Council seeks clarification over Stromness police desk

Orkney Islands Council is seeking urgent clarification from Police Scotland that it remains committed to a shared presence in Stromness.

The council and the former Northern Constabulary agreed, in 2010, that a new purpose-built facility would be used by OIC customer services and by police staff.

But in October, Police Scotland recommended a “no public counter provision” option for Stromness, following a nationwide review of its services.

Councillor Andrew Drever, chairman of the OIC’s police and fire sub-committee, said: “We seem to be getting some mixed messages, which is why we are now asking Police Scotland to clarify its position on this important shared facility.

“On the one hand, we’ve been assured that Police Scotland remains committed to the agreed position between the council and the former Northern Constabulary. On the other, we’ve been told that a final decision is yet to be made.

“The council is keen to move forward with the previously agreed position of sharing a joint facility within the new Stromness Pierhead development. We are looking for reassurance on this as a matter of urgency.”