LABOUR MSP Paul O’Kane has demanded guarantees over the future of policing in Greenock and urged people to have their say on the controversial plan to replace the town's current station.

He has made a submission to the online consultation which has been launched on shutting the current Rue End Street HQ and moving to a new base.

Mr O'Kane says that cannot happen unless and until key assurances are in place.

The Tele has launched a 'Protect Our Policing' campaign which aims to ensure that key services like custody, CID and a public front counter are retained, with hundreds signing our petition.

The Police Scotland consultation will close on March 31.

Mr O’Kane said: “I am calling on anyone who is concerned about the closure and relocation of Greenock Police Station and the implications it has for the wider area to make their voice heard.

“I believe Greenock Police Station should be replaced but the replacement site must have counter service for local people, good facilities for hardworking officers and crucially a custody suite.

"Until a new site is guaranteed to have that, we can’t dispose of the current station.

“This very much comes down to keeping a police presence in the Greenock area, ensuring officers are situated and stay in Greenock instead of taking the hour long trips to custody suites in other areas."