Axe could fall on cop shops
Axe option if offices ‘surplus to requirements’
Hamilton, Larkhall and Blantyre police offices are among 58 across Scotland which could be axed.
Police Scotland have included the buildings in an estates review. Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon this week called for “transparency” over the Hamilton and Larkhall stations’ future.
Police stations in Hamilton, Larkhall and Blantyre are among a list of 58 across Scotland which are being considered for closure as part of a review.
The stations were identified as part of a Freedom of Information request made by the BBC which revealed they could be shut, along with ones in Carluke, Lesmahagow and Biggar.
Police say there is “no predetermined outcome” but explained that some buildings may be deemed “surplus to requirements”.
Buildings considered surplus to requirements could be shut, with officers and staff moved to alternative and shared offices nearby.
Christina Mckelvie, the MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, said Police Scotland were at a very “premature part of their decision process” with regards to the future of the offices.
She said: “What must be reiterated at this stage is that there has not been a pre-determined outcome regarding the future of these stations. Police Scotland are in a very premature part of their decision process.
“The Scottish Government has committed to protecting Police Scotland’s revenue budget in real terms in every year of this Parliament – delivering a boost of £100 million over the course of this Parliament. This is despite Westminster austerity cuts with cumulative impact of around £15 billion in Scotland between now and 2019-20.
“The 2016-17 Scottish Government Budget has delivered a £17.6 million increase in Police Scotland’s revenue budget and this will ensure we can protect frontline policing and keep our communities safe.”
Central Scotland MSP and Hamilton councillor Monica Lennon this week called for clarity over the future of the stations.
Ms Lennon said: “We need transparency over plans for Hamilton and Larkhall police stations. Local policing shouldn’t be sacrificed as a result of cuts to the police budget.
“The communities of Hamilton and Larkhall deserve to have a visible and easily accessible police force in the local area. Any changes must take the needs of the local population into consideration, and should be subject to extensive consultation.
“Police Scotland are facing increasingly constrained budgets. Just last month the general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation revealed details of the crumbling police estate at SNP conference, with some police cars held together with duct tape and interview rooms for victims affected by damp and with mouldy carpets.
“The SNP government need to invest in our police service and give our officers the resources they need to do their job properly.”
Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Cowie this week said Police Scotland need buildings which are “modern and flexible”.
He said: “Police Scotland needs buildings which are fit for future policing across the wide range of communities we serve. The existing estate has evolved over the course of the last 100 years and in some cases it no longer fits the demands of 2016 or the needs of communities.
“It makes little sense to maintain old and expensive buildings when smaller, more collaborative options may be available.
“The SPA Estate Strategy sets out a framework which has the service to local communities at its heart, with a visible and accessible policing service which works effectively with local partners as the drivers for any future change. Engagement will be carried out by local policing teams to ensure any future decisions are built upon local consultation with communities and partners to ensure our estate continues to meet our needs and the needs of the public.
“This is about enhancing the service we deliver – not doing less.
“Having buildings across Scotland from which we can operate more effectively will ensure police officers are available in the right time and the right place whilst continuing to deliver a quality service to local communities.”
Police Scotland’s Estates Review, launched last year, will take several years to complete.
Police Scotland also cannot close any station without the approval of the Scottish Police Authority, and it will not consider any applications until it is convinced that a full public consultation has been carried out.