Andrew Bowie, the Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine believes the planned closure of Portlethen police station is not consistent with a key part of police strategy for 2023.

The closure of a ‘critical’ police station in Portlethen could hurt local security in the area, says a north-east MP.

Andrew Bowie, the Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, is campaigning for the retention of Portlethen station after Police Scotland confirmed that the building, which ‘no longer meets operational requirements,’ would close.

Mr Bowie believes the move “is not consistent” with the new Scottish policing strategy. He previously met serving officer David Threadgold, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation’s north area committee, who said the closure could send the wrong message to organised crime.

A minimal police presence has been based at the station for some time and cops are confident the area can be served by officers based in Stonehaven.

The Joint Strategy for Policing 2023, which is set to go to public engagement, before being confirmed in the Spring, was developed by Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority.

Following a meeting discussing the document, Scotland’s outgoing Chief Constable, Sir Iain Livingstone announced he would retire, having warned in the document that policing in its current form is “unsustainable”.

Mr Bowie said: “Closing stations, particularly this highly visible one on the way in and out of Aberdeen, is not consistent with a key part of the strategy for 2023.

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