McLeod comments on control rooms decisions

Dr McLeod commented:

“I am deeply disappointed that both the Police and Fire Boards decided yesterday to close their respective control rooms in Dumfries. I recognise that savings need to be made, and that, at the same time, there also needs to be investment in modern technology, but I am not convinced that all of the alternatives have been examined as far as Dumfries is concerned.

“I believe a good case could be made for Dumfries hosting national support services, in the same way as is going to happen in Inverness. In fact the case that Police Scotland made in favour of locating substantial resources in Inverness would be equally valid for Dumfries in my view.

“I am also very concerned that Police Scotland rushed this proposal into the public domain just six days before the decision was to be made. In reality that gave no time at all for any alternative proposal to be drawn up, in spite of all the fantastic efforts and hard work of local campaigners, who gathered 3,000 signatures in a matter of hours.

“Whatever happens next, Police Scotland need to commit to a much higher standard of local engagement and consultation than happened over this issue. I am awaiting responses from the Chief Constable and the Chairman of the SPA Board on that point – it is for them to justify both their decision and the way they went about it to the people of Dumfries & Galloway.”