THREE police stations across Basildon and Thurrock have now closed their doors to the public as sweeping cuts take hold.

Stations in Wickford, Corringham and Laindon – all of which already had their opening hours cut earlier in the year – have now shut.

Although officers will still work out of the three stations, the front counter has been removed and the public cannot now go to speak with their local bobbies or report a crime.

Crooks, who use local stations to report to police as part of bail conditions, will now do so at Basildon police station.

A sign on the door at Laindon police station simply says: “Sorry we are closed. Please contact us either at Basildon police station or by phone on 101.”

Chief Inspector Alan Cotgrove said: “Due to a number of our service desk assistant posts being vacant, a decision was made to close the front counters at Laindon, Corringham and Wickford now rather than waiting until March when the full force restructuring takes place.

“This will prevent us from being forced into a position of using police officers to maintain station opening hours.

“It’s important for members of the public to know that officers will continue to use the stations as a base, even when the front counters are closed.

“Members of the public can also contact us 24 hours a day via a direct phone line outside each of the stations.”

Mr Cotgrove said local officers will continue to “provide a visible presence” on the streets of all three towns.

The Echo told in August this year how 21 police stations across Essex would be closed to the public and 80 front counter staff would lose their jobs as the county’s force struggles to make £41million of savings by 2014.

The closures form part of a massive shake-up of the Essex constabulary which will take effect by March 2012.