Early discussions are under way to engage on proposals for the possible restructuring of the policing of Argyll & Bute, West Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire areas.

The proposal aims to strengthen local policing for communities in the region and provide greater opportunities to police officers serving in the area.

The plans being considered could potentially see ‘L’ and ‘K’ divisions into a single division.

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson, who is responsible for the delivery of local policing in the West of Scotland, said: “As a policing service we are continually evolving as we keep our structures under review. Local commanders have identified opportunities to further strengthen local policing, increase consistency in the provision of our service to communities and ensure we continue to look for financial savings where we can marry this with service improvements.

“The main drivers for us will always be the delivery of better targeted local policing; improved access to local policing; improvements to the quality of policing service; and, a policing service which is more sustainable and cost-effective.

“Early engagement will now begin on this proposal and it is essential that we consult with staff and engage with our external partners to test locally that the benefits proposed are both supported and understood that we listen to all feedback.

“As an organisation, our focus is on keeping people safe and the local policing service we provide to communities is the foundation stone on which Police Scotland is based.” A full programme of consultation with staff potentially affected by any changes and engagement with key local stakeholders is now under way. Early engagement has also taken place with the Scottish Police Authority.

Mawson said: “We are committed to working alongside officers and staff to explain what any proposal could mean for them and potential timescales going forward.

“The strength of Police Scotland is, and will always remain, the people who work for the organisation and who, every day of the week, are helping to keep our communities safe.” However Hugh Henry, MSP for Renfrewshire South, expressed concerns that the changes could impact local policing.

He said: “I’m am concerned that this seems to be another attempt to centralise local police services.

“We were told there would be a focus on local policing. There needs to be full discussion with all the communities affected and also there’s got to be reassurances that the priority will always be community delivered local services. I’m not certain how one office will be able to do that.”