FEARS have been raised over a lack of access to police officers in Manningtree, Mistley and Lawford after a village station was sold.

Essex Police has confirmed Mistley police station, in New Road, has been sold for £371,500.

The station was placed on the open market last year as part of plans to save the police up to £40million.

Although the front desk was closed to the public in 2011, officers still occasionally used the building as a base for operations and training.

Alan Coley, Tendring councillor and former police constable, said the loss of the station was a “very sensitive issue”.

He said: “It is a concern to most people in our community.

“I don’t think Essex Police gave the sale of police stations enough thought or consideration.

“There has been a police station in Mistley for over 160 years, consequently it is a significant building within our community.

“For it to now be sold makes this a very sensitive issue.

“We have suggested to Essex Police there should be a designated place within our community to talk to an officer.”

Mr Coley said the community of Manningtree, Lawford and Mistley is set to grow considerably over the next ten years, with several large housing developments already given the go-ahead.

He said: “Consequently we will have more victims of crime, it is only logical.

“Some of these victims could be victims of domestic violence who want to discretely talk to the police.

“People don’t want to have to travel to Clacton or Harwich just to speak to an officer, they want to go somewhere within the locality.

“The dialogue we have had with Essex Police indicates a lack of understanding on their part.

“We understand the police station is gone. That is regrettable and we feel that was a decision we wouldn’t have supported, but it is gone.

“However there should still be a safe and distinctive place where someone can meet a police officer.

“It cannot be a public building like the library, that would not be suitable.”

Mr Coley was a constable based at Mistley police station for about 17 years.

He said; “It was a great place to work in those days. We were very connected to the community and it worked exceptionally well.

“Those days are gone, we have lost a lot of officers in Essex and they have to police differently.

“It is a great shame as there has been a police station in our community for well over 160 years, the first station was opened in 1854.”

Chief Inspector Russ Cole, Tendring district commander, said: “Mistley will continue to be policed by dedicated officers who will respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, work to resolve local problems and work alongside partners to protect people from harm and prevent crime occurring.

“Our officers have also been equipped with smartphones that enable them to perform key policing tasks while out on patrol.

“This means they can spend more time on the frontline being visible and accessible to the community they serve.

“While I understand that people are attached to their police stations, as they are an important part of the community, effective policing is not reliant on buildings as it is my officers that catch criminals, prevent and detect crime and support victims.”