INVERCLYDE'S MP has sought to downplay mounting fears over the proposed closure of Greenock Police Station - insisting it is 'not a crisis'.

Members of the public and a number of politicians have expressed concerns since the Tele revealed last week that the current HQ on Rue End Street is facing the axe.

No replacement has been identified as yet and a widely respected former area commander has publicly raised a series of questions about the potentially damaging consequences of a move.

But MP Ronnie Cowan says the time is right to identify a site for a new base and says that he has been reassured that Police Scotland is 'committed' to the town.

Greenock Telegraph:

He believes getting rid of the Rue End Street site presents a chance to create an 'emergency services hub' in the area with satellite sites where necessary.

Inverclyde's current area commander, Chief Inspector Damian Kane, has written to the SNP man saying that Police Scotland are 'scoping' for a new base in the town.

In an email to the MP the area commander confirmed that the current Rue End Street office is close to end of life and police will need to move to modern premises. But he rejected out of hand any suggestion that police are considering abandoning Greenock.

The senior police officer has also assured the MP that members of the public and local  councillors will be given 'a full role' in a consultation exercise over where the new police HQ should be.

Mr Cowan said: "Now that Police Scotland has confirmed that it is not withdrawing from Greenock we should be seeking out a solution on where best to locate the new facility.

"I have said for some time that we should investigate the possibility of one HQ for all local emergency services with satellite hubs where necessary.

"This would allow us to demolish the existing police station and use that site or the surrounding area for a new West College Scotland.

"The existing college site could become social housing.

"I first called for an integrated hub, which would save public money, as far back as 2017.

"The reasons then are the same as the reasons now.

"The end of life of the old police HQ is not a crisis, it is a huge opportunity to make things better for the future."

Police Scotland top brass have already backed emergency services hubs in other locations.

Deputy Chief Constable, Malcolm Graham said: “We now have more than 60 co-locations with partners, providing more sustainable, more modern, and safer workspaces for our people.

“We have great examples of successful partnerships in the North East, Perthshire, Forth Valley, and Ayrshire among others and this will continue to be an important part of ensuring policing in Scotland is prepared for the future."