A turf-cutting ceremony got building work for a new police station in Dunmow started on Friday. The new station, next to the Hoblong s Industrial Estate on Chelmsford Road, is due to be completed in a year, at a cost of around £5million Essex Police Aut

A turf-cutting ceremony got building work for a new police station in Dunmow started on Friday.

The new station, next to the Hoblong's Industrial Estate on Chelmsford Road, is due to be completed in a year, at a cost of around £5million

Essex Police Authority Press and PR Officer Kate Batson said: "The area has really grown in past years, with the arrival of Stansted Airport. A lot more housing has been built. A newer building would be more efficient and have greater accessibility."

Chief Constable Roger Baker, Dunmow town

Mayor Frank Silver, and Essex Police Authority members were among the 30 people present.

The current police-station which is 150 years old, will be open as usual at its current location until the new one is completed.

Mr Silver said: "It's very good news, having the new police station built is a very positive move for Dunmow."

"The chief constable, Roger Baker, wants to get as much of a visible presence on the streets as possible, and that means taking officers out from behind their desks."

In the meantime, the fate of the old site has not yet been decided. Mrs Batson said: "What happens to the old station is a matter for the police authority to decide on further down the line.