detriment to trade and applied only if necessary to facilitate social distancing, was backed by the rest of the committee, including Mr Clocherty's Labour colleague Stephen McCabe.

SNP member Elizabeth Robertson described the initial parking restrictions, which were heavily criticised by traders and members of the public, as 'excessive'.

Councillor Robertson said: "I think that some of the cones that are currently in place shouldn't be there."