Government cuts have forced police chiefs to consider selling off properties to keep 3,000 officers on the beat – but there is ‘no foreseeable risk’ to Sidmouth’s station.

The Devon and Cornwall constabulary could sell off Exmouth’s mothballed magistrates’ court to help prevent the loss of up to 780 force jobs over the next few years.

It also wants to up its share of council tax by another two per cent – in line with the last two years – as its funding from Westminster falls by £9million.

Speaking to Exmouth Town Council, Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg said: “Given the savings we have already made, we can cope with policing for the next two years, but years three and four are extremely difficult. At the worst case, the budget I will put before the Police Enquiry Panel [next month] loses us 780 more people.

“We have lots of ways to offset that… the police land we have, not just selling it or disposing of it but building on it would attract revenue.”

A spokesman for Mr Hogg told the Herald: “There is no foreseeable risk to Sidmouth Police Station.

“With the current budget constraints and more savings needing to be made, the force is looking at all its estate to ensure that all its buildings represent value for money. Where it feels change is necessary the force will present a business case to the PCC, who must agree it is in the public’s interest.”

Sidmouth Town Council is not a consultee but has been invited to comment on the plans.

Mr Hogg will not be attending the meeting.