Police stations face closure as cuts bite
Public safety fears over force’s plan to sell buildings
POLICE chiefs are considering the closure of 58 stations across Scotland as part of their latest costcutting drive.
The single force has drawn up a list of properties under review, including city police stations in Edinburgh as well as those in areas such as Oban, Campbeltown and Hawick.
Details of the potential move were published under freedom of information legislation, and follow revelations that Police Scotland is facing a £27.1million black hole – despite £5million of cuts last year.
The single force insists some of the exist police ing estate is no longer fit for purpose but critics fear closures could threaten public safety, particularly in more remote communities. And they have accused police chiefs of failing to stick with their promise to keep stations open – despite closing a number of front counters two years ago.
The review into ‘surplus’ property is currently under way with an early consultation process which will later be opened to the public.
Last year Police Scotland revealed an estate strategy which would see the force reduce floor space occupied by 25 per cent, with an estimated annual saving of between £5million and £18million, and sale of the properties generating between £22million and £34million. The proposals could see police officers and civilian staff sharing office space with other public agencies.
Oliver Mundell, Scottish Conservative MSP for Dumfriesshire, said: ‘Of the stations that are closing in Dumfries and Galloway, Police Scotland’s justification is they’re not routinely manned.
‘Two or three years ago, they promised the stations would stay open. The problem with the proposal to share space is that two or three years down the line, they will see that they’re not being used, then they’ll be removed altogether.’
In 2014 dozens of front counters in police stations were closed across Scotland – a move heavily criticised by politicians, campaigners and the wider public.
Last night, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, said: ‘When the front desks in police stations closed, Scottish Liberal Democrats warned that shutting the buildings altogether was the inevitable next step.
‘With the closure of public counters, control rooms and now stations, people will rightly be wondering when they will ever see the benefits of centralisation.’
Scottish Labour justice spokesman Claire Baker said the Scottish Government could ‘no longer bury their head in the sand’ over the impact on communities of police budget cuts.
She said: ‘Rather than having a force that can keep our local communities safe while dealing with the changing nature of crime in this country, we have one that is focused on balancing the books. We need to have a serious debate about what sort of police force we want in Scotland, yet under the SNP all we are getting is cuts and excuses.
‘I will seek an urgent response from SNP ministers in parliament at the first opportunity because the public deserves answers from the Government.’
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Cowie said: ‘The existing estate has evolved over the course of the last 100 years and in some cases it no longer fits the demands of 2016, or the needs of communities.
‘It makes little sense to maintain old and expensive buildings when smaller, more collaborative options may be available. This is about enhancing the service we deliver – not doing less.’
The impending closures sparked a public backlash on Twitter yesterday after author Ian Rankin revealed online that one of the stations under threat is the setting of his new novel.
Posting a Twitter link to reports of the closures he added: ‘Including the one in Leith, setting for Rather Be The Devil.’
Last night a Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘This Government has made clear that we wish to see the community focus of policing further strengthened.’
‘All we are getting is cuts and excuses’