COMET campaigners are urging the people of Port Glasgow to rally to their cause so the town does not lose a local treasure.

Community councillors Anne Ross and Tommy Rodgers say they are desperate to secure a proper replacement for the crumbling historic paddle steamer replica before time runs out.

In recent years it has been left to rot, with cut-price replacements mooted for the famous local landmark.

This comes as Inverclyde Council reaffirms its full commitment to the controversial 'Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow' sculpture, which has been heavily delayed and has doubled in price to £600,000.

Tommy, of Port West Community Council, said: "I think for the cost of the other sculpture I am sure we could have got both - a refurbished Comet replica and something to celebrate shipbuilding in Port Glasgow.

"We want a Comet replacement, but it does not have to be one that was built to sail like the one we have now.

"There is a way to do it."

Anne, chair of the community council, added: "I hope we can build a replica model of her in fibreglass in all her glory and put the pride back in the Clyde.

"Nothing less will do.

"I think fibreglass would be a good alternative, it is what they use to build very expensive yachts.

"It should certainly be explored."

Councillor Robert Moran recently called for people in the town to have a say in what happens to the Comet.

Anne added: "We support Councillor Moran in his belief the people of Port Glasgow should decide.

"But I feel that they have to know the significance and how important Comet is and how it came to be there.

"It needs to be an informed decision.

"Sadly we are all now witnessing our wee boat that gave so much in a dreadful state.

"It is like a long, painful goodbye."

The Comet replica celebrates the first boat of its kind, a passenger-carrying ship propelled by steam.

The replica was commissioned in 1961 and was built to sail.

She was launched in September 1962 with the passengers on board wearing 19th century clothes and going across to Helensburgh in honour of the Comet's original route.

The replica was refurbished around a decade ago at a cost of £180k only to then be left uncovered in the town and fully exposed to the elements.

This led to decay which became so bad that it eventually left the structure beyond repair.