Chelmsford, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/29/2012 -- It has been claimed that a redundant police station in Chelmsford could be put to good use in the community. Moulsham Lodge police station in Gloucester Avenue is likely to be sold off, in an attempt by the Essex Police to save money. We spoke to a source at Sphinx Solutions, a local sales and marketing company today. “In the current economic climate a lot of businesses are selling off property to cut costs,” said one staff member, “The police service, on one level, is a business like any other, and they’re making a smart move.”

However the sale will not necessarily go ahead, as Moulsham Lodge Community Trust is set to approach the force about the possibility of renting out the building for use in the community. Chelmsford borough councillor Mark Springett is ward member for Moulsham Lodge and a trustee of the group. He said, “We won’t have the resources to buy it, but the community centre we’re trying to open is two or three years away yet so it would be a good idea to use somewhere else in the meantime.” He added, “What we’re thinking of is having a drop in centre or cafe which police could use for their surgeries as well - it’s only an idea, they might say they’re not interested and may want the money.”

A source from Sphinx Solutions said, “It would definitely be a boon to the local community to use the building. It really comes down to whatever is financially better for them. It would be great if they could arrange something that’s mutually beneficial.”

Over the past year, a review has been carried out to identify buildings which will not be needed under the force’s new operational policing model, known as the Blueprint. It came into effect on March 1st and is part of the overall police savings plan. The review identified 18 buildings suitable for disposal out of the 110 owned by the Essex Police, and suggested those properties are sold to save on heating and maintenance costs and release capital.

Temporary assistant Chief Constable Julia Wortley said: “Local neighbourhood policing teams will continue to be based in local areas, holding beat surgeries, attending local meetings and finding solutions to local problems. This will not change.” Our source from Sphinx Solutions added, “Hopefully any funds raised by the sales will be filtered back into improvement and training, and things that are useful. Most of the buildings were being wasted anyway, so even if they’re just saving some money that’s a good thing, but it’s also an opportunity to focus some much-needed cash back into areas where it matters.”

http://www.chelmsfordweeklynews.co.uk/news/9575703.Hope_for_community_use_of_closed_police_station/

http://www.prlog.org/11814184-sphinx-solutions-welcome-comedy-talent-to-chelmsford.html

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