The people of Gourock are going to the polls today to decide who will represent them on Inverclyde Council.

The Telegraph visited four of the five polling stations to gauge the mood of voters this morning.

Overall the feedback was that voting had been slow, with some stations reporting only 17 people voting in the first two hours.

One voter, John Houston, 72, a life-long Labour supporter, who was at Gourock Golf Club, said: "I voted Conservative. I didn't want to vote for anyone else.

"I've always voted Labour, and I voted Labour the last time, but they have lost my vote forever over the winter fuel payments."

Mr Houston's wife and said she had voted the same way, but added that if there had been a Liberal Democrat candidate she would have voted for them.

Meanwhile at Gamble Halls, a local nurse, who works in drugs and alcohol, said: "I am voting for Reform UK. I am sick of the SNP to the back teeth and Labour has never done anything for this area.

"I am concerned about crime, drugs and alcohol issues in the area, and in nine years the SNP have done nothing."

The 62-year-old, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "I think the difference with Reform UK is that they listen. I feel disenchanted with the traditional parties."

The by-election was called after Labour's Martin McCluskey stood down earlier this year following his election as MP for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West.

There are five candidates standing, listed in alphabetical order: John Burleigh Reform UK, Ian Hellyer, Labour, Robert Kirkpatrick, SNP, Chris McEleny, Alba and Ted Runciman Conservative.

Another local man, speaking outside Cardwell Sailing Club, said: "I've voted for Reform UK. John Burleigh has come up with some pretty good ideas for the town.

The 84-year-old, who also asked not to be named, said: "I don't have much time for the SNP, I've voted Liberal for most of my life, though I'm more Conservative now."

Polling stations at Cardwell Bay Sailing Club, the Gamble Halls, the Coppermine Community Centre, Gourock Golf Club, Gourock Bowling Club, and the Royal Gourock Yacht Club will remain open until 10pm.

The winner, taking their place alongside the ward's current councillors, Sandra Reynolds of the SNP and independent Lynne Quinn, will be announced on Friday. 

Counting will begin at 10am tomorrow with a result expected around midday.