Police Scotland has announced that up to five local stations in the Granite City are in danger of closing down as the force looks to cut costs.

Almost 30 offices across the country could be shutting in total following the conclusion of a public consultation at the end of the month.

It could mean the end for stations on Victoria Road in Torry, Whinhill Road in Ferryhill, Greenfern Place in Mastrick, Seaton Place East in Seaton, and Belgrave Terrace in Rosemount.

Officers from the Torry building would be relocated to Abbotswell Crescent, while officers from the other four would move to a still undetermined central location.

Policing will remain unaffected

"Modern-day policing can be done with fewer buildings," insists Chief Superintendent Graeme Mackie in an interview with the Press & Journal.

He added: "We’re not losing officers. This is just about moving them to different locations so they can be deployed more effectively – more officers in fewer police stations.

"Aberdeen is a big city but, logistically, finding your way around in an emergency vehicle involves short distances and short amounts of time.

"For example, between the Torry police office and the Nigg police station, it’s approximately 1.7 miles from door to door.

"I believe that we can provide a more effective modern-day policing model from fewer police offices."

Chief Superintendent Mackie continued to say that fewer crimes are being reported in stations, with more people reporting crimes over the phone or on the website.

He added: "Our police officers are using digital devices, so there’s no need for them to be returning to an office as frequently as they once did to do handwritten reports or ones typed up on desktop computers.

"Police officers are managing to do their work electronically so police offices have become less and less important."

The senior officer also said that he expected to be able to "maintain the level of policing that we have across Aberdeen in particular".

Bucksburn Swimming Pool set to reopen

In other news, 287 days after it was earmarked for closure, Aberdeen City Council have U-turned on their cost-cutting decision in March.

Protestors were a regular feature outside the Town House for months after their decision and, alongside launching a legal challenge, their persistence have paid off.

The legal threat led to the council carrying out further studies on how the facility closing would impact residents.

The verdict was that elderly and disabled people had been negatively hit by the loss of the pool.

The P&J reports that the studies influenced his and the SNP/Lib Dem partnerships change of heart.

He then formally requested Sport Aberdeen recommissions the pool.

The reopening date is still unclear, but improvements to the building and upgrades to reduce energy costs will be made.

The Save Bucksburn Swimming Pool campaign said: "This triumph is not just about swimming; it’s a testament to the unwavering dedication of our community.

"The decision to reopen Bucksburn Swimming Pool is a resounding declaration that the power of the people can shape the future of our city.

"As we express our joy and gratitude, we also recognise the deeper significance of this victory.

"It’s about standing up against adversity and proving that united, we are a force to be reckoned with."

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