Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has called on Police Scotland to review the proposed closure of the public counter at Auchterarder Police Station. The call comes following the proposal to move T in the Park to Stathallan Castle next year.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:
“I believe that Police Scotland plans to close the public counter at Auchterarder Police Station should be reviewed given that the station will likely be used to help manage the local Policing of T in the Park if it is moved to Stathallan Castle.
“Every year the T in the Park festival site temporarily becomes the equivalent of the fifth largest town in Scotland over the weekend, and comparable to the largest city centre. This clearly brings with it additional policing issues with more police stationed and on duty as well as more visitors arriving and seeking assistance and advice.
“I have written to Sir Stephen House, Chief Constable of Police Scotland to ask for a review of the closure of the public counter at Auchterarder Police Station and to ask what consultation will take place to discuss local policing for the event ahead of the potential move to the Stathallan Castle site next year.”
The Strathearn based MSP added:
“SNP cuts to our local police services are clearly impacting on front line services with plans to close public counters across Scotland. However, it is clear that additional policing will be needed in Auchterarder to manage the future policing of T in the Park at Stathallan Castle and I hope that this will be taken into account at an early stage.”