Future of police base uncertain
Shotts politicians have met with a police boss to discuss the future of the town’s police station.
MP Neil Gray and MSP Alex Neil met with Chief Inspector Glen Bland, the Area Commander for Motherwell, Wishaw and Shotts, to raise their concerns about the prospect of the axing of the police office.
It emerged last month that Shotts Police Office, along with 57 police buildings, could be axed as Police Scotland deal with crippling budget cuts.
While nothing was confirmed about the Shotts office, the SNP politicians expressed the need for assurances that, should the actual building be closed, Police Scotland must retain a presence in the town, whether that is by moving to a new building or sharing offices with another agency.
Mr Gray said: “While nothing is finalised regarding the possible closure of Shotts Police Station, Mr Neil and I felt that it was prudent to speak to Chief Inspector Bland and impress on him the need for a presence in the town.
“A town like Shotts should not be without a police base and closing Shotts, without an adequate replacement, would be extremely detrimental to the area.
“Response times are a key factor when people are asked about the service that Police Scotland provides and these will increase greatly should folk in Shotts, Harthill and the surrounding areas have to rely on officers coming from further afield.
“I, along with Mr Neil, will continue to work with Police Scotland to find the best solution for both the people of Shotts and the Force itself.”
Chief Inspector Glen Bland told the Wishaw Press: “There will be no change to the service we provide to the Shotts community.
“It is essential that police officers remain in Shotts and that remains my commitment and assurance to to all.”
Last month, a Police Scotland spokesman said that stations under review did “not match policing requirements and were subject to consultation with communities, partners and staff.
The Scottish Government said that decision around operational policing was a matter for Police Scotland.