CLACTON MP Douglas Carswell has voted against plans to cut police spending by five per cent in an effort to prevent Clacton and Walton police stations closing.

Mr Carswell warned that the £299million cut would lead to a slower response to crimes. But the cuts were approved by Parliament following a Government threeline whip, which meant its own MPs were forced to vote in favour.

Mr Carswell said: “With Essex Police forced to reduce their budget, police commissioner Nick Alston is now actively considering the closure of our local police station.

“That would be absolutely terrible and I am doing everything I can to fight it."

Read the full story in the Clacton Gazette, out now.