Threatened Gourock fire station will not be closed

Gourock fire station is not under threat of closure.

Assurances have been given on the future of an Inverclyde fire station amid concern about its future.

There had been fears Gourock fire station might be closed by Scottish Fire and Rescue (SFRS) .

Senior fire officer Graeme Binning announced that the station would stay open, and confirmed that a new fire engine would arrive in 2019.

He said: "We are in a strong position and there are no plans to close stations or reduce crew levels."

The announcement was made at Inverclyde Council committee meeting on Thursday.

The station's second fire engine is due to be replaced and staff of 18 firefighters will be retained.

The Local Police and Fire Scrutiny Sub-Committee also heard that 108 new firefighters will be starting in the wider area soon, with many deployed to Inverclyde.

Mr Binning said: "I'm sitting here a very happy man with the future of how things are looking with our resilience."

Councillors received a report report detailing improvements in key areas the SFRS is monitoring.

Accidental building fires, fire injuries and deaths, deliberate fires and unwanted fire alarm signals have all reduced, officers reported.

Councillor Jim Clocherty said: "I think anyone from Gourock would welcome the statement today - and we should give people of Gourock that reassurance."