COUNCIL chiefs who allowed Inverclyde's iconic Comet landmark to rot are now advocating a cut price replacement be built — with free 'in-kind' help from the community.

A survey report which the local authority kept secret earlier this year provides cost estimates of up to £750,000 for a new replica of Henry Bell's historic 1812 craft.

The document — for which the council paid £5,000 of public money — declares that the symbol of our maritime heritage is in such a state that any attempt to repair her would be 'pointless'.

But despite a recommendation from a naval architect that a new Comet should be built and housed in a climate-controlled building, officials appear to want any replacement to again be in the open air.

Inverclyde Council's environment and regeneration director, Scott Allan, said: "The early advice that we're getting from industry experts is that it is possible to create a vessel that is fully weatherproof that could be displayed outside.

"This is something that would have to be costed and looked at in detail, and be one of the options considered.

"So if members are minded, that is the way that officers would recommend that this project is taken forward."

Elected members agreed that Mr Allan and his staff should work with the Port Glasgow Regeneration Forum to draw up a list of options.

However, it appears that officials within the Municipal Buildings are steering a course away from a call from Port councillor Chris Curley for a dedicated Comet museum.

Council leader Stephen McCabe says he wants to see a community-wide approach to the Comet crisis.

Mr McCabe said: "We've got a shipyard, a ship repair yard and lots of skills here as well.

"The biggest cost of building any new replica is labour.

"I don't see why we couldn't find a way of trying to bring community value to this project, albeit that the council will need to put a significant amount of money in.

"But I think that the more 'in kind' support that we can get, then the less the cost will be for the council."

Cllr McCabe earlier acknowledged that there has been 'implied criticism' of the council over Comet.

He said: "This is a sorry tale, that's the reality of it.

"I think it's important that we ask could we have done more to prevent the hull getting into this condition."

Mr McCabe added: "Whatever solution there is, it is going to be a costly solution, there is no doubt about that."

The naval architect report states: "It is unfortunately too late for a maintenance plan for the existing vessel, the best that can be hoped for is that the machinery can be removed and used on a new replica vessel."

The Telegraph asked under Freedom of Information legislation earlier this year for a copy of the report but the council refused to release it — declaring it not sufficiently in the public interest to do so.

Two shipyards approached for estimates for a new Comet have provided price tags of between £250,000 to £750,000.

The current replica underwent a year-long £180,000 overhaul and restoration at Ferguson's shipyard ten years ago.

A plan to install a £165,000 protective canopy over her was approved by the council in 2013, but the shelter never materialised.