THE remnants of Port Glasgow's iconic Comet replica have been placed into secure storage by Inverclyde Council following its dismantling last month. 

Council workers were given authority to remove the vessel - an exact replica of Henry Bell's 1812 original - from its place in Port Glasgow town centre in January following concerns about its rapidly deteriorating condition.

The ship was pulled apart piece by piece in an operation early last month, with key components preserved by officials for potential use in the future. 

Officials state in a new report to Inverclyde Council's environment and regeneration committee that all ironwork, including its replica steam engine and any salvageable timber, has now been moved to secure storage. 

There is currently no plan in place for replacing the replica, however, local councillor Chris Curley has called for the public to be consulted on what happens next to the replica.