Thirty villagers attended a meeting this evening in Connel Hall and heard Chief Inspector Glen Bland explain, frankly and clearly, the reasons behind the potential closure of Connel Police Station. He said that the Police Station simply wasn't being used and only 9 visits had been recorded to the Station in the last 12 month period. The station and house were also in need of refurbishment and modernisation and it did not make economic sense to spend money on the property when it was so under-used. There was a healthy discussion on the subject but, on balance the audience seemed to accept that the closure was inevitable. The Chief Inspector said that there would be monthly "surgeries" held (appropriately enough!) in the Medical Centre where a room is being made available.

One of the major concerns to come out of the meeting was the fact that a phone call to Oban Police station is routed through a Call Centre in Glasgow - often with unacceptable results. This is something the Chief Inspector will consider to see if there are ways to improve communications.

There was unanimous agreement that the other major problem in the village is speeding vehicles. CI Bland said he would support any effort by the Community Council to argue for the introduction of flashing speed warning signs through Transerv Scotland.

CI Bland will be attending occasional meetings of the Community Council in future as part of his determination to become involved in the Communities which his force polices.