MSP LEADS CALL FOR COP HQ MOVE TO EAST END

15 Dec 2011

Scottish National Party MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason, today pressed Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, on the Scottish Government’s plans for the future HQ of a Scottish Police Service.

The local MSP asked the Justice Minister about the timescale for a decision to possibly relocate Strathclyde Police’s Headquarters from its current Pitt Street base to Clyde Gateway’s Dalmarnock regeneration area in the East End.

Commenting, SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Shettleston, John Mason MSP, said:

“Strathclyde Police have made it clear that their current City Centre HQ is costing too much to run and a move to the East End would reduce running costs. At the moment these are some £3.7m a year. A new Dalmarnock HQ could cut that to £2.4m, a saving of £1.3 million every year.

“As well has having a strong Police presence in my constituency – in addition to the 1000 extra officers on Scotland’s streets since 2007 – this would also be a great investment in the East End, which is undergoing some massive regeneration work spearheaded by Clyde Gateway. The advantage of the Police offices moving here would be that it would boost confidence in the area and encourage private sector organisations to consider moving here too.

“The Scottish Government is committed to a single Scottish Police Service for Scotland, which I fully support. I understand that plans are still being formulated – including where the prospective HQ would be – but Glasgow and the West of Scotland would still need a big base and it would be helpful if plans could be made as soon as possible both to start making savings for the Police and, more locally, to bring investment to the East End”.

Local SNP Councillor for Calton ward – which covers Dalmarnock – Alison Thewliss, added:

“The proposed Police HQ would bring this part of Dalmarnock back to life. The building is a big part of the regeneration of the area but, much more importantly, the Police employees based here will also give a boost to small businesses in the area and spark further private investment.”