PROPOSALS that could see Barrhead Police Station being closed in a bid to cut costs have been met with a barrage of criticism.

The Bank Street building was one of 58 stations earmarked for possible closure in a Police Scotland estates review that aims to save up to £18 million each year.

However, politicians and residents alike have expressed concerns that the move could lead to an increase in crime.

David Allison, who will stand for the Green Party in East Renfrewshire in next year’s council elections, said: “A good police service needs an approachable face and a familiar location.

“These are provided by having a local police station, so I’m concerned by the impact this closure would have on the Barrhead community.

“These worries are especially strong when it comes to those who cannot rely on a telephone or the internet to contact the police, many of whom are likely to be older or more vulnerable.”

The estates review could allow for some buildings to be retained, while others may be declared “surplus to requirements”.

Under the proposals, some officers could be forced to share an office with other public agencies.

East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald has spoken out against the proposals.

She said: “I am concerned to hear that both Barrhead and Giffnock police offices are proposed to be closed and I think that more information on this situation is required.

“It is vital that we have local policing that meets the needs of all of our communities in East Renfrewshire and I will be interested to see the proposals to clarify how that is to be achieved.”

Barrhead councillors Danny Devlin and Tommy Reilly have also voiced concerns.

Councillor Devlin said: “It’s going to have a massive impact on crime and disorder in Barrhead if the force is being taken out of the town.”

And Councillor Reilly added: “People feel safer if they have somewhere to go to where they can get help. They need a physical police presence in the town.”

Barrhead was stripped of its late-night public police desk in 2014 when a cost-cutting exercise reduced the opening hours of over 60 public counters across the country.

And the latest move has sparked an angry reaction from Barrhead residents on social media.

Facebook user Liz Browning said: “This is outrageous, especially with all the crime and violence these days in the area.”

However, Gordon Crossan, president of the Association of the Scottish Police Superintendents, has defended the estates review.

He said: “Many of these stations are already obsolete, expensive to run and have limited facilities, so we’re reviewing that to see what could provide a better service for the public for the money they give us to deliver policing.”