It’s business as usual for emergency services

Chief Inspector David Bruce, new area commander for police in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, said: “The introduction of a single police service for Scotland will not result in any changes to the way local policing is delivered to the residents and businesses in Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Strathkelvin.

“The efficiencies realised from national reform and the creation of a single Lanarkshire Police Division have enhanced local staffing levels and our ability to target crime and disorder with our partners. Local officers now have access to an improved range and availability of specialist resources.

Members of the public may notice that the symbols associated with Strathclyde Police will vanish to be replaced by the new logo for Police Scotland but uniforms and the marking of patrol vehicles will remain unchanged. Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Strathkelvin will continue to have a hardworking team of officers and supervisors committed to serving the community and keeping people safe.

And Area Commander John Miller, the top fire officer in North Lanarkshire, said the new Scottish Fire and rescue Service would deliver for residents of Cumbernauld.

He explained: “As the officer responsible for this area I’m determined we build on the excellent cover provided to our communities by their fire service.

“Great strides have been taken over recent years to drive down the number of fires and fire casualties in Scotland’s towns and cities, and SFRS will continue to work with our partner organisations and the public to keep areas like Cumbernauld safe from tragedy.

“With the public’s help we can identify residents who may be at an increased risk from fire and take action to prevent a tragedy from occuring. If you know someone who could use a little help to ensure they live in a fire safe home, please contact us by texting ‘check’ to 61611 or contact your nearest fire station.”

North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim McCabe, who also chairs its emergencies committee, said: “The decision to combine Scotland’s police services and fire and rescue services was not taken by North Lanarkshire Council but the Scottish Government.

“However, I fully expect to see Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service striving to maintain their high standards of professional services to our entire area.”