Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan has welcomed assurances from Area Commander Damian Kane regarding the facilities and services that any new police station in Greenock to replace the current Rue End Street base would provide.
Stuart contacted CI Kane following concerns that have been raised, including via the Greenock Telegraph’s ‘Protect Our Policing’ campaign, regarding the potential reduction of staffing of response, CID, community policing and the removal of a front counter with 24/7 access.
CI Kane responded to Stuart confirming that the majority of the Tele’s campaign demands have never been in doubt – and that the only aspect that could change is in relation to future custody suite provision.
Commenting, Stuart said:
“It is understandable that local people would have concerns after it was announced that the current police station may close and be replaced by a new, modern facility. However, I welcomed this news as I recognise that the current Greenock Police Station poses a challenge to modern policing due to its age and the level of investment that would be required to simply ensure it meets health and safety and human rights standards, never mind offering improved facilities.
“Personally, I feel much of the worry following this announcement has been unfortunate. We are talking about a building which is in a poor condition, and as a result, for some time now I have wanted to see plans brought forward to either repair or replace it.
“As we know, Police Scotland are currently consulting on the future of various buildings they own right across Scotland. I would encourage anyone who wishes to express their view on the physical footprint of policing in Inverclyde to respond before the consultations closes on 31 March by visiting the following link: https://consult.scotland.police.uk/estates/43adea62/.
“The Greenock Telegraph petition asks for Police Scotland to ensure any new station has the following:
- A permanent suite of custody cells for holding arrested people
- A public-facing front counter, open 24 hours every day
- A CID department retained at current levels
- Community policing retained at current levels
- Response policing retained at current levels
“Having read the consultation document, it appeared that ask’s 2, 3, 4 and 5 were never in doubt. I very much appreciate CI Kane confirming this, stating “there is no plan to reduce staffing of response, CID, community policing and the front counter situation remains unchanged”.
“I also understand that Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Gordon McCreadie gave a similar assurance to the Police and Fire Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 25 January. I would therefore hope going forward we can accept that the two most senior officers in Inverclyde have both given assurances regarding staffing at a new station and in relation to the front counter – and we can stop speculating to the contrary.
“That said, I still do need to receive further assurances regarding a custody suite at any new station. That is why I’m encouraging as many local people as possible to make their views known. I want to see a custody suite at a new station.
“Again, Inverclyde’s two most senior officers are of the same opinion and want to see a custody suite retained if our local officers do move to a new station. Further, Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent McCreadie stated if this were not to be the case, we would need to see extra officers located in Greenock to cover when officers leave the area to take anyone arrested out of the area. However, he was clear this is not his preference, and he appreciates this would not go down well locally.
“I hope everyone reading this can be assured that while I understand local concerns, those in positions of authority in Police Scotland working in Inverclyde want the same as the rest of us and I will do what I can to make sure this is delivered.”
