POLICE in the Borders are asking the public to share their views on what should happen to a former police station in the region.

Coldstream Police Station has not been operational for a number of years, with officers from Duns and Kelso patrolling the area, with Coldstream Community Fire Station being utilised as a drop-in base.

As part of its estate strategy, Police Scotland is consulting with the public over the future of the Borders site, which it is considering for disposal.

Local Area Commander, Chief Inspector Stuart Fletcher 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.

“Despite being vacant for the last few years, Coldstream continues to incur day to day running costs and ongoing repairs and maintenance, which is not best use of public funds. 

“I realise how important access to policing services is to local communities and how a physical police presence can bring reassurance and confidence to communities. 

“If our proposals go ahead, our officers will continue to be active, visible and accessible and the public will receive the same high level of service from officers as they have done over the last few years. Our officers based at Duns and Kelso will continue to cover the Coldstream area and make use of the community fire station building. 

The consultation asks contributors to share how the building is used by the public and the police.

It also asks what overall impression people have of the building's value and whether they agree with its disposal.

The consultation on the future of Coldstream is open until Sunday, March 17.

CI Fletcher added: “I understand and I am sensitive to community concerns around changes involving police buildings.

“I would urge the public and stakeholders to engage with our consultation process and comment and feedback via our Engagement Hub.

"The consultation on the future of Coldstream will be open until Sunday, March 17and can be accessed via the Police Scotland website.

“We are committed to listening to the wider views so we can shape the delivery of policing within the Borders.”

To share your views on the future of Coldstream Police Station, visit the Police Scotland consultation page.