Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has condemned the SNP closure plans which will see Police and Fire & Rescue control rooms across Mid Scotland & Fife close. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fifesaid: “The news that Police Scotland are to close the control room in both Stirling an Glenrothes and that that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are recommending the closure of the fire control room at Thornton in Fife is a real blow our emergency services. “Local residents will be very concerned at the proposals which could ultimately see Police and Fire emergency response services all based in the central belt. “The closure of so many control rooms was never part of the plan for Police Scotland and it’s disappointing it has leaked out in this manner. This is an appalling way to treat staff, hundreds of whom will now be fearful for their jobs. “The control rooms provide a valuable frontline resource to ensure incidents are dealt with as swiftly and efficiently as possible. But this valuable local knowledge would be lost if these proposals for centralisation of services go ahead. “Civilian staff do a valuable job and will be understandably angry that these plans have emerged in the same week as senior officers have been awarded a £10,000 pay rise.”