Plea for police station rethink
Mitchell and Mccreary raise site sale fears
Calls have been made for Police Scotland to re-run a consultation into the proposed sale of Uddingston Police Station.
Central Scotland MSP Margaret Mitchell and Councillor Kenny Mccreary made the calls amid concerns that several members of the community were unaware of the consultation, which ran over a period of three months and concluded on January 31, 2018.
In a joint letter to the acting Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, the politicians highlighted their concerns and asked for details and clarification on the consultation, as well as requesting a pause in any closure/ sell off and for the consultation to be re-run.
Mrs Mitchell said: “The visible presence of the police station and officers provides crucial reassurance to the Bothwell and Uddingston community.
“It is therefore extremely concerning that there is a proposal to close and sell off this asset.
“Furthermore, it appears that very few people seem to have been aware that a consultation seeking their views on the future of Uddingston police station had been carried out.
“This was done over a three-month period and is far from ideal as this covered the festive period.
“Although we have been advised that a majority supported the closure, we have no idea of the numbers involved. More information must now be provided. Consequently, I have asked for further details on the consultation to be made available of exactly what it consisted of and what questions were asked.
“In the meantime, it makes sense that there is a pause in proceedings to ensure that a further consultation can be carried out.
“Quite simply, this is an issue where there must be complete openness, transparency and accountability in the decision making and consultation process.”
Officers previously based at Uddingston Police Station were moved to the nearby Blantyre station over two years ago, however on occasion they still use the Uddingston office as a pop-in base, although it has no manned desk.
Councillor Mccreary said: “The communities of Uddingston and Bothwell appreciate the value of the presence of the police station and it is my opinion that there is a strong desire to have it remain as a base for the local officers.
“I realise that the station is not fully functional or indeed manned at all times, however the more visible police presence we have in the area, the greater the deterrent to the criminal element.
“The community police officers give great support to residents and are highly regarded by all, but we need them based in Uddingston, not spending time travelling back and forward to a station in Blantyre.
“It is my view that there are various alternatives which should be discussed before closure and I would urge Police Scotland to engage fully with the communities involved and consider any proposals presented.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland told the Advertiser this week: “Officers continue to liaise with elected members in respect of this matter.
“A consultation period ran for three months and concluded on January 31, 2018, with the majority of responses related to Uddingston Police Station supportive of our plan to dispose of the property.”