PLANS to house all three emergency services under one roof at Tomintoul were this week given the green light.
The fire station will now be extended to include Grampian Police and Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) offices at the Main Street site.
Leading the project, the police will lease land from Grampian Fire and Rescue Service, and will sub-let part of the extension to their ambulance colleagues.
A police spokesman confirmed the new office will act as a base for the local policing team on their relocation from the former office at Backdykes, Tomintoul.
Forres and Speyside local policing team inspector, Paul McCruden, said: “As part of our policing model we promised our communities that we would forge closer links with them. Listening to and acting upon their concerns has a huge role to play in that.
“The feedback has been absolutely clear – the community wants a policing presence right at the heart of the community which is what the new office delivers.
“The old office was no longer fit for purpose and we should see an immediate benefit as our officers are able to take advantage of this facility.
“Most importantly, it will also serve both the force and Speyside area well for years to come.
“I am particularly pleased that the office will be based alongside Grampian Fire and Rescue which will allow the local community easy access to both emergency services.”
Backing for the project was sought at a September meeting of Grampian Joint Fire and Rescue Board, with the project described as “improving the delivery of public services in the Moray area”.
Plans show an extension to the rear of the Main Street building, with the front elevation remaining unchanged.
