Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has questioned why Police Scotland is pressing ahead with plans to downgrading or closing so many other police station counters. Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said: “Police Scotland have announced a number of changes the proposed police station counter closures. “The fact that Police Scotland has recognised the importance of the station is very welcome. However, questions remain as why it is downgrading or closing so many other police station counters. “Local residents have expressed their concerns at the proposals which will see the public counter service at stations dramatically reduced or in some cases totally removed. Under the current proposals public counters at Police Stations in Crieff, Kinross, Cardenden, Oakley, Burntisland, East Neuk (Anstruther), Howe of Fife (Auchtermuchty), Taycoast (Newport) and at Tullibody. “In a number of cases it has been proposed that a number of Police Stations will have no public counter provision whatsoever - this will clearly impact on community policing and ultimately many people will see this leading to local Police Stations being closed. “Scottish Conservatives warned that the single police force would ultimately lead to cuts to rural community policing and this is now being proposed. “This is yet another example of the SNP centralisation of our police services and is the start of a slippery slope to removing local policing. “SNP Ministers seem to have washed their hands of the decision.”