IT'S full steam ahead for a bunch of determined sailors who have been given the go-ahead to transform waste ground into a boat yard.

Members of the Cardwell Bay Association of Small Boat Owners have been battling with council bosses for two years to make their dream a reality and they were disappointed when their initial application was rejected.

Now their drive to take over the former McLean's Yard in Cove Road in Gourock has finally been approved by the Local Review Body.

The committee members - Gordon Esler, John O'Toole, Jim Devlin and Jim Marshall - want to use the site to store boats in the winter and carry out small maintenance jobs.

Gordon, 67, of Kempock Street, said: "We are pleased the decision has been overturned

"It's a good thing for the small boating community.

"It will be good to get more people involved in sailing.

"It can be very expensive to store boats elsewhere - it can cost up to £1,000 and even some of the smaller boats can cost £600.

"We will now be able to store our boats and carry out maintenance."

The association has around 20 members and it is hoped now they have a base it will encourage more people to get involved.

He said: "This is a place we can take our boats, share our passion and pass on our knowledge to younger people.

"We've had quite a lot of interest and people have been following the story all the way through."

The group's campaign began two years ago at a meeting in the Gamble Halls in Gourock.

The future of the land had been discussed by Gourock regeneration forum following a public consultation.

Three community groups ended up competing for the prime waterfront site near Tarbet Street, which is designated as 'common good' land for the benefit of the town and residents.

The boat group were picked as the preferred bidder ahead of two other interested parties, Gourock Schools and Churches Together and another rival who wanted to establish a maritime centre.

As the land was earmarked for residential use the association had to apply to planning for a change of use.

Their proposal was turned down but they appealed and the decision was overturned by the review body.

A relieved Jim said: "It's been a long time coming."