Stromness police concerns go to Justice Secretary

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has written to the Scottish justice secretary, Kenny MacAskill MSP and Sir Stephen House, the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, urging them to confirm that police counter services will continue in Stromness.

Mr McArthur said, “Any suggestion that Stromness might be left without access to police counter services is unthinkable.

“Over recent years, a great deal of work has gone in to finding a solution that meets local needs but also takes advantage of planned developments in the town.  Despite the creation of a single national police force, there is absolutely no reason for moving away from this locally agreed solution.

“It did appear as though earlier commitments from Northern Constabulary were to be honoured by Police Scotland, but recently doubts have been expressed about whether or not police counter services will in fact continue in Stromness.

“This confusion and uncertainty is wholly unhelpful.  It is essential, therefore, that the justice secretary and Police Scotland clarify their intentions as a matter of urgency, and demonstrate their willingness to accept that the policing needs of people living in Orkney are most likely to be met through local agreement on the ground.”