ESSEX Police has announced it plans to close its station in Witham.

While it will keep front counter services in Braintree, stations in Halstead and Dunmow will also close.

The opening hours at Braintree will reduce from 8am-midnight to 9am-5pm.

The proposals were announced today by Chief Constable Steven Kavanagh and Police and Crime Commisioner Nick Alston in a bid to save money.

There are currently 25 police stations with front counters in Essex.

The plan is to reduce this number to 10 by April 2016.

Witham's MP Priti Patel has responded to the announcement that police stations in Witham and Feering will close, with Feering having only a technical and crime support unit and is not open to the general public.

She said: “Essex Police need to ensure their resources are focused on frontline policing as police officers solve crimes not buildings.

"Many of my constituents want to see resources focused on ensuring that police officers investigate crimes, apprehend criminals and support victims.

“Local policing also needs to have the confidence of local communities and I would encourage the public to review the proposals and respond to them.”

Keep up to date with the announcements on our liveblog.