THE future of Harwich police station is hanging in the balance as Essex Police revealed they plan to sell off 50 buildings “as soon as possible”.

As part of cost-cutting plans, the force have announced plans to get rid of 80 buildings – including police stations – to 30 as early as next year.

They have not said which buildings will be sold, but at least one station for each of the 14 policing districts will remain.

Essex Police have to find at least £5.5million immediately and another estimated £20million for maintenance and upkeep by 2020.

Essex Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh and police and crime commissioner Nick Alston announced the plans and blamed a combination of Government spending cuts, rising costs and a shrinking force.

But councillors have hit out at the plans, fearing it could be the death knell for Harwich’s station.

Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson said: “We have had several incidents just over the last couple of weeks.

“I am getting report after report saying people haven’t got the confidence that the police are here enough at the moment.”