POLICE Scotland has failed to give an assurance that a suite of cells will be included in any future new station in Inverclyde - stating only that a 'custody solution' is being sought.

Finance chief James Gray used the phrase in responses to a series of questions posed by Greenock-born MSP Jamie Greene after the Telegraph revealed that the town's current police HQ has been earmarked for closure.

But Mr Gray insisted that the number of 'operational officers' in Inverclyde will not change as a result of the proposed axing of the station.

Concern was raised last month by former Inverclyde policing commander Debbie Reilly that a lack of a custody suite would 'deprive' the district of officers.

The retired superintendent stated: "If a closure goes ahead, arrested persons will be taken to Glasgow thereby depriving Inverclyde of officers for many hours as they transport prisoners to custody suites elsewhere."

Asked about financial savings being reinvested back into local policing in the district, Mr Gray said: "Any financial savings from the proposed closure will be off-set against the cost of creating a new Greenock police station with custody solution, and also reinvested into continuing to maintain officer numbers at current levels within Inverclyde."

West of Scotland MSP Mr Greene said: "Time will tell if they find the cash to build a fit for purpose replacement."

The former Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary told the Telegraph: "All and any reassurances are welcome but the proof will be in the pudding. 

"We already know there is a huge capital investment backlog at Police Scotland due to years of chronic underfunding by the SNP.  

"Officers in Greenock have told me that any new police station simply must have holding cells so they don't waste half their day commuting people to Clydebank or Glasgow. 

"Local SNP politicians cannot and should not be sweeping legitimate concerns under the carpet, as they all too often do." 

Mr Greene wrote to Police Scotland demanding answers on the future of the Rue End Street facility after the Telegraph broke the news that the station faces being mothballed. 

Police Scotland is currently running a public online consultation to gather views on the proposed closure of the station, which is one of 29 police stations and other buildings said to be 'surplus to requirements'. 

Chief finance officer Mr Gray confirmed there would be no change to current levels of police presence, or to the number of operational officers. 

Mr Greene had asked what 'considerations' led to the move to close the station, and pondered what it will be replaced with. 

Mr Gray responded: "Due to the historical poor condition of Ayr, Oban and Greenock police stations, collectively these stations have been our highest priority in terms of identifying new alternatives that are fit for 21st century policing. 

"We are now turning our attention to Greenock where we are exploring options for a new Greenock police station and proposing to close the current Greenock police station at Rue End Street.

"We are currently exploring options for a new Greenock police station and the intention is to relocate within Inverclyde, hopefully within Greenock itself."

Mr Greene asked if the closure is a 'done deal', or if there was potential to 'reverse the decision', and demanded clarity on which 'specific circumstances or parameters' might prompt Police Scotland to change its mind. 

Mr Gray stated that the Rue End Street station was 'no longer fit for purpose and no longer affordable to operate and maintain', and said any funding from the Scottish Government would be invested in a new building. 

He added: "Greenock police station as it stands is in a poor and deteriorating condition.

"As per our estate strategy, it is our intention to reduce our physical and environmental footprints; to provide modern, energy-efficient and affordable working environments for our officers and staff to enhance their wellbeing and morale; and to remain visible, accessible and present within communities. 

"If the Scottish Government was to be forthcoming with the right level of financial resource, we would want to direct that investment into a new Greenock police station and not into a building which is now aged, deteriorating, no longer fit for purpose, costly to maintain and located in isolation from our partners."