GREAT Dunmow s new police station will have ten terrorist cells. This startling news came from Councillor Robert Chambers, who is chairman of the Essex Police Authority as he addressed local councillors at a meeting on Wednesday night (April 16). The new

GREAT Dunmow's new police station will have ten terrorist cells.

This startling news came from Councillor Robert Chambers, who is chairman of the Essex Police Authority as he addressed local councillors at a meeting on Wednesday night (April 16).

The new station, now affectionately know as the shower block, is due to open on June 11 after taking almost two years to complete and will house police ranging from dog units, forensics and traffic police and include cells suitable to hold terrorists.

Mr Chambers explained: "Currently Stansted airport only has two cells in total. For an airport that handles around 25 million passengers a year that clearly is not enough."

Dunmow's close proximity to the Uttlesford airport seems to have made the town into a backup area for airport facilities with the police, ambulance and fire services often called upon to attend incidents.

BAA also intends to expand the airport, including a new runway, putting on further pressure. "Negotiations are currently under way between the Essex Police Authority and BAA to insure that, if plans to expand the airport come to fruition, they will include a dedicated police station, with an adequate amount of cells," said Mr Chambers.

The cells at Dunmow will still be built regardless of what happens at Stansted and will be open in three years time, as part of a five year building agreement with developers. The aim is to have sufficient cells and emergency services throughout the area to cope with any emergency that may occur.

Police presence in the town centre will also undergo changes when the old police station on Chequers Lane closes and officers move to the new station which is situated on the outskirts of town on Chelmsford Road.

To keep the town centre visibly protected from crime, Essex police have agreed with Essex County Council that a police counter service will be installed when the new library is completed in 2009. "With modern communications it is easy to have one police officer or a specially trained volunteer manning a counter because they can call for back up when needed," said Mr Chambers.

The counter will be housed in a separate part of the entrance to the library so that opening hours are not affected. Interview rooms designed for social workers will also be used by police for police interviews.

The old station, which will remain open until the library is finished, will be sold to the highest bidder, Mr Chambers said that it was important that they maximise profit from the old building to help pay for the future of policing in the area. He did not rule out that a council or private purchase would be considered but did say it "Wouldn't sell for peanuts.