THE chairman of Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council says he believes the controversy over the Ministry of Defence Police presence on the Rosneath peninsula is “closed”.

Nick Davies spoke at a meeting last week in response to media coverage reporting concerns that MoD Police personnel, who routinely carry weapons, were plugging gaps on the peninsula left by Police Scotland.

Mr Davies said the national media report had created unjustified alarm in the area.

Speaking at Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council's monthly meeting, Mr Davies said: “I did not read the article but I would presume it was quite alarmist.

“I received one letter full of alarm and despondency which caused a certain amount of excitement.

“My thanks to [local councillor] George Freeman, who sent a message to all interested parties calming everybody down.

“Random checks are taking place on an MoD-owned road, and they have every right to do that. I was stopped the other week and they couldn't have been more charming.

“As far as I'm concerned the issue is closed.”

The community council's meeting, at Cove Burgh Hall, was also attended by Helensburgh police inspector Coleen Wylie, who said there was no truth in claims that Police Scotland's presence on the Rosneath peninsula was being cut back.

Inspector Wylie said: “There has been no change whatsoever in the way Police Scotland serves the peninsula. There was no discussion and no proposal to change our patrols in the area.

“The peninsula is our jurisdiction. The Ministry of Defence Police have carried out regular patrols in the area for decades. That's their job.

“We work closely with our MDP colleagues. They were involved in our recent online safety inputs in schools throughout Helensburgh and Lomond. I don't think they would argue that you wouldn't welcome extra eyes and ears.

“Yes, they're visible, but would-be criminals can't distinguish between them and Police Scotland.”

Mr Davies replied: “ You're preaching to the converted.”

The Advertiser's sister newspaper, the Sunday Herald, reported in January that officers from the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) were to begin patrolling outwith the nuclear bases at Faslane and Coulport.

In that article, Garelochhead resident Alannah Maurer from the Navy Not Nuclear campaign group complained about the lack of consultation and absence of notification from Police Scotland about the plans.