Aberdeenshire MP Andrew Bowie has called for a halt to the proposed closure of Portlethen Police Station, however, his comments have been described as being “breath-taking in their hypocrisy”.
In a letter to police, Mr Bowie, who represents West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, states he hopes there is still an opportunity to rethink the current proposals.
He has previously met with police representatives and the Scottish Police Federation, as well as writing to Scottish Government ministers about it.
In May, it was revealed that police were pushing ahead with the plans, with local area commander Chief Inspector Jackie Knight reassuring residents about the closure by saying: “Whilst I appreciate local concerns, I can provide a reassurance that the proposed closure will not impact negatively on the policing service provided to the town nor our commitment to keeping local residents safe.”
Scottish Police Authority are yet to give final approval to the proposals and no date has been put forward for any closure, if it is agreed.
‘I believe a local police presence is vital to deter crime’
Mr Bowie has raised concerns over the impact on local policing and the potential increase in crime that a closure could bring.
Back in July, the MP said: “I believe that a local police presence is vital to deter crime and provide support to the community, especially in a large settlement like Portlethen.
Mr Bowie has been campaigning on the issue since becoming aware of the proposed closure in the summer of last year.
Following a meeting with the Scottish Police Federation at the time he alleged the closure was motivated about “saving money”.
In his latest exchange with the police, he reiterated his request to obtain a feasibility assessment regarding the impact of a potential closure and asked for a further meeting with the force.
Mr Bowie said the police are not to blame for the proposal to close the station decision, saying it is a result of Scottish Government budget cut.
He said: “I know that Police Scotland wouldn’t want to close a local police station and I’m sure they would rather increase not decrease the number of officers in Portlethen, decisions like this are a direct result of SNP austerity, it’s their cuts that are impacting frontline public services, we’re seeing the same thing with the NHS and local councils.
“The SNP have had devolved power over public services and their respective budgets for well over a decade now and whilst they continue to point the finger at Westminster, the reality is that they and only they have forced austerity on the people of Scotland due to their spending decisions”
‘Breath-taking hypocrisy’
Hitting back at Mr Bowie, a spokesman for the Scottish Government’s Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “Allocation of police budgets is a matter for the chief constable, but Andrew Bowie’s comments are breath-taking in their hypocrisy.
“It is his Westminster Tory colleagues who have cut Scotland’s budget and are now threatening to go even further in the wake of the catastrophic economic impact of Liz Truss’s shambolic premiership.
“Despite that Tory austerity, the SNP Scottish Government has increased police funding year-on-year since 2016-17, while investing more than £10bn in policing since the creation of Police Scotland in 2013.
“Since 2017-18 we have invested more than £200m in the capital budget, effectively doubling it over the period, supporting continued investment in police assets and resources.”
‘A decision has been made to progress with the proposed closure’
The police’s local area commander, Chief Inspector Christopher Kerr said: “Following an extensive community consultation last year, a decision has been made to progress with the proposed closure of the Portlethen police station.
“In accordance with Police Scotland’s estates strategy, a report is due to be submitted to the Scottish Police Authority for their consideration.
Outlining in the police’s reasons for this, Mr Kerr added: “Unfortunately the building at Portlethen no longer meets our operational requirements and the local community has been served effectively by officers based in Stonehaven for some time.
“Whilst I appreciate local concerns, I can provide a reassurance that the proposed closure will not impact negatively on the policing service provided to the town nor our commitment to keeping local residents safe.
“Efforts to identify an alternative suitable location within the town have been unsuccessful but Police Scotland will continue to monitor for any opportunities that may present. In the interim, should closure be granted, community ‘drop in’ surgeries will be implemented to allow for continued community engagement.”
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