Plans to close ‘costly’ Balerno police station get approval
Plans to close Balerno police station in Edinburgh have been approved, amid major budget concerns.
It comes after Police Scotland announced proposals in December to close a number of police stations across the country as part of a cost-cutting drive.
The closure is part of an organisation-wide restructure, with stations in and around Edinburgh understood to be on a list of 30 sites which Police Scotland plans to sell off.
Another four in Edinburgh – Fettes, Leith, West End and Portobello – are at risk of closure as the cash-strapped force looks to save money.
Police said Balerno, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, has historically been underutilised and has not been used as an operational response station for many years.
Officers based at Wester Hailes will continue to cover the Balerno area. It is less than five miles away and has the nearest public counter.
Comments received from the public recognised the extended period the station had been vacant and its limited use, but said its presence ‘inspired feelings of safety’.
Police chiefs reassured the public that the same level of service will be provided.
Superintendent David Happs said: “I realise the physical police presence of the building has provided reassurance and confidence to the local community over the years however I would like to assure local residents that our officers will continue to be active, visible and accessible.
Balerno was formally declared as surplus at a Scottish Police Authority Resources Committee meeting on Tuesday.