POLITICIANS have reacted angrily after the Echo revealed opening hours are being slashed at four of Basildon’s police stations.

Councillors and MPs were fuming at the news that stations in Laindon, Pitsea, Billericay, Wickford and Corringham in Thurrock will only be open for up to five hours a day, and will close on Sundays.

John Dornan, Tory councillor for Laindon Park, said he feared criminals would think “Basildon was open for business again”.

He added: “This seems to be a big step backwards.

“These cuts should be equitable across the county.

“If they are shutting police stations in Basildon and Thurrock they should do that across Essex so everyone suffers.

“If people think there are 100 officers waiting for their call they feel reassured.

“But if you tell the public you are shutting the police station, then people lose that confidence.”

John Baron, Tory MP for Basildon and Billericay, said he would be taking up the matter with senior officers.

He said: “I think police stations should stay open as long as possible, so the local community know they can gain access to a physical police presence if they have some sort of emergency.”

Malcolm Buckley, ward councillor for Wickford Castledon, said he hoped money saved from the shorter opening hours would be ploughed back into keeping officers on the beat.

He added: “In most cases the majority of us pick up the phone if we need to contact the police.

“But people do feel reassured knowing the police station is there and they can walk in and see someone.”

Keith Bobbin, Labour member for Pitsea North West, said: “I’m disappointed at this, but I think this is just the start of it.

“This Government is cutting everything and isn’t giving people the chance to have their say.”

All five stations will still have uniformed officers and detectives seven days a week, but the public will no longer be able to walk in to report a crime or speak to a bobby outside the opening hours.

So far the reduced opening hours is only happening in South Western division – which covers Basildon and Thurrock.

Other stations affected include Tilbury and South Ockendon, also in Thurrock.

Supt Steve Worron said the closures “better matched public demand”, but sources say the move is down to budget pressures.