Gemma Doyle MP and Jackie Baillie MSP requested the meeting with Sir Stephen House and Justice Secretary Michael Matheson following a public meeting in Dumbarton last week, where around a hundred people discussed the controversial proposals to merge the local policing divisions of West Dunbartonshire and Argyll, and Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

The top cop in West Dunbartonshire attempted to allay residents fears over the plans, stating there will be an operating police station in Dumbarton.

However, Ms Baillie said she felt a decision had already been made on the area’s police as the land currently used has been earmarked for housing.

She said: “The suspicion voiced to me by police officers is that there will be degree of an increase but that will be elsewhere, Paisley or Greenock.” Ms Baillie added: “We organised this meeting because Police Scotland wanted to rush this proposal through without any serious attempt to listen to the concerns raised by members of the public.

“This merger would change the nature of local policing, shifting the focus south of the river to Paisley, and it is only right that people in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond have the right to make their voice heard.” Ms Baillie added that more than 1,300 people have signed a petition in support of the campaign.

Ms Doyle added: “Police Scotland’s attempts to reassure people about finding an alternative site in Dumbarton have fallen on deaf ears and their failure to clearly spell out what would happen if the Dumbarton office is scrapped should send alarm bells ringing.

“As one of the retired police officers at the meeting pointed out, we heard the same promises last year when they closed the front-desk at Alexandria Police Station and we are still waiting for the alternative to be set up.

“It’s clear from Police Scotland’s refusal to answer the most basic questions that they have no intention of maintaining a fully-functioning police station in Dumbarton. We will continue the fight to ensure that our Police HQ is not moved to Paisley.” Police Scotland released a statement on the meeting after it took place saying the proposal’s key aim is to strengthen local policing in the region and increase consistency in the provision of the service to communities.

Speaking after the meeting, Chief Superintendent Helen Swann, Divisional Commander for L Division, said: “I understand why some people may have concerns about the proposals but I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the local community that, under the options we are consulting about, there will be no adverse impact on how our local communities are policed. The overall objective of the proposals is founded on providing a strengthened, enhanced local policing service that is sustainable and cost-effective.

“The public meeting highlighted a great deal of speculation around Dumbarton Police Office and I feel I must address any inaccuracies around this issue. A number of options are currently being discussed, which include the office remaining at its existing site, re-locating to the new West Dunbartonshire Council facility or building a new police office elsewhere in the town of Dumbarton.

“However, no decision has yet been reached and I must reiterate that, regardless of the outcome, Police Scotland will have an operational office in the town delivering a local service into the heart of the communities of Dumbarton.

“We will continue to deliver a quality police service on a daily basis in and around the Dumbarton area where officers will be wholly committed to keeping people safe. Local communities and businesses can be assured that the high standard of policing expected from Police Scotland will be maintained in Dumbarton.”