Regional control rooms closures could risk lives
In a series of submissions to the Scottish Parliament’s justice committee, a number of local councils have questioned the decision to close all police and fire control rooms north of Dundee.
Colin Mackenzie, chief executive of Aberdeenshire Council, accused the fire service of a “complete lack of meaningful consultation” over its decision to close its Aberdeen control room, while he said consultation from the police had been “minimal”.
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Hide AdHe said there were fears that call centre operatives elsewhere in the country would not understand north-east dialects and place names.
His concerns were echoed by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Orkney Islands Council, which said it was “extremely concerned” by the proposals.
In January, Scotland’s police and fire boards approved plans to reduce the number of control rooms aimed at saving £74 million by 2026.