The Scottish Police Authority (SPA)has taken the decision to sell off the police station in Balerno as it is “surplus to requirements”.
Following a public consultation exercise the SPA decided at t meeting today to sell off Balerno along with one in Seaton in Aberdeen and another in Carluke.
With another station just five miles away at Wester Hailes the Balerno station has been vacant for some time.
Superintendent David Happs said: “Police Scotland inherited a very large and ageing estate, much of which was not fit for purpose, with high maintenance costs and environmental inefficiencies.
“Our building in Balerno has not been used as an operational response police station for many years and the officers based there were transferred to Wester Hailes which is less than five miles away.
“With advances in digital technology, officers are no longer tied to working from police buildings. A lot of the paperwork side of policing can now be done directly into mobile devices that officers carry with them. Our officers therefore spend much of their time out in communities dealing with calls and helping the public.
“Balerno has continued to incur day to day running costs and ongoing repairs and maintenance, which is not best use of public funds.
“I realise the physical police presence of the building has provided reassurance and confidence to the local community over the years however I would like to assure local residents that our officers will continue to be active, visible and accessible.
“Our officers based at Wester Hailles will continue to cover the Balerno area and the public will receive the same high level of service.”
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