The 126-year-old Bushey Police Station looks set to close as part of government spending cuts, the neighbourhood sergeant revealed this evening.

Sergeant Dave Simkin told residents at a Bushey Community Safety Partnership meeting that, although the neighbourhood team would still exist, it is unlikely to operate out of the Sparrows Hearne station for much longer.

High running costs at the station, built in 1884, mean the local policing team is likely to be moved as Hertfordshire Constabulary looks to slash £36million from its budget in the next four years.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has its budget set by the Police Authority and the force will be made to make the savings under government guidelines.

Speaking at the CSP meeting tonight, Sergeant Simkin said: “All of the police estates are being looked at – we have more than 22 stations across the county. We continue to work at Bushey Police Station but I can't say we will continue to do so in the future.

“Neighbourhood policing is at the cornerstone of this authority but whether or not we continue to deliver it at the current location is up for debate.”

The enquiry office at the station has been closed for more than a month and there are currently no plans to re-open it.

Despite this, Brenda Griffiths, of the Hertfordshire Police Authority, sought to reassure residents at the meeting.

She said: “It is important to make a distinction between the actual usage and the emotional loss. The foot fall is that no-one noticed when the enquiry office closed.

“The reality is that for many things it is no longer necessary to go to the police station in person and your council tax pounds will not hold a dated enquiry office that is no longer fit for purpose. Just because the police station is not there, it does not mean the police service is less accessible to you.”

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