Northern Joint Police Board Convener Opens New Station

DEPARTING Northern Joint Police Board convener Janet Home proudly opened Police station number ten today, marking £12million worth of investment in Policing during her tenure.

The Kilmallie station, based in Kilmallie Road, Caol was built thanks to a £400,000 investment by the NJPB and will serve people in the Caol, Banavie and Corpach areas.

The opening was attended by Mrs Home, NJPB Vice Convener Donald MacLean, Chief Constable Ian Latimer, councillor for the area Olwyn MacDonald and Lochaber Area Commander Chief Inspector Ian Bryce.

Janet Home said: "This is my tenth and last official opening which has seen an investment of approximately £12million.

"This is a massive achievement for a small Force and the Joint Board like ours. I am persuaded that this level of investment throughout the Force is achieved through good strategic planning by the Chief Constable and his staff, and a high level of co-operation between the Board and its chief officers."

Chief Constable Ian Latimer said: "Today's event gives me a sense of satisfaction and achievement in realising another component of our Corporate Plan for Sustainable Community Policing in the Highlands.

"My commitment to rural and urban policing is evident in our policing plans and the investment in this office reflects the Northern Joint Police Board's commitment in financing our Strategic Development Plan."

He added: "The communities of Caol, Banavie and Corpach and the smaller communities to the north and west deserve a quality service and modern sustainable assets supporting Police service delivery.

"This is an impressive facility and as well as bringing service access to the communities, it provides an excellent workplace for the officers working here."

Councillor Olwyn MacDonald said: "Today is about the people who live in this community and the Police officers who deliver the service.

"This excellent new station provides a new opportunity for the Police and community to come together to build on the good work already in progress.

"Working together will make these communities a better place for all of us to live and work in."

Area Commander for Lochaber, Chief Inspector Ian Bryce, said: "The new facilities to be known as Kilmallie Police Station provides us with a central location strategically placed within a large demographic area of population that is constantly growing.

"The Community Beat Officers who will work from this station are looking forward working with the communities and I trust that everyone in the Kilmallie area will support them to keep our area a safe and crime free environment so we can improve the quality of life for all residents and local businesses."

He added: "I am delighted by the positive support from the local member Mrs Olywn MacDonald who embraced the concept of a new police station recognising that the previous buildings were not fit for purpose."