A STATE of the art police station has opened in Glasgow as a row rumbles on over possible closures.

The Glasgow North West Police Office, on Drumry Road East, ­replaces the Drumchapel Police Office, on Kinfauns Drive, and Garscadden Police Office, on Great Western Road.

It will cover the Drumchapel and Anniesland area which ­includes Blairdardie, Temple and High Knightswood, as well as Garscadden and Scots­tounhill taking in Knightswood, Scotstoun, Yoker and Peterson Park.

Chief Superintendent Andy Bates, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow, said: "We are committed to keeping people safe and bringing together our officers and staff from the Garscadden and Drumchapel offices to work side by side at our new location, will ensure we provide the best possible policing service for the Glasgow North West Community.

"Building work on the new modern office started in January this year.

"It is a major improvement on our current facilities, both for the public and the staff who will work there."

The building will house 185 officers and administration staff.

Local Area Commander, Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland, said: "The location of our new office is right in the heart of Drumchapel and is easily ­accessible by the public from all the main routes, including Great Western Road.

"It will have visitor parking, ­disabled access, a large reception area and ­private interview facilities."

The move from two stations to one was agreed before Strathclyde Police became part of Police Scotland - the single national force.

But a number of police offices are facing closure since the formation of a single force.

Stations at Strathaven in South Lanarkshire, Anderston, in Glasgow, Uddingston and Glasgow Airport are affected.

Paul Rooney, board member of the Scottish Police Authority and a Glasgow City councillor, said: "The approach taken here is very much in line with developing and investing in a modern police estate, that puts the right resources in the right place to support communities in the way they now live their lives.

"Combining two older buildings into one modern, efficient property makes perfect sense with its central location making it easily accessible for the ­local community."

stef.lach@ eveningtimes.co.uk