PLANS to remove a memorial window following concerns about a perceived 'racist' crest on its glass have been approved despite attracting more than a dozen objections.

Inverclyde Council have signed off on proposals to remove the Dardanelles Memorial Window from the Watt Institution. 

The stained glass artwork was commissioned to commemorate the stories of local people who gave their lives after being dispatched to the Dardanelles strait at Gallipoli and those back home who supported them.

The removal comes after Inverclyde Council's education and communities committee agreed last year to plans to remove the controversial Gourock coat of arms from display in Inverclyde wherever possible.

The window bears the crest, which some have branded 'racist' because of its alleged links to slavery, and will now be taken down. 

In a report on their decision, council officers state the applicant confirmed that the Dardanelles Memorial Fund Committee, who commissioned the window, had requested that the window be removed and returned to them.