POLICE stations across the north-east could soon be closed to the public and opening hours at others reduced under controversial new cost-cutting plans.
More than 60 offices nationwide will be affected by the proposals to shut front desk “counters” – including Fochabers and Portsoy – while access would also be limited at stations in Forres and Buckie.
The plans would put a stop to face-to-face contact between local officers and members of the public at the stations
Opposition politicians at Holyrood and local councillors in Moray reacted angrily to the proposals last night.
But police chiefs insisted many offices were currently underused and stressed the move would not interfere with crime-fighting operations.
Officers would still be available on the phone and even via social media, a spokesman said.
A staff consultation is also under way, but the force was unable to confirm how many people would be affected.
Fochabers-Lhanbryde councillor Douglas Ross, who chairs the local police and fire rescue services committee, said the removal of the front desk at Fochabers could be the “first step” towards closing the village facility.
Barry Taylor, of Buckie Area Forum, claimed reducing opening hours would simply put more pressure on “over-stretched” central control rooms.