A COUNCILLOR is calling for Westcliff police station to be converted into low-cost housing if officers are finally moved out because of budget cuts.

The station is currently used as offices, because it was closed to the public in the Nineties.

However, Essex Police has to make £41million in savings which means there are fears over the future of some buildings.

The police station, in Claremont Road, is likely to be on the list of buildings to face the axe.

Martin Terry, independent councillor for Westborough, believes the site could be put to good use.

He said:“If the site was to be sold, I would favour the idea of it being put over to affordable family-sized housing, because we have a desperate shortage of affordable housing in this borough.

“It’s a good location, it’s got good bus routes and access to schools – it ticks all the boxes as far as that’s concerned.

“I can’t imagine the site being turned over for commercial use.”

The freehold for the station is owned by Southend Council, which leases it to the police.

However, Southend Council leader Nigel Holdcroft said there were no plans for the site.

He said: “There have been absolutely no decisions with regards to possible use, because it’s not something that has been particularly flagged up.”

Chf Insp Dave Colwell, Southend divisional commander, said Westcliff station was likely to be closed.

He said: “The only one I know of is Westcliff. I think that was always on the cards, because we’ve never really used that for a number of years.”

The station closed its front desk to the public in the Nineties, and is only used as a base for officers to work from.

It is mainly used by the south eastern division licensing team, who will have to relocate.