MISTLEY Police Station is being run down by stealth with fears there is no hope for its future, it has been claimed.

Lawford Parish councillors raised concerns about the future of policing in the area when Tendring police commander Russ Cole spoke at their latest meeting.

Chf Insp Cole said: “Lawford is probably one of the safest areas to live in Essex.

"It is some distance to Harwich from here but you have to place officers where demand is most.

"Things are going to change and it's not always going to be good news."

But parish and Tendring councillor Alan Coley raised concerns for Mistley Police Station, with details expected to be announced this autumn to sell off a number of police buildings to save costs.

Mistley's station in New Road was closed to the public in 2011.

He said: "It seems to be being run down by stealth. We have one part-time officer and one pcso there."