Protests have been voiced at plans to erect a "prison-like" fence behind Billericay's police station.

Officers at the High Street site want to step up security around premises which contain valuable equipment and data by building a two metre perimeter fence and gates.

But Billericay town council has fired-off a letter of objections to Basildon Council amid fears the new fences will be an eyesore for those living in houses nearby.

Horace Wilkins, chairman of Billericay Town Council's planning committee, said it was awaiting a response and wanted officers to demand changes to the plans. He said: "The fence is up against the edge of the town centre and in the conservation area.

"In the plans it just does not look right - it gives the building a prison-like appearance."

Mr Wilkins said the town council supported extra security at the site, but felt a public building deserved to be treated with more care.

He added: "We have had several calls from residents. One elderly man asked if they were going to turn it into a prison.

"If the fences were in shades of green then they would not look so intrusive against the trees."

The value of equipment held in the building and importance of files stored there has made it necessary to improve the perimeter fencing around the building.

Insp Steve Tutton, of Billericay police, said: "The fence would go up along the line of the existing fence and hopefully trees and shrubs would continue to shield it from view."

He added: "At the moment there is a wire fence around the building, but it is in a fairly run down state. The new fence will be more efficient and secure."

A spokesman for Basildon Council confirmed it had received the town council's objection and said it would be part of the consultation process, which lasts until August 4.

He added: "It would not go to the area committee but a decision would be made by the chairman instead."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.