Communities set for police station battle

Oct 20 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

COMMUNITIES are set to work together to fight plans to close their area’s police station.

Proposals have been put forward by Lothian and Borders Police to shut Mid Calder Police Station.

But at a meeting last Thursday, Mid Calder Community Council agreed to invite members of their neighbouring communities to join them in a campaign to stop the proposal.

East Calder, Uphall Station, Craigshill and Kirknewton, will be asked to send members of their community councils to a meeting on Thursday, November 10, when the issue will be discussed.

And it’s hoped they can decide on a joint strategy to help block plans for the closure of the police station and a change to the working hours of Broxburn Police Station.

A spokesperson for Mid Calder Community Council said: “At our next meeting in November, we will be asking members of the neighbouring community councils to join us.

“We plan to fight the good fight and do what we can to try to stop the closure of the police station.

“Depending on what happens at the next meeting, we may get a petition together to illustrate the strength of feeling about this.

“Our community policeman provides a very good service and we will do all we can to keep him.”

Their campaign is also being backed by the area’s MSPs.

Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, said: “Following the concerns raised with me by councillor Carl John and Mid Calder Community Council, I am making urgent representations to the Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police.

“This police station is of importance not just to Mid Calder but also East Calder, Pumpherston, Craigshill, Kirknewton and Wilkieston.”

Lothians list MSP, Neil Findlay added: “I will be meeting with Mid Calder Community Council to discuss the proposed closure.

“The three local police stations have played a vital role in ensuring our streets are safer.

“There is a need in each of these areas to have a local police presence, as we have previously seen police dispersal orders implemented in Mid Calder and a recent spate of fires in Whitburn.

“The reduction of opening hours or closure of stations will have a serious effect on local communities.”