A West Dunbartonshire councillor is asking Police Scotland to help upkeep staffing levels at train stations on the Glasgow to Balloch line following proposals to reduce them.
During the housing and communities committee on Wednesday, councillor Sally Page raised concerns about Scotrail’s proposals to reduce the number of people manning the Kiosks and to close the Clydebank ticket office completely.
READ MORE: West Dunbartonshire residents urged to oppose plans to close Clydebank ticket office
Councillor Page asked if officers would be able to “influence and help” to ensure staffing levels remain at these stations.
She said: “Earlier this week we had a full council meeting that was called to discuss the proposed staffing cuts to the Scotrail line between Balloch and Glasgow.
“All members were in agreement that we didn’t want to see any cuts to the current staffing levels and we all wish there would be longer hours of staff at our stations.
“I wonder if the police had any part in this Scotrail consultation and when you are talking to the British Transport Police, can you have an influence at all to help the staffing levels remain at the Scotrail stations?”
Chief Supt Lynn Ratcliff confirmed that she would be meeting with the chief superintendent of the British Transport Police (BTP) to discuss various safety issues in the area.
She confirmed she would raise the issue of staffing at these train stations.
Ms Ratcliff said: “We have been working very closely with local officers in BTP and I would hope to bring an update before you soon.
“There are some initiatives that will benefit our railways and young people coming in from other areas of the country. We hope this will have a knock on effect on anti-social behaviour and impact the surrounding communities.
“We are always looking for ways to work in partnership with each other and I am confident we will be able to bring something along to the next meeting that will provide encouragement as we go into the summer period.
“I will speak to chief superintendent Murray around the staffing issues you have raised.”
