PLANS are being finalised a new police station to be built in north Essex.
The plans, which have been in the works for a few years, would see the demolishing of the old station commander’s house at the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service site in Fronks Road, Dovercourt, and a new 21st century police station built in its place.
Roger Hirst, Essex's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, considered developing the Dovercourt Fire Station site to accommodate an extra base for Essex Police.
In 2021, he said the current police estate in Harwich is "no longer best suited to the way officers work today and will do in the future".
Policing has changed significantly in recent years with developments in technology increasing what officers can do remotely.
Officers now work more closely with other emergency services, such as Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, and wider partners such as councils and the business and voluntary sectors than they ever have before.
Now, Essex Police has confirmed plans are advancing to bring the new station to Dovercourt.
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: “This is a fantastic plan.
“It is part of our ongoing collaborative work with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and will see a new community police station in Dovercourt.
“Essex Police is committed to maintaining a strong visible presence in communities across Essex to help in our mission to prevent and tackle crime.”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Moira Bruin added: “We have worked in partnership with Essex Police on these plans.
“Being able to co-locate with us in the unused space at Dovercourt Fire Station is a great opportunity to maintain a police presence in the community.”
Chief Executive at the office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex Phillipa Brent-Isherwood was also full of praise for the plans.
She said: “The new facilities will help the police and fire and rescue service deliver the best possible service to the communities they serve, making it even easier for them to work together to create safe and secure communities where everybody can prosper.”
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