A WEST Scotland MSP has slammed 'dangerous' proposals to shut Greenock police office as she pledged her support for a Telegraph campaign to save the station.
More than 500 people have backed our Protect Our Policing petition, launched last week, calling on force chiefs to preserve key local services.
The Rue End Street HQ is among 29 buildings at risk of closure, with Police Scotland so far releasing scant detail on an alternative.
Now, Labour representative Katy Clark has thrown her voice behind the Tele's drive, condemning the 'long-term underinvestment' in the force and highlighting the need for a sufficient police presence in the area.
Ms Clark, who represents Inverclyde as part of the West Scotland region, described the move as 'asset-stripping' and has called on the Scottish Government to step in with urgent funding.
She said: “These dangerous cuts are a result of long-term underinvestment on the part of the Scottish Government.
READ MORE: Local people support Telegraph's new Protect Our Policing campaign
"Asset-stripping may help balance the books, but it will not improve services and it will not help people feel safe.
“Police visibility in our communities is vital in tackling crime as well as preventing crime.
"These cuts will undermine confidence in services which are already stretched to the limit here in Inverclyde."
Police Scotland has said that a 'police presence' will remain in Inverclyde, but stations are also earmarked for closure in Renfrewshire and in parts of Glasgow as part of a bid to raise funds and plug a budget gap.
The MSP added: "Inverclyde has made huge strides in recent years when it comes to bringing down violent crime and reducing gang violence.
“That’s why simply maintaining a ‘presence’ in a major Scottish town is not close to good enough.
"I fully back the Greenock Telegraph’s new campaign to save the station.
"The Scottish Government needs to step in, provide the necessary investment and work with Police Scotland to plot an alternative course of action.”
You can sign our petition online at chng.it/kKyjPrjgp4.
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