A NEGLECTED Port Glasgow housing estate could be transformed to accommodate refugees looking to stay permanently in Inverclyde.

Provost Drew McKenzie has called for Chapelton to be part of any plans to upgrade housing for Ukrainians and others who are part of resettlement schemes.

The state of the area has been highlighted after residents called for investment to reverse its decline.

At the moment time Inverclyde is supporting 80 families in the community from a number of resettlement schemes, including those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

At a recent social work and social care scrutiny meeting Councillor McKenzie suggested Chapelton as a place where they could make their home.

He said: "With the situation in Ukraine the people who are here look like they will be staying for the long term or perhaps indefinitely.

"I think there are opportunities for certain areas and I would suggest Chapelton.

"It is an area where there is a lot of good housing stock lying empty.

"It has been experiencing a certain amount of decline.

"If there is a money from central government, I would suggest that Inverclyde Council could target Chapelton."

A public meeting was held earlier this year to discuss residents' concerns about the estate.

Health and social care partnership chief Allen Stevenson told the committee that talks were under way with council regeneration boss Stuart Jamieson on a 'wider strategy' looking at the potential to refurbish existing social housing in the area.

Mr Stevenson, the partnership's interim chief officer, added: "We will look at what funding is available from the Scottish Government with a view to establishing this strategy."

At this moment the HSCP is supporting Ukrainians living with local sponsors, as well as others who are in temporary accommodation.

There are 40 refugees staying in the Gin House Hotel in Greenock as part of a Scottish Government scheme.

Under other resettlement schemes there are 17 Afghan families living locally, 32 Syrian families and seven Sudanese families.

Separately Inverclyde HSCP is also caring for 71 male asylum seekers staying in the Holiday Inn Express after it was requisitioned by the UK Government as accommodation for them while their cases are processed.