Police stations on axe hit list
‘Surplus’properties are under review by force
Three Perthshire police stations could be sold off under the force’s plans to streamline its estate.
Police Scotland sought permission from the Scottish Police Authority last week to begin a three-month consultation over the future of 53 properties which they say are no longer required.
Police stations in Bridge of Earn, Stanley and Longforgan are all on the hit list.
All of the properties have been identified by local police commanders as “surplus to requirements” and almost all of them are already closed with some still acting as a base for local officers.
The properties were earmarked following a review of the Police Scotland estate.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cowie said: “Police Scotland inherited a large estate which was based on legacy arrangements.
“This estate was developed over a significant period of time when demands on policing were very different from current and anticipated future demands.
“The review of the Police Scotland estate was conducted to ensure that it is fit for purpose and reflects the changing nature of policing and can support service delivery to local communities.
“There are a large number of properties currently empty, or soon to become empty, however they still have associated running costs.
“Such a position does not provide best value or help achieve financial sustainability.”
The police chief said no decisions will be taken until the consultation is complete.
Carse of Gowrie Councillor Alasdair Bailey wants certainty that closures wont affect community policing.
He said: “There is excellent community policing taking place in the Carse of Gowrie today and I’ll be talking to Police Scotland through this consultation to find out whether that will be affected by any change.
“Although the police building at Longforgan closed to the public some years ago, residents are keen to ensure that the proposed disposal will not impact on the good service and emergency response times they currently benefit from.”
Strathtay SNP Councillor Grant Laing has highlighted the need for forward thinking during the Police Scotland Stanley Police Station is one of the bases earmarked by
consultations.
He said: “Every organisation has the right to review their properties, and I’m not worried about that.
“I do have a concern for the amount of housing developments around the area, and I hope this will be taken into consideration. Bertha Park developments are ongoing and
there are potential plans for more houses in Stanley and Luncarty, so some form of future-proofing needs to be included in the review.
“Stanley will be the hub of the Strathtay area amongst these developments, and manned or not, I think it is important to keep the facility as a base.”