THE council and Inverclyde's largest housing provider are at loggerheads over a crumbling 'danger wall' that a frightened tenant says has been left to rot for the last TWO YEARS.

Municipal Buildings bosses insist that River Clyde Homes has sole responsibility for the dilapidated structure on Greenock's Finnieston Street but the landlord claims nothing can be done about it without the council's help.

Meanwhile, householder David Withers fears that he could end up trapped in his home if the wall - which is being held at bay by metal fencing - deteriorates any further.

Large chunks of concrete have become dislodged from the wall and are pushing on the fencing, which appears to have buckled in places.

Greenock Telegraph:
David says the fencing has already fallen down several times due to local youngsters kicking footballs at it from across the road.

He told the Telegraph: "When the fencing has fallen down in the past, I've been able to get out and haul it back up again. 

"That won't be the case if a big block of concrete is on top of it. 

"When the fence comes down, it blocks the path and blocks the entry to my door. 

"What would happen if there was a fire and I had to get out? 

"Emergency services wouldn't be able to get in."

David says the wall started to deteriorate after a stretch of black railings was removed. 

Greenock Telegraph:
He says there's every chance someone walking along the path could be seriously injured. 

David added: "A car tried to do a three-point turn in the road and went right into the railings so they took most of them away. 

"I think they tried to resurface the road at one point and through all that, the wall has just started crumbling. 

"It's in a terrible state, anyone walking along in the dark could walk right into the fencing or into the wall itself.

"It's not safe for people driving along the road either, especially in the bad weather."

David says he has complained to River Clyde Homes about the wall and was always told it was an 'insurance issue'.

He added: "River Clyde Homes have never seemed that interested in it. 

"I think they're happy for it to be like that forever."

The Telegraph contacted Inverclyde Council and River Clyde Homes for comment and discovered that the organisations are in disagreement about the repair. 

Inverclyde Council said responsibility for the wall lies solely with River Clyde Homes but the housing provider says work to fix the structure will require help from the council's roads and transport department. 

A spokesperson for Inverclyde Council said: "This wall and fence line remain under the responsibility of River Clyde Homes.

"We understand remedial works are being planned and will continue to liaise with River Clyde Homes on this."

A River Clyde Homes spokesperson said: "We are aware of the ongoing situation with the wall on Finnieston Street and apologise for the delay in commencing repairs. 

"We are currently liaising with all relevant partners as progressing the work requires a collaborative approach with Inverclyde Council's roads and transport department."