Proposed fire station HQ relocation

SIR, – A number of recent letters have emphasised the need to obtain best value for the taxpayer and in this connection I refer to the intention to dispose of the existing Fire and Rescue Headquarters at Anderson Drive, Aberdeen (P&J, October 21) in favour of new premises at Dyce.

This possibility was first discussed around 15 years ago when it was planned to develop the existing site, again, with approximately 90 flatted properties. At that time, Grampian Police were seeking to relocate out of Queen Street and the Anderson Drive site was actively considered to be ideal for shared use with the Fire and Rescue Service. This had a number of advantages, the principal being shared common services, facilities and certain staff. For whatever reason, the proposal did not proceed. However, Police Scotland still have a need to relocate from a building which is no longer fit for purpose. In these circumstances, would it still not be possible for the site to be acquired by Police Scotland for a new headquarters? It seems incongruous that through sheer chance one service holds property which is more valuable than another and can relocate with financial ease, and the other cannot. After all, property held by such services is owned by the same entity, the government, with their funding coming from the same pocket, that of the taxpayer.

George S Morrison, Overton Circle, Aberdeen.