Plans to convert former police station in Coldstream into flats
A former Berwickshire police station could be set for an arresting future as plans for its conversion into two flats have emerged.
A planning bid has been submitted to Scottish Borders Council to change the use of the building at Lennel Road in Coldstream.
Coldstream Police Station has been vacant since 2016 and following a public consultation and internal estates review, the lease interest was officially handed back to the landowner last year.
Sixty-five per cent of respondents to the consultation agreed with the proposal to remove policing services from the building.
In a statement released last December, Chief Inspector Stuart Fletcher said: “Coldstream Police Station has not been used as base for local policing officers or served a purpose in policing the local community in eight years.
“Officers deploy from Kelso Police Station, which is nine miles away, and have continued to serve the surrounding areas with no reported issues.
“Coldstream has continued to incur daily expenses and on-going maintenance. Retaining vacant and underutilised buildings is not a good use of public funds.
“I realise that for many people the presence of a police building brings reassurance and confidence to their local area. However, our presence in communities is not defined by buildings, but by the officers and staff who work in the area.
“With advances and investment in our fleet and digital technology, our officers are no longer tied to working from police buildings. This means they have little need to return to the office, allowing them to be more present and responsive in the communities we serve.
“Officers will continue to be active, visible and accessible across the Borders and the public will receive the same high level of service from officers.
“Kelso Police Station will continue to be our main base for the local area. The front counter at Kelso is open from 8am until 3.30pm Monday to Friday.”