Leader of Council has expressed disappointment at lack of consultation by Police Scotland with the council over the closure of a number of Police stations in the region – despite the fact the Police propose using council owned buildings as alternative provision.
Councillor Nicholson said, “Councillors on the Police Committee had requested an update on the consultation over the possible closure of Police stations in the region. However, the Police Committee appears to have received a ‘take it or leave it’ plan which is disappointing. There has been no meaningful consultation or discussion with the Council over the plan, despite the fact the Police appear to be proposing to use council buildings as an alternative to Police Stations – only they forgot to ask or tell the Council.
I suspect if I announced the council were planning on moving into the Police headquarters without discussing the proposal with the Police, it would raise a few eyebrows. The Council will work in partnership with the Police to find solutions but all proposals of like this, the devil is in the detail but Police Scotland haven’t provided any details. We need more information on these proposals and a proper discussion with Police Scotland over options.“
The options being recommended for the Police Stations consideration by Police Scotland are:-
1. Gretna Police Station be removed from the police estate and alternative provision secured at the Richard Greenhow Centre in Gretna subject to agreement with the Richard Greenhow Management Committee and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
2. Moffat Police Station be removed from the police estate and alternative provision secured at Moffat Town Hall subject to agreement with Moffat Town Hall trust and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
3. Thornhill Police Station be removed from the police estate with part of the facility thereafter rented by the SPA subject to agreement with the new owners.
4. The facility at Langholm Town Hall be retained.
5. Kirkcudbright Police Station be removed from the police estate and alternative provision secured at Kirkcudbright Fire Station in agreement with Fire Scotland.
6. Dalbeattie Police Station be removed from the police estate and alternative provision secured at Dalbeattie Fire Station in agreement with Fire Scotland.
7. Dalry Police Station be retained.
8. Whithorn Police Station be removed from the police estate but only if the future of the ambulance provision from this facility is secured either by purchase of the facility by the Scottish Ambulance Service or through some other arrangement.
