Bridge of Allan police office fears

I was very disappointed to learn the news that Police Scotland is contemplating the permanent closure of its station at Bridge of Allan.

The services the station provides have been under threat before and we have seen the withdrawal of public counter services at this location. During the recent Scottish parliamentary election campaign, I made my views clear that the removal of this direct engagement with the community was a mistake.

The possible closure of this station goes against a promise to keep local police stations open that was made by Police Scotland when they ended the provision of many counter services throughout Scotland. Reviews into police stations should not be considered in purely numerical terms. The number of local residents who visit the station itself is far less important than the safe and reassuring presence it provides to their local community.

This development is yet another problem that has arisen since the centralisation of Scotland’s eight police services into a single force. I have opposed the creation of Police Scotland since it was first mooted on the grounds of a lack of local accountability and the detrimental effect that it would have on local policing. Now, sadly, it would seem my concerns are being borne out in reality.

I would urge Police Scotland not to go down this path and keep the station open.

Alexander Stewart MSP, Bridge of Allan