Hope for community use of closed police station

Moulsham Lodge police station, in Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford, is likely to be sold off as Essex Police attempts to save money.

But Moulsham Lodge Community Trust is set to approach the force about the possibility of renting out the building for use in the community.

Chelmsford borough councillor Mark Springett is ward member for Moulsham Lodge and a trustee of the group.

He said: “We won’t have the resources to buy it, but the community centre we’re trying to open is two or three years away yet so it would be a good idea to use somewhere else in the meantime.

“What we’re thinking of is having a drop in centre or cafe which police could use for their surgeries as well - it’s only an idea, they might say they’re not interested and may want the money.”

A review has been carried out over the past year to identify buildings which will not be needed under the force’s new operational policing model, known as the Blueprint.

It came into effect on March 1 and is part of the overall police savings plan.

Essex Police has a large estate including more than 110 buildings. The review identified 18, including Moulsham Lodge, which were suitable for disposal.

It has been suggested those properties are sold to release capital funds and save the force “substantial” costs, such as heating and maintenance.

Temporary assistant Chief Constable Julia Wortley said: “Local neighbourhood policing teams will continue to be based in local areas, holding beat surgeries, attending local meetings and finding solutions to local problems. This will not change.”

Despite reassurances about police coverage in Moulsham Lodge, Mr Springett remains concerned about the closure.

He added: “When you consider it covers such a large area, about 11,000 residents, I think people are feeling slightly worried about what might happen. You can see crime in the area increasing.”

The Springfield Road Child Abuse Investigation Unit, in Chelmsford, is also on the list of closures.