INVERCLYDE'S widely respected former police chief has hit out over controversial plans to close the Greenock station within the next few months. 

Debbie Reilly, who was the area commander here until the end of 2020, spoke out publicly after the Telegraph revealed this week that the Rue End Street HQ had been earmarked for closure. 

When the Tele asked Police Scotland a series of questions about the future of policing in the district the force said it was unable to provide detail on an alternative headquarters or a timescale for the changes.

Bosses have only said that a 'police presence' would remain in Greenock. 

Former Inverclyde chief inspector Reilly has now questioned the lack of detail given by Police Scotland.

Writing online, she said: "I'm very concerned regarding scant detail from Police Scotland to reassure the public in response to this article. 

"If a closure goes ahead, arrested persons will be taken to Glasgow thereby depriving Inverclyde of officers for many hours as they transport prisoners to custody suites elsewhere."

The retired former police chief said the lack of detail provided by Police Scotland could affect the force's relationship with people in communities across Inverclyde. 

She has demanded more clarity on what form policing will take when the changes come into force. 

Ms Reilly, who attained the rank of superintendent before retiring, added: "Of course there will always be a police presence but what will that look like? 

"Budget cuts are essential but closing an entire office and custody suite with no detail on the alternative could significantly harm public trust and confidence in policing in Inverclyde."

Reports suggest that the Rue End Street station, which has one of the largest custody suites in the country, needs £6m worth of upgrades. 

It was also revealed earlier this year that 17 police posts would be lost across Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. 

At a meeting of Inverclyde Council's police scrutiny panel in July, Chief Superintendent Laura Waddell said: "As you know, our estate isn't very great in some areas across Scotland and we've been working hard across Scotland to fix that.

"Greenock is next on the list. 

"It's actively being looked at right now, but it will not move out with the general area."

When the Telegraph approached Councillor David Wilson, chair of Inverclyde's police scrutiny panel, and his vice chair Councillor Drew McKenzie, about the plans they both expressed concern about the developments. 

Ms Reilly says she wants to see how the councillors respond.

She posted online: "Cllr Wilson is 'very disappointed', Cllr McKenzie would be 'really interested to know what the plans are'.

"The public expect a robust level of scrutiny from the chair and vice chair of the police scrutiny panel. 

"They've a critical remit and I'll be very interested to see how it's addressed."

When the Telegraph invited Police Scotland to respond to Ms Reilly's comments they stated they had nothing further to add to their original statement.