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Spectre of public inquiry hangs over Inverness and Aberdeen control room closures

Concerns have been raised about the closure of the Inverness fire control room
Concerns have been raised about the closure of the Inverness fire control room

Hopes of a public inquiry into emergency call centre closures in Aberdeen and Inverness remain alive after MSPs agreed police and fire chiefs must prove they have improved services.

Fears have been raised that the controversial mothballing of police and fire control rooms would lead to a loss of local knowledge and put lives at risk.

Whistle-blowers have reported a number of blunders since the closures, including fire crews being sent to incorrect addresses.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) boss Alasdair Hay has insisted the “technical issues” that led to errors have since been “rectified”.

But Holyrood’s justice committee yesterday agreed to keep a public petition demanding an inquiry into the closures open –

until the emergency services can prove the changes have led to improvements.

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson said: “I think these are matters where we are not yet in a position to close these petitions.

“The reorganisation of service centres, in general, have led to concerns being raised. I think we are now in a position where we will be able to see if those concerns are justified.

“I am sure those who are running the services concerned are very alert to these concerns. I wouldn’t want to close these petitions until we can actually see that the reorganisation of service centres has delivered the improvements of services that are possible through that.

“I think it really is up to the police and fire services to report on their experience and then be challenged – at that point it is for us to perhaps then consider whether it is the time to close these petitions.”

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur also asked for the committee to write to Mr Hay for his views on the issues in the north of Scotland.

He said: “In relation to specific incidents that have arisen and were highlighted by a former member of the fire service in relation to incidents in and around Inverness I think it would be useful to get Alasdair Hay’s views on that.”

Both services argue that the control room closures will improve their ability to handle emergency calls and streamline services.