Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has spoken of his fears for the future of town centre regeneration in Blairgowrie at the Scottish Parliament.
He pressed Local Government Minister Derek Mackay about the impact on the town of a review of police public counters.
Police Scotland changes mean counters will no longer be staffed at stations in Blairgowrie, Auchterarder, Brechin, Carnoustie, Crieff, Kinross, Longhaugh, Maryfield and Montrose.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned that the removal of public counter services could hamper the redevelopment of rural town centres.
During portfolio questions in Parliament, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mr Fraser said: “I am sure that the minister will have seen the comments from the FSB, suggesting that the closure of public counters in police stations will be bad for local economies.
“Does he agree that small towns such as Blairgowrie, in John Swinney’s constituency, will be adversely affected if those closures go ahead?”
Mr Mackay responded: “Those issues must be considered in the round.
“As part of the town centre response, we will look closely at public sector properties and the role that they play in town centres.
“One of the external advisory group’s recommendations is for a town centre presumption in planning and in relation to public sector assets.
“The Government is actively considering that and it will be reported on once we release the Government’s strategy on town centres.”
Speaking after the debate, Mr Fraser said: “It was important to raise the issue of proposed public counter closures within the context of town centre regeneration.
“The FSB has expressed real concern regarding the viability of certain town centre regenerations if there is a removal of police public counter services.
“Blairgowrie has benefited from a community-based approach to policing and any removal of this open and accessible form of law enforcement could damage the economic prospects of new businesses entering the area.
“The minister’s response was welcomed but such general remarks will do little to ease the concern of Blairgowrie businesses and residents who are facing the real threat of a reduced police presence.”