Saffron Walden Police Station has been placed on the open market for sale after no bids were received to buy the building for community use.

The East Street site was listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), which meant the sale was postponed for six months to allow community groups the chance to raise funds to table a bid.

Despite some interest, Essex Police received no formal bids for the building and officers from the local and community policing teams will now move into shared accomodation with Uttlesford District Council (UDC) early next year.

Work is already underway to bring The Lodge building at the UDC offices at London Road up to the technological and security standards required by the force.

Front counter services are still available in the main building at UDC from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays.

Saffron Walden is one of several police stations to be sold as Essex Police’s estate is reduced from 80 to around 30 buildings.

The current police estate costs £10million a year to run and the force says the buildings would require £30m of maintenance to bring them up to standard.

Chief Inspector Craig Carrington, district commander for Uttlesford, said: “Regrettably Saffron Walden was unexpectedly closed in 2015 following a chemical leak.

“However this issue and previous rat and wasp infestations demonstrate exactly why this ageing building is no longer fit for the needs of a modern police force.

“My officers continue to work within the community providing a visible presence, investigating crimes, supporting victims, bringing criminals to justice and solving local problems.

“We are looking forward to moving into The Lodge in the new year, which will provide us with a base in the community.”

Roger Hirst, police and crime commissioner for Essex, said: “It is good news for Uttlesford residents that community and local policing team officers, together with colleagues from the special constabulary, will continue to be based in Saffron Walden, working closely with the district council on locally determined community safety priorities.

“As we continue to ensure our property estate across the county is fit for 21st century policing, I will ensure that the money raised through selling properties is used primarily to help deliver more local, accessible and visible policing, a priority in my new Police and Crime Plan.”