A PATHWAY at a Greenock east end rail station has had to be closed for safety reasons after being left badly damaged during the recent flash floods.

A section of footpath at Whinhill station was ripped up by the force of the water which coursed through the station and nearby homes on December 30.

The grass on one side of a stretch of the path has been washed away, exposing piping and building materials.

Slightly further along, bricks have been uprooted and are lying in a hazardous pile.

The Telegraph understands that Network Rail is the landlord for part of the section of footpath and that the land is leased to ScotRail.

Ward councillors Colin Jackson and Michael McCormick say they have been working closely with people affected by damage to properties and facilities in Kilmacolm Road and surrounding areas.

They are in touch with the station operators and have asked for updates on when the footpath, which is used by commuters to get down onto the platform, will be fixed.

The councillors are concerned that the pathway could pose a danger to people heading down to the station or to homes nearby, especially in the dark.

Cllr Jackson said: "The physical damage to the station shows the power and intensity of the these weather conditions and the damage it can cause to homes and infrastructure.

"I have been in contact with the relevant parties about the damage around the station and I am waiting for a response from them.

"At this point I would urge people to be careful when accessing the station until repair work is undertaken."

The pathway has now been closed to the public and ScotRail confirmed that it will remain closed until it can be made safe.

A Network Rail spokesperson added: "Our team have been on site to assess the damage to the footpath at Whinhill station.

"We have temporarily closed the footpath until repairs are completed and would like to thank members of the public for their patience during this time."