TENDRING'S police chief says it is police officers who are "really at the heart of the community" following an announcement that stations in the district will close.

Clacton police station has been saved as force chiefs announce a massive shake-up of services, but its opening hours have been halved.

The station will only be open to the public from 9am to 5pm when the changes come into place in April. It is currently open from 8am to midnight.

Walton, Thorpe and Mistley police stations will be sold, subject to consultation. Harwich police station will remain, but its front counter will close.

Tendring’s district commander Chief Insp Russ Cole said several former police stations, which have not been publicly accessible, will be closed and proposed for sale.

“However it is police officers who are really at the heart of the community,” he said.

“They investigate your crimes, respond to your emergencies and provide solutions to longer term crime related problems.

“As part of the new community policing teams these officers will be more focused and used more smartly to keep your community safe.”

He added: “I understand many residents will be saddened to hear the front counter of Harwich Police Station is proposed for closure to the public.

“The station will remain an operational base for officers.”

Across the county 15 police stations are set to close as Essex Police looks to make £60million of cuts by 2020.