Essex Police Reveal More Money-Saving Plans

23 August 2011, 17:09 | Updated: 23 August 2011, 18:09

Plans to close nearly half of police front counter services in Essex have been revealed.

If agreed, it would mean some people wouldn't be able to go into local police stations to report crime.

It would also mean some of the 170 police front counter staff would face job cuts.

The 21 sites at risk include:

  • West Mersea - Colchester district
  • Wivenhoe – Colchester district
  • Copford – Colchester district 
  • Ipswich Road – Colchester district
  • Mistley – Tendring district
  • Brightlingsea – Tendring district
  • Walton – Tendring district
  • Thorpe-le-Soken – Tendring district 
  • Great Yeldham – Braintree district 
  • Stansted Mountfitchet – Uttlesford district 
  • Hatfield Heath – Uttlesford district 
  • Moulsham Lodge – Chelmsford district 
  • Leigh – Southend unitary authority
  • Shoebury – Southend unitary authority
  • Rochford – Rochford district 
  • South Benfleet – Castle Point district 
  • Corringham – Thurrock unitary authority 
  • Wickford – Basildon district 
  • Laindon – Basildon district
  • Waltham Abbey – Epping Forest district
  • Ongar – Epping Forest district

In addition 25 other police front counters in the county would see a reduction in opening times under the plans revealed on Tuesday 23 August.

Essex Police is having to save £41 million from the budget over the next few years because of Government spending cuts.

Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle told Heart: "It's about flexibility and being more accessible to the public.

"These plans follow on from an online and face-to-face public survey with people across Essex."

A consultation with police staff is now underway with a decision expected later this year.