A GOUROCK man says the council should extend grass verge cutting work to tackle a litter hotspot in the town.

Tony Gartley highlighted the mess missed lying just beyond the verges in Hilltop Road.

He said: "The council cut the grass verge beside where the vast amount of non-biodegradable debris is lying.

"If they extended their commitment thirty feet down the embankment then that debris could be picked up and properly disposed of."

The council has defended its grounds coverage and litter removal work.

A spokesperson said: “Inverclyde is a large area so our grounds maintenance programme focuses on priority areas, such as parks, schools, roadsides and other public areas.

“The section of Hilltop Road/Larkfield Road identified is one of those priority areas and is maintained for road safety reasons to ensure there is no encroachment onto the road and also to provide access to street lightning.

"The grass is cut and litter removed on a regular basis.

“In addition to that, we support various groups, including the Friends of Coves Community Nature Reserve, with litter-picking and we collect and dispose of any rubbish found.

“We have also put bins at the various entrances to the Coves Reservoir and these are emptied regularly."