Inverclyde people back Tele Protect Our Policing campaign

We launched the drive this week with the aim of preserving key local 999 services, following the announcement of plans to close and replace the Greenock station in Rue End Street.

Our online petition is gathering signatures and we have outlined a series of key demands to be met by Police Scotland chiefs in a bid to safeguard services.

Local residents are getting behind the push and have spoken of their concerns relating to potential loss of services. 

Greenock woman Josie Robertson says she was very disappointed to hear that the current station is to close.

She says the mothballing of the Rue End Street HQ will affect how she feels about living in Inverclyde. 

She said: "I'll feel unsafe if that station closes. 

"I'll feel like I'll have to wait for officers to come from Paisley if I'm in danger. 

"We've been very lucky with the police presence we've had over the years, but I feel we're getting thinner on the ground with officers now."

Josie is worried the proposed closure could trigger the erosion of 'badly-needed' services across the district.

She said: "What's next? The fire station? The hospital? Ambulances? 

"We need things kept in a prominent position here. 

"We're one of the most deprived areas in Scotland and they're trying to take everything away from us. 

"I'm 100 per cent behind the Tele's campaign."

Brian Power, 61, from Greenock, says he's particularly concerned about the potential loss of a front counter for the public.

He said: "We desperately need to keep that service, especially for elderly and vulnerable people who don't feel comfortable using the internet or their phone to report crimes or seek advice. 

"It's also vital for people arriving in Inverclyde from overseas who need help. 

"We need a safe space for people to go where they can seek support."

Brian also expressed concerns about the potential loss of custody facilities. 

He added: "If officers have to take people who have been arrested up to Govan or Glasgow, it takes the police presence away from here. 

"There will be so much travelling to do. 

"If two things happen in the town at one time, we've had it. The officers won't be here."

Brian says he is right behind the Telegraph's campaign to preserve services.

He added: "The campaign's a great idea. 

"It's definitely what's needed to make people pay attention to what's happening.

"I think it would be good to have people doing street surveys as well."

Another reader, Catherine O'Neill, 69, from Greenock, says people should be told when the Rue End Street station will close and when the new station will be unveiled as soon as possible. 

She said: "We need these services, especially for elderly people. 

"I'm concerned that we're going to lose officers from the streets because of this. 

"It's a good idea to launch a campaign to protect these services.

"If we don't stand up and say something about it, no one else will be bothered."

Lily Curran, 79, has previous experience of witnessing the impact of a local police station closure. 

Lily lived in Galashiels when its station closed down and services were moved to Peebles. 

She added: "We couldn't believe it at the time. 

"It really affected the community.

"I think it's terrible that the station in Greenock will be closing. 

"There can be quite a lot of crime here.

"We have to have a front counter so people can report crimes and feel safe."

You can sign our petition online at https://chng.it/kKyjPrjgp4