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More than 400 sign P&J petition to keep police call centres local

More than a thousand concerned north and north-east residents have already signed the Press and Journal petition calling for a halt to the closures
More than a thousand concerned north and north-east residents have already signed the Press and Journal petition calling for a halt to the closures

More than 400 people have signed the Press and Journal petition to save police call centres in Aberdeen and Inverness.

Concerned north and north-east residents have joined politicians, community leaders and rescue workers in backing the campaign.

A damning report following the M9 crash scandal has cast fresh doubt over the future of the Aberdeen and Inverness control rooms.

Sign the petition here

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland has recommended keeping the centres open until there is “independent assurance” over call handling procedures.

But Justice Secretary Michael Matheson rejected the suggestion that any such review could actually reverse the slated closure, raising fears that it is merely a “box ticking exercise”.

One of those who backed the petition, Joy Anderson, wrote: “You need to keep Aberdeen as how would anyone not familiar with names – for example Findochty and Aberchirder – know of their pronunciation which is different to their spelling.

“Local knowledge is vital for a quick response.”

Moira Walker, from Elgin, added: “Please keep our local call centres open.

“The people who man them know the local area and therefore can process the information effectively to the appropriate emergency services, therefore saving time and ultimately lives.”

Politicians from across the political spectrum, including local MSPs Alex Johnstone, Lewis Macdonald and John Finnie have all backed the petition.

Councillors Neil Cooney, Patricia Oddie and Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson have also lent their support to the campaign, as well has Willie Anderson, leader of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.

You can sign the petition here:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-our-call-centres-keep-999-local