Frustrated residents are feeling let down by police in Maldon.

The police station has been closed without any prior notice due to staff shortages.

Ken Toner, of Hoynors in Danbury, wanted to report a minor accident on Friday, which can only be done in person.

He said: "I went all the way to Maldon, as did a lady from Goldhanger behind me, and it was shut. A big town like Maldon should be fully manned. My query was only minor but what if it was a more serious incident?"

Usually open from 11am until 5pm, the station had to reduce its opening hours at times due to staff shortages and sickness.

A telephone operator at Chelmsford police headquarters said it was a nuisance to field calls from irate members of the public and at least six had been received in one morning.

A police spokeswoman confirmed the closure was due to staff shortages, but was unable to confirm whether this was being addressed by senior officers.

She said 999 calls would not be affected by the closure, but non-emergency issues could not be dealt with when the station was closed.

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