A CRY for help has been issued over the state of the rundown tourist information kiosk in the heart of Gourock.

It has been left lying locked up and abandoned since tenants the business body who were tenants pulled out last year.

The information kiosk sits at the pierhead across from the railway station, ferry terminal and beside the gardens.

Locals have complained that it is in a 'sorry state'.

Former Gourock councillor Jim Hunter is now calling for action to bring it back up to scratch.

His call comes as the local regeneration forum works with the council to look at future plans for the information hub.

Mr Hunter said: "It is in a really sorry state.

"The kiosk is one of the first things people see when they come off the train or ferry and it is such a shame to see it like this.

"The interactive digital board has gone and it is just sitting there locked up."

Jim, who lives in the nearby Riverside Gardens sheltered housing complex, is also calling for the area surrounding the kiosk to be cleaned up.

He added: "With the gardens and the Queen's tree it is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the view.

"But there is litter and empty plastic lying everywhere.

"It needs tidied up."

Town councillor Lynne Quinn, who is convenor of the Gourock Regeneration Forum, agrees that action is required to address the condition of the kiosk.

She said: "This is something that will be discussed at the next regeneration forum.

"It is something that needs to be looked at."

Inverclyde Council today confirmed that they are looking at options for the future of the unit.

A council spokesman said: "It was vacated by Gourock Business Club at the end of last year and has been vacant ever since.

"We are aware of its condition and plan raise this with the Gourock Town Centre Regeneration Forum to determine future plans for the building."