CAMPAIGNERS fear that plans to merge the fire authority and police force could see Canvey’s police station lost to developers.

Residents fear that it could see the town lose its station in Long Road, which is less than 200 metres away from its fire station.

It comes as the public are being asked to consider the plans as part of a 12-week consultation period launched last week in a bid to make more than £30million in savings.

In a report published about the consultation, Essex Police revealed that three unnamed stations currently planned for refurbishment “could be transferred to local fire stations”.

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent party, has speculated Canvey could be a part of the plans.

Mr Blackwell, a county councillor and member of the fire authority, said: “It is all part of asset stripping I believe, and with Canvey’s police station being in a prime location, I could well see the station being sold.

“They need to save the money, but I am concerned we could end up losing out again. I am not sure why there’s a public consultation as the plans have Royal Assent, so they are in law.”

Under the plans, Roger Hirst, Essex’s Police and Crime Commissioner, hopes to break down barriers to effective collaboration, and wants to deliver the changes he feels the county needs.

Although he insists the change is not being made to save money, Mr Hirst said any savings “will be reinvested into working with the community”.

It adds to plans in place for the police to build a new headquarters site. The main HQ functions and control room could be built at a purpose-built facility in Kelvedon Park.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “The plans explore the potential benefits of closer collaborative working between Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

“We believe the best way to achieve these benefits would be through the joint governance model, where the Police and Crime Commissioner takes on responsibility from the existing Essex Fire Authority.

“The proposed benefits includes making better use of estates, however there are no plans relating to any specific police stations and do not change Essex Fire & Rescue’s existing Vision and Strategy for 2020.”

To give your views, contact the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner by emailing pcc@essex.pnn.police.uk