POLICE Scotland have withdrawn controversial plans for a major restructuring of their Inverclyde division.

Chief Superintendent Jim Downie has announced that proposals to merge the Inverclyde and Renfrewshire division K with their West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute division L will not go ahead.

The decision was today welcomed by Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe, who praised senior officers for listening to concerns from members of the public.

He is now calling for a period of stability within the force to build on local relationships in the community.

Councillor McCabe said: “I think the police in Inverclyde do a good job.

“To be fair the concerns were more coming from people in the other division who felt like their services were being centralised.

“We responded to the consultation and asked that the police listen to the concerns expressed and they have done this.

“I would like us now to enter in to a period of stability — there has been a lot of change in the police in recent years.

“We would like the chance to build up working relationships with the senior officers we have.

Announcing the decision to withdraw the proposals, Ch Supt Downie said that they were aware of certain local issues causing concern, and restructuring of the local division will not come back on the table until at least October 2016.

He added: “My priority is to keep people safe in the Renfrewshire and Inverclyde areas and to deliver a quality service to the communities we serve.” Council leader Mr McCabe praised the police for working closely with the local authority’s community safety team.

He said: “We have a very committed senior officer in Elliot Brown who we enjoy a good working relationship with.

“He very much understands the issues in the local community.

“Like all public services the police are facing many challenges with resources.”