The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Police stations on the move under new plan
Changes would aim to improve ‘visibility and access’ and cut running costs
Carnoustie and Monifieth police stations are being lined up for relocation in moves community leaders hope will be good news for the burghs.
Under plans due to go out to consultation, Carnoustie police office would move to the old council chambers building on the High Street, with Monifieth’s police counter switching to the local library.
The potential moves were given a positive response by two town councillors and a community council leader.
Carnoustie police office on North Burnside Street is described as a large bungalow-type building with “considerable running costs” which is now “too big for the existing policing footprint and disadvantaged by its position in the town”.
Police Scotland believes an improved position relative to the town’s High Street would improve “visibility and access for the public”.
Carnoustie Independent councillor David Cheape said: “A dedicated High Street presence in the centre of town will increase visibility and, I think, is a forward step.
“Regularly residents voice concern as to the visibility of local police in the community. This will go some way to assuring people of the resources that are available and on call should we need them.”
Carnoustie Community Council chairman Arliss Rhind said he was in full agreement that the police station is disadvantaged by its position in town.
He said: “It is far from the centre of the town and therefore not very accessible.
“We have had loads of complaints in the past about it always being closed and no one there.
“The alternative has also been discussed by the community council and our view is that the police station should be in the old burgh building in the High Street and it should be manned as fully as possible and at appropriate times.
“I am pleased to see that there is to be a period of consultation about the location and the community council will be putting our views forward on behalf of residents.”
Monifieth police office is within the old Access office in Monifieth.
Council staff previously working from the building have moved into the library across the road with police remaining as the sole tenants. Police Scotland said this is “not a sustainable position” and there exists a “viable option” to be relocated within the Monifieth Library building.
Monifieth and Sidlaw Lib Dem councillor Ben Lawrie said: “Personally, I think this is a good idea.
“It would be a more sustainable arrangement for Police Scotland.”
The formal consultation is to begin shortly with partners and elected members before public drop-in sessions take place.
gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk
“
Our view is that the police station should be in the old burgh building in the High Street. CARNOUSTIE COMMUNITY COUNCIL CHAIRMAN ARLISS RHIND