CONCERNS have been raised over community events in Dunfermline and West Fife after Police Scotland confirmed policing would be decided on an "case by case" basis.

The news has led to Councillor Graeme Downie, who is a general election candidate for Scottish Labour, expressing his fear that regular activities such as Armistice commemorations or gala days could be in jeopardy.

Cllr Downie said the news comes just a week after it was announced that Police Scotland would no longer investigate every crime amid suggestions from the Scottish Police Federation that this was due to financial pressures.

“It is a disgrace that SNP cuts mean not only will all crimes not be investigated but that important local events such as to commemorate Armistice Day are under threat," he said.

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“At a time when people across the Kingdom want to feel safe and secure as well as continue a strong sense of community, the news that crimes won’t be investigated and local events might not be able to go ahead or will cost significantly more will be a bitter blow."

Scottish Police Federation general secretary David Kennedy said the force was "overstretched and underfunded."

He warned: "This is just the beginning of what is to come if the service doesn’t receive the funding required to provide the police service that the public need.

"The falling police numbers and the increased legislation is putting an overstretched workforce under even more pressure.

"We need a police service that can be proactive but with the financial pressures all they can be is reactive and even that reactive policing is being cut short.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are always keen to try and support organisers and will attend community events where possible, but competing demands mean officers can’t always commit to attending.

"We recognise these occasions are an important opportunity to engage with local people and we review each one on a case by case basis."