TWEEDDALE Liberal Democrat candidates Amanda Kubie and Kris Chapman have ramped up their campaign to improve local policing.

The challenge to Police Scotland follows a spate of break-ins targeting expensive mountain bikes across Peeblesshire.

Kris and Amanda have contacted Police Scotland’s Deputy Chief Constable for Local Policing, Rose Fitzpatrick, highlighting the fact that “since the creation of Police Scotland police services have deteriorated resulting in a sharp increase in crime, particularly burglaries and thefts”.

Kris and Amanda have also stated that Peeblesshire needs “locally-based police officers with local knowledge who are visible in the area”.

In response, Police Scotland have promised that the matter will now be considered by one of Police Scotland’s most senior police officers, Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson.

Mr Chapman said: “The crime spree we’ve endured across Tweeddale in recent months is a terrible indictment of an under-resourced, centralised police force that is leaving rural communities to fend for themselves.”

Mrs Kubie added: “We are determined to improve local policing. If Kris and I are fortunate enough to be elected councillors in May it will give us a platform to effect real change.”

Retired Borders police inspector Harry Scott, speaking recently at the Scottish Borders Police, Fire and Safer Communities Board, outlined how police coverage has been seriously diluted since the establishment of Police Scotland, and he called on councillors to robustly challenge the centralised force.