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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Stuart Wilson

Police Scotland set to leave Ayr base for new home in town

Police will ditch their crumbling base in Ayr's King Street as they move to a new home next month.

Around 200 officers and staff are relocating to South Ayrshire Council offices at Newton House in nearby Green Street Lane.

Cops will make the move official on Tuesday, May 9 leaving behind their home of almost 50 years.

A new public counter is already in place at Newton House to ensure a "smooth transition" of the service, said police chiefs.

The old King Street public counter will remain open until the full move is completed on Friday, May 12.

Police will occupy the full building, which has been refurbished internally to provide a "more modern and functional working environment."

Bosses say the new base will "enhance the wellbeing and morale of officers and staff" and "meet the needs of policing in our community."

It follows the decision to make the switch with much needed repair bills at the King Street base soaring into millions.

The building's poor condition was discussed at a Scottish Parliament committee in 2019, with officials admitting it was no longer fit for purpose.

Ayrshire Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent, Faroque Hussain, said: "Ayr Police Station in King Street is a much loved building that has been at the heart of delivering policing services in Ayrshire for almost 50 years, having opened in May 1975.

"However, the building is no longer fit for purpose for modern policing and relocating nearby is cost effective and keeps officers in the community.

“Through our excellent working relationship with South Ayrshire Council we identified Newton House as a location that would enable policing services to continue to be delivered in Ayr.

“Newton House brings to life the vision of Police Scotland’s Estates Strategy, which not only facilitates greater partnership working but also helps to reduce the costs of maintaining unsuitable public sector buildings.

“The move to Newton House will mean a real improvement to the working environment for officers and staff, and there will continue to be an accessible public counter

“Local engagement with Elected Members has been positive as the move will continue to see a high standard of service being maintained in Ayr and the surrounding towns, villages and communities.”

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