Bid to save police base
MSP vows to fight the case
A Labour MSP this week vowed to fight to save the police station in Shotts from the axe.
Central Scotland MSP has written to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland Philip Gormley over the issue and has requested a meeting to discuss the importance of the police station to the community.
It emerged earlier this month following an FOI request by the BBC that Shotts Police Office, along with 57 police buildings, could be axed as Police Scotland deal with crippling budget cuts.
In his letter to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Richard writes: “I am very disappointed in the way that local communities and elected members like myself found out about these proposed changes.
“It fundament a l l y undermines confidence in Police Scotland for these proposed changes to come to light in this fashion.”
In addition, Richard has submitted a Freedom of Information request to establish what communication Police Scotland has had, internally and externally, regarding the proposed closure.
He has additionally tabled questions in the Scottish Parliament asking the SNP Government to step in and halt the consultation and proposed closures.
Richard added: “I will fight to ensure that there is a Police Station in Shotts.
“Having a local Police Station is an important part of the fabric of the local community here, and it is vital that the safety of local communities is protected.
“It is par t i c u l a r l y important in Shotts to ensure that the community has full confidence in a
local police presence, with HMP Shotts on their doorstep.
“I will work closely with the local community to make sure that the station stays in Shotts and that Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority listen to the community here.”
Last week the Wishaw Press reported how Shotts MSP Alex Neil was writing to the Chief Constable over the matter and wanted an urgent meeting with him to discuss the issue.
A Police S cotland spokesman said stations under review did “not match policing requirements and were subject to consultation with communities, partners and staff.
The Scottish Government said that decisions around operational policing were a matter for Police Scotland.
Vital safety of local communities is protected