A WOMAN is calling for residents to join forces to fight the proposed closure of a police station.

Dorothy Dickinson claims a recent spate of burglaries in the area prove the need for Benfleet police station to stay open.

Essex Police announced plans to sell the police station, in High Road, Benfleet, and also Hadleigh police station, in Hall Cresent, in February, as part of the force’s plans to save £41million.

The Benfleet station is currently a base for five constables, five police community support officers and also a public inquiries desk.

Mrs Dickinson, 64, of Kingfisher Drive, Benfleet, is urging people to come forward for a last-ditch campaign to oppose its closure, after receiving a letter from police warning her to lock all windows and doors following a spate of burglaries in the area.

She fears closing the station could lead to an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour.

Mrs Dickinson said: “It is not much of a life, if we have to stay locked in our houses without one or two open windows.

“When I talk to people in shops and in the neighbourhood, I’m shocked no one seems to know it is closing.

“Having a police presence is a great deterrent for criminals and makes the public feel safer.

“It seems crime in Benfleet is on the increase already.

“If society is changing in the way suggested in these leaflets I keep getting, then it is even more important to have a police station here.

“Once it is sold-off we wouldn’t ever get another one. My husband is really concerned about my safety since retiring and it is unnerving to know burglaries here are on the up.

“Something definitely needs to be done.”

Leigh, Shoebury, Rochford, Corringham, Wickford and Laindon police stations are also earmarked for closure as part of sweeping cuts to the county’s force.

In addition, busy Southend and Basildon police stations, which were open 24 hours a day, have had their opening times scaled back to 8am to midnight seven days a week.

Pitsea, Canvey and Billericay stations now only open from noon to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

A spokesman from Essex Police said: “We send out letters advising residents to lock their doors and windows simply to try to prevent them becoming victims of burglary.”

The force has held a public consultation on the closures and is currently considering feedback, before making a decision on the stations’ future on May 14.