THE president of the chamber of commerce has called for a masterplan to turn Inverclyde's fortunes around.

Gavin McDonagh spoke out in the wake of population plunge figures which saw he area record the biggest 10-year decrease in the country.

Mr McDonagh said: "Inverclyde continues to suffer from major underinvestment amongst many other issues, and Inverclyde Chamber is again calling on the UK and Scottish governments alongside Inverclyde Council to address these and do more to support our area before the damage is so ingrained it takes another three decades to recover.

"Our businesses, residents and communities need to be inspired, supported and have opportunities to grow and develop within Inverclyde.

"The area needs to be desirable and our young talent needs to have reasons to stay, while we need to be more attractive to families and others to consider relocating here.

"The area needs an ambitious and strategic masterplan, supported by a major investment from the public and private sectors in collaboration with the Chamber, which will help lead to increased regeneration and a targeted focus on helping Inverclyde to recover and thrive again."