A RETIRED police officer today slammed a Tory councillor for saying that local people shouldn't be concerned about the prospect of fire station closures in Inverclyde.

Cllr David Wilson has sparked controversy after suggesting that a reorganisation of police resources had shown that emergency service closures could have a positive spin-off effect.

He said having only one police station in the district had not caused any problems, arguing that it meant more officers were out on the streets.

But Sandy Nimmo, who served in the police force for 30 years, says he was astonished by the Depute Provost's remarks.

He said: "David Wilson has come in flashing figures but if there are more officers about in Inverclyde now I'd like to know how many.

"I found figures in the Telegraph going back to 1962 which states there were 115 constables, 17 sergeants, six inspectors and three chief inspectors and a superintendent for Greenock Burgh alone.

"But I don't know when I last saw a police officer.

"I just don't know where David Wilson is coming from.

"You don't get a better service by closing police stations or fire stations."

The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service is currently consulting on a strategic plan for the future and the exercise has led to unease over the future of our three local stations.

The convener of the local police and fire scrutiny committee, independent councillor Tommy McVey, has publicly pledged to fight against any closures.

Cllr Wilson responded to that vow by citing figures showing there were less than 100 fire call-outs in Inverclyde during May, equating to around one call per station per day, with 79 of the incidents classed as minor.

Mr Nimmo, who sat on the police board while he was a Lib Dem councillor before retiring in 2007, says he agrees with Mr McVey.

He said: "Councillor Wilson talks about minor incidents but a minor fire could turn into a big fire very quickly.

"He is spouting a load of rubbish."