FIRE chiefs have paid a visit to the Oak Mall following concerns from shoppers about emergency doors being 'strapped shut'.

Concerned customers raised the alarm after 'ties' were seen attached to some of the fire doors at the centre's West Blackhall Street entrance.

Images shared with the Telegraph by locals showed a pair of Oak Mall fire doors with what were described by members of the public as 'cable ties'.

One local who saw them told the Tele they were concerned that the doors being shut posed a risk.

They said: "One of the fire exits was strapped shut with cable ties when I was there.

"I don't understand why a fire exit would have something tied to it like this.

"It does not seem right for an emergency door."

When contacted by the Telegraph, Oak Mall bosses denied the doors had been strapped shut by cable ties and said that the product used had been approved by a fire officer.

They added that the item did not constitute a threat to shoppers in the event of a fire.

The shopping centre did not provide further details on what product was used to keep the doors closed or why it was necessary for an item to be attached to the doors.

The Tele understands that the fire service were made aware of the matter and that a fire safety enforcement officer visited the mall to provide guidance.

Scottish Fire & Rescue Service local senior officer for Inverclyde David McCarrey said: "We would strongly advise duty holders to make contact with our fire safety protection teams to discuss any matters relating to the fire safety arrangements within their premises.

"Whilst duty holders have the legal responsibility for the provision of fire safety measures in their premises and businesses, our officers are always available to work in partnership to support this process with a view to improving fire safety awareness and ensuring the safety of the public."