CAMPAIGNERS have called for answers from the police as the district’s last station gets set to close.

Police in Maldon are preparing to move base to the council offices, in Princes Road, on Monday, leaving their home of 108 years in West Square.

The move has drawn criticism from residents who believe it will harm the accessibility and visibility of the police, as well as affecting how well they can do their jobs.

Rosalind Murphy led a campaign against the station move, presenting a petition to Police and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst.

She said: “Where is the benefit from the stations that have been closed already?

“Maldon station is so well placed and accessible, and officers need somewhere to recuperate in privacy after traumatic and difficult days before going home to families. This is not an easy job by any standards.

“I believe we should still have a phone connection on the High Street, somewhere where people feel relatively safe so that they can make a phone call day or night if concerned about something and maybe out of charge on their mobile.

“I can understand that on the surface, a police presence on the main desk of the council offices would feel a pleasant community move, but how uncomfortable is that going to be for visitors on occasion? It may deter people from reporting concerns.

“How easy is it going to be for council and police personnel to work alongside each other?”

Mrs Murphy also called for the police to look at the exit routes from the council offices, and to ensure that there is lost property at the new base.

She has written to the force, Mr Hirst and Maldon MP John Whittingdale over her concerns.

INSPECTOR Andy Sawyer, acting district commander for Maldon and Chelmsford, said: “We are in the final stages of preparing to open a new facility which will house policing teams in Maldon.

“The new location in Princes Road will allow Essex Police to keep its officers local,visible and at the heart of the community they serve.

“The added benefit of the new base is that our team will be working alongside our partners in the local authority, which will assist even closer working towards our shared goals of preventing and detecting crime and protecting the public.

“We are aware of some concerns expressed about movements of our marked vehicles. The officers who drive our vehicles are highly skilled and trained professionals. We endeavour to maintain good relations with neighbours, with vehicle access to our premises achieved in a courteous and respectful manner.”