Rutherglen Police Station to keep 24 hour public counter service
Oct 31 2012
by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer
Plans for Rutherglen Police Office to stop its 24 hour public counter service have been scrapped, much to the relief of the community.
We reported in September that there were plans to reduce the hours of the front counter of the office, located on King Street, to 8am till 6pm Monday to Sunday.
The proposals were met with scepticism in the area, as locals were against the idea.
Rutherglen MSP James Kelly has been in contact with police on the matter.
He said: “Its great news for Rutherglen that the local station will remain open 24 hours a day and continue to serve the local community. I contacted the Strathclyde Police Authority to voice my concerns about the lack on consultation with local groups and individuals and to highlight the reassurance and security local stations provide for people.”
“This decision is a victory for local people and I will continue to monitor the situation at the station and keep the community updated.”
Tom Greatrex MP added: “This is welcome news, and will be a relief to people in Rutherglen. The plan to close Rutherglen Police Station to the public at certain times caused a lot of concern locally, and raised fears about the future safety of the area.”
“I will be keeping a close eye on any future developments with the station’s opening hours. It’s vital that we do all we can to keep up the pressure to secure the long term future of our local station.”
Chair of Rutherglen Community Council Tommy Rooney said: “It’s a relief that they’re not going to do it.
“Maybe you could get away with it in small rural areas, but in a Royal Burgh like Rutherglen you really need a 24 hour police office and it’s good to know that that safeguard is there.”
A Strathclyde Police spokesperson said: “Strathclyde Police recently carried out a review on the use of its front office counters to ensure resources are in the right place, at the right time and best placed to serve the community. As part of that review, a full consultation process was undertaken involving the public and elected members. Following the review it has been agreed that at this time there will be no reduction in the current opening hours of the Force’s front counter operations.
“The Police Authority has approved the introduction of a change in the staffing structure and a new shift pattern which is better aligned to the welfare of personnel. This has been carried out in full consultation with staff and union officials, who are fully supportive of the proposals and will be introduced in the next few months.”
