A POLICE station has been sold for just shy of £1million but the fate of several others in the district is still unclear.

Months of uncertainty about the future of Rochford Police Station, in West Street, Rochford, could come to an end soon as the building has now been sold.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Rochford Police Station has been sold, subject to contract, for £925,000.”

Closed to the public since 2011, the sale of the station, which was handled by Southend agents Ayers and Cruiks, has yet to be officially finalised, so the developer is still unknown at this time.

Westcliff Police Station is also believed to have been sold but the police and the agents were unable to confirm this by the time the Echo went to press.

Leigh Police Station is currently being used as offices, according to police officers on the beat.

Leigh town councillor Caroline Parker said: “Just recently, I bumped into two officers outside the building and asked what was going on. They said that, although it wasn’t open to the public, there were office workers in there and it was remaining like that for the foreseeable future.”

Wickford’s police station, in London Road, Wickford, has been boarded up in recent days as the force also prepares to sell the building.

An Essex Police spokesman confirmed that the station is due to be sold and is being secured in preparation for that.

He said: “Essex Police has a number of buildings which are in the process of being sold and we are taking appropriate measures to ensure they are kept secure.”

He added that members of the public will be informed about progress regarding the future of the building.

One station that is safe from closure is the one in Rayleigh town centre.

Police and crime commissioner Roger Hirst told a public meeting residents do not have to “worry about it anymore”.

The front counter at Rayleigh closed earlier this year and officers are no longer using the cells, but the police station remains manned. Mr Hirst said: “There are rumours abounding that we are about to abandon Rayleigh police station. I would like to scotch that rumour right now. We have refurbished Southend custody suite and will not be using Rayleigh custody suite anymore.

“However, we will continue to use Rayleigh Police Station. It’s my decision and I have made it. You don’t need to worry about it anymore.”