A REVIEW into the future of all Essex police stations - including the force’s Springfield HQ and Moulsham Lodge police station - has been launched.

Essex Police is looking at all the buildings it owns such as its main base in Kingston Crescent to see what can be sold off to raise money.

By 2016 the force will have to run the policing with £78million less in Government grants than it had in 2010 in a county with a rapidly growing population.

Nine stations, and nine other buildings, have been earmarked for sale already, some of which will go onto the open market shortly and more may need to be sold.

Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston said: “We are currently conducting a review of all Essex Police stations and buildings, including the Headquarters site, to assess whether they still serve the needs of both the force and the people of our county.

“In the modern world there are many different ways of contacting the police and the Essex Police Evolve programme will be exploring these as it strives to make the force as effective as possible.

“In an emergency, you should always call 999 and let officers come to you.”

“We’ve taken the approach that if it’s possible and appropriate for these former police buildings to continue to be part of the local community, then we’ll look to make that happen while ensuring that a fair market rate is paid.”

Chief Supt Andy Prophet, head of the Evolve Programme, said the buildings already earmarked for sale have already been decommissioned and these will be put on the market soon.

He added it is likely more will be sold in the future.

He said: “Long term investment in a smaller.

“Modern estate is key to ensuring the force provides the best possible and affordable services for the people of Essex.

“One particular strand the force is considering is the potential to either rebuild or relocated its Headquarters."