INVERCLYDE'S former police chief has today backed the Telegraph's new campaign to retain vital local services amid uncertainty over the planned replacement of Greenock's station.

Debbie Reilly, who was Inverclyde's area commander until the end of 2020, hopes the Tele's Protect Our Policing drive will encourage local people to speak out and make their voices heard.

In early December, we revealed that the Rue End Street facility was earmarked for closure and replacement, sparking concerns about loss of services.

The Telegraph has now set up an online petition which specifically seeks to guard against the loss of custody cells, a 24-hour public counter, CID, response and community policing departments.

Ms Reilly, who achieved the rank of superintendent before retiring last year, says closing a facility which currently offers these services, and building a new one without some of the services, would have huge ramifications.

She added: "The people of Inverclyde have always been really supportive of policing over the years and there's a real connection between the public and the police here.

"Without the co-operation of the public in the past, some of the most heinous crimes may not have been detected. 

"Police Scotland cannot afford to break the bond that local policing in Inverclyde has with the public."

The retired superintendent admits she has been 'exasperated' by some of the responses provided by Police Scotland following the outcry about their proposals.

She has also hit out at some commentators who have accused her and others of scaremongering. 

Ms Reilly added: "The strategic response has been really disappointing, particularly in response to the first set of questions posed by the Telegraph. 

"Given the magnitude of this issue, I thought that the one-line response issued was dismissive and patronising. 

"I have no political motive or agenda and want to strongly dismiss any suggestion that I am being alarmist.

"I was part of Police Scotland for 22 years and the organisation treated me very well. 

"From the outset, I have always been a strong advocate for local policing.

"I am expressing my valid and honest concerns."

The retired high ranking officer says prominent figures across Inverclyde must 'listen to the people they represent' and speak up about the situation. She wants elected members to take force chiefs to task and ensure there are guarantees about the force's future here.

Ms Reilly said: "The local police and fire scrutiny panel has a crucial role to play. 

"It has a number of statutory functions which include making representations about issues and concerns. 

"In my time in Inverclyde, the panel was robust and always held me to account."

Debbie is urging local people to now have their say by signing the Telegraph's petition and lobbying their local politicians as well as taking part in the official Police Scotland consultation. 

She added: "I think there's sometimes a bit of apathy out there, but I want to warn against that. 

"People shouldn't assume that someone else is making representations on their behalf.

"If we don't make representations now, we will be left to suffer the consequences."

You can sign our petition online at https://chng.it/kKyjPrjgp4