Speaking after a special memorial service today, local politicians have voiced concern about a single Scottish police force.
The SNP Government have always maintained that the force will deliver excellent results and budgetary savings, but Elaine Murray MSP and David Mundell MP aren't as convinced.
Patrick Shearer, the Chief Constable of Dumfries and Galloway Police, spoke at a special service this morning marking the end of the constabulary. In April it will merge with the other forces in Scotland to create a single police service.
Despite some concerns, the Chief Constable said he remains confident about the level of service that can be provided, and said it was importnat to mark the end of local policing as it currently is.
There is an added poignancy to the annual police memorial service being held in Dumfries this morning - it is the last one being held before the local force is disbanded.
Dumfries and Galloway constabulary is being amalgamated into the 'Police Service of Scotland' on the 1st of April.
Critics have warned that the creation of a country wide force could see local concerns and issues lost amid wider national problems. The SNP Government insist that the changes will lead to a more efficient force, able to deliver both results and budgetary savings.
A plaque will be unveiled at St Michael's Church in Dumfries during the ceremony, and the man currently in charge of the local force, wants the occasion to be a happy one.
– Chief Constable Patrick Shearer, Dumfries and Galloway PoliceAs opposed to talking about the end of the force we wanted to celebrate 65 years of committed and dedicated service by all the officers and staff of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary over the years. These are changing times and indeed this is the biggest change which the policing of our area will have faced in 65 years of existence. There is much to celebrate and indeed much to look forward to as we move into a new era of policing across Scotland in general and Dumfries and Galloway in particular.**
Dumfries and Galloway Council has admitted serious problems in its social work department after a report highlighted concerns over its financial management.
The audit found its budget has been mismanaged leading to a huge overspend.
The projected overspend is £760,000, and it would have been more but councillors had already agreed earlier to an extra £600,000.
Accountancy technicians will be brought in to help sort out the problem, either from the council's own finance department or an external consultant.
John Gair, who witnessed the Lockerbie bombing in 1988, believes that more information - whilst not being entirely comforting - might bring a sense of closure to those affected.
ITV Border viewers have been commenting on the decision to allow local police to investigate the Lockerbie bombing in Libya.
Below are some of your views:
– Ewan Marshall"It's good to see they're continuing their investigations but I fear it may be too late to ever uncover the whole truth.
"I hope I am wrong, but sadly there has been too many twists and turns along the way and there are no guarantees that it will be any easier at this time."
– Charles Lockhart"Just costing our overdrawn country more money let it rest !! We will gain nothing from this."
– Dave Williams"Searching for a scape-goat. Forget it and let those that died rest in peace!"
Dumfries and Galloway Police say they welcome the support of the Libyan authorities for the ongoing investigation into the Lockerbie bombing.
No travel details have been released due to security reasons.
Scotland's First Minister has told ITV Border that 'if evidence is found in Libya, then justice will be done'.
He said:
Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, has been speaking to ITV Border about Libya's decision to allow police officers to visit the county as part of the Lockerbie investigation:
David Cameron confirmed that officers from the Dumfries and Galloway force have been given permission to visit Libya as part of the Lockerbie investigation.
– Prime Minister, David Cameron"I am delighted that the Dumfries and Galloway Police team will be able to visit your country to look into the issues around the Lockerbie bombing.
"The officers are expected to travel to Libya in March. It will be the first time police have been allowed to visit as part of the probe.
