An interesting meeting today with representatives of the Scottish Police Federation about proposals by Police Scotland to close the police office in Portlethen.

They are not happy and feel there should be more investment and more officers in the area. Apparently we are 60 officers short of the authorised establishment here in the North East Division. The federation had invited local councillors and parliamentarians to the meeting.

Police Scotland is holding a public consultation on the proposed disposal.

The force says: “There is a minimal front-line resource stationed at Portlethen with operational matters being dealt with by officers generally located in Stonehaven instead, striving to deliver enhanced policing services to our communities. The Portlethen area is further supported by our colleagues at Nigg Police Station, where emergency response and additional support to on-going incidents is required.

“Any future plans will also be the subject to the approval of the Scottish Police Authority.”

The federation representatives pointed out that the Nigg office is within the Aberdeen division, and they have different radio links from the Shire. They would like to know what alternatives are being proposed so that the town has an appropriate policing service.

The consultation closes on 5 July and comments should be emailed to NorthKincardineCPT@scotland.pnn.police.uk, marked for the attention of Jackie Knight.