LISTEN: North-East Police Force Merger Moves Ahead

Police Scotland is moving ahead with plans to merge the north-east forces.

It says there's been a positive response to proposal in a public consultation.

The move would bring together Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen divisions.

ACC Campbell Thomson, who is responsible for the delivery of Local Policing in the North said: "Our extensive consultation has taken many forms, including engaging with all locally elected representatives, community councils and with Community Planning, as well as other key partners and internal staff focus groups.

"Very useful feedback has been received and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has engaged with us. "Having reached the end of that consultation phase, the majority of feedback supports our assessment that the proposals present an opportunity to strengthen local policing in these areas. "Given our continuing commitment to fully understand, listen and respond to the feedback from communities, the Divisional Commanders involved would like to continue their consultation on a small number of local issues to ensure that any future decisions are based on the strongest possible foundation."

However, opponents to the change say it will damage local policing.

MFR Reporter Derek Ferguson speaks with Moray Councillor Douglas Ross about the merger...