POLICE Scotland chiefs planning to close a control room have been accused of "nothing short of contempt".

A total of 34 posts and an operational control centre at the headquarters of the former Dumfries & Galloway force are to be lost as part of a plan to close 50% of Scottish 999 centres, threatening up to 300 civilian jobs.

Council leader Ronnie Nicholson said: "In the run-up to setting up Police Scotland, assurances were given by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill that local people would continue to have a say in policing. This is clearly not the case. Our council has been treated with nothing short of contempt by Police Scotland."

A two-year programme to close half of Scotland's 10 control rooms will go before the force's watchdog, the Scottish Police Authority, on Thursday.

A police spokesman said the Dumfries closure - like the others suggested - was "only a proposal". He added: "There will be full consultation if SPA approves it."

However, Mr Nicholson, speaking after meeting Mr MacAskill, described the decision as a "fait accompli".