A PETITION has been launched to stop Maldon’s “unique” police station from closing.

The Standard revealed in November that plans were in place to move officers out of its historic High Street base and into the Maldon District Council offices in Princes Road.

It has now been announced that the force’s 105-year tenancy in the High Street is to come to an end this spring.

However, the plans have attracted opposition from residents and councillors.

Maldon resident Rosalind Oakley has now launched a petition calling for the move to be halted.

She said: “As a member of the public I feel really strongly about keeping the police station, and the police, where they are. Everyone knows where to find them, and it is the last manned station in the Dengie. That building was purposefully built for them.

“Moving them out of there will have a really negative impact on the character of the town as far as I am concerned. Maldon will not be Maldon without it.

“With all those new houses coming you need to retain the character of the town. I started the petition to try and get the community’s point across. It just feels wrong. Talking to people in shops and businesses along the High Street they agree. There were quite a few who said they were really grateful the police are on their doorstep.”

Rosalind and fellow campaigners are meeting outside the station on Sunday at 10am and are inviting supporters to join them. The petition, which is available in businesses along Maldon High Street including Talking Flowers, Crusty Loaf, the Blue Boar and Reeves, is being supported by Maldon town councillor, Michael Pearlman.

He said: “I am very much in favour of the police station staying where it is. So many have been closed down. I think our one is unique. I have heard from a lot of shopkeepers how they like the location of the police station because there have been a lot of thefts recently and it makes them feel safe.

“The thought of moving it to the council offices is not going down very well with many people. I think we need to fight for it to stay.

“We are really passionate about it staying where it is on the High Street. They do a very good job and we know they are always on hand to help.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Plans to move local policing teams into shared accommodation with Maldon District Council are progressing steadily. The lease with the local authority will be signed in the early part of this year with a move under way by spring.”