THE Inverclyde east area has become a hotspot for deliberate fires which now accounts for almost half the incidents taking place in the area.

Latest figures have revealed that number of deliberate fires started in Inverclyde East Central between October and January was more than double the figure for the same period the year before.

Fire chiefs have pledged to monitor the area and work closely with community partners to try and bring down the number of incidents.

While the overall figures for fire-setting fell across the district at the end of 2021, 45 per cent of deliberate fires were in the East Central ward, which includes fire-setting hotspot Clune Park.

The abandoned housing estate was targeted by firestarters on several occasions last year and has become notorious for its high rate of deliberate fire incidents.

David McCarrey, who is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's (SFRS) local senior officer for the district, says his firefighters are working hard to stamp out deliberate fire setting.

He said: "Our Community Action Team, as well as operational crews, monitor areas of high activity.

"And while overall figures for fire setting are down, we have seen an increase in fires in Inverclyde East, particularly in the Clune Park area.

"SFRS is working closely with Inverclyde partners, including Police Scotland and Inverclyde Council, to reduce these incidents and improve fire safety in the area."

The data was prepared ahead of a meeting of the local Police and Fire Scrutiny Committee.

Committee convenor Councillor Tommy McVey told the Tele that most of the incidents were outdoor fires and says he is confident the SFRS will be able to tackle the problem.

He said: "There has been a spike in incidents over the last quarter in this area, which is mainly due to outdoor fires.

"The Clune Park area does present particular challenges.

"Council officers are in regular contact with the SFRS and other agencies, via the partnership hub, to try and reduce the number of incidents taking place.

"This includes a youth engagement strategy which will be carried out by the SFRS community action team."