POLICE CONTROL CLOSURES TERRIBLE BLOW
Scottish Green MSPs are expressing concern at proposals by Police Scotland to close several control rooms around the country.
While the control room at Bilston Glen near Edinburgh is not affected, sites in Glasgow, Dumfries, Stirling, Glenrothes and Aberdeen are recommended for closure.
Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian, said:
"Scottish Greens campaigned strongly against the merger of Scotland's police forces and fire brigades, warning of the implications for local jobs and accountability. Today's announcement is a terrible blow for the highly skilled staff concerned, and they must be properly consulted before a decision is taken.
"The appalling trend of centralisation under the current Scottish Government is creating intolerable stresses and strains on our public services. Whether it's public body mergers or restricting councils' tax-raising powers, we're seeing real damage being done to important local services."