LANCASHIRE police is to auction off parts of its £166million property portfolio in a bid to plug the final funding gaps.

The force has already identified £38million of the £42million budget shortfall over the next four years through reductions in staff and changes to departments.

According to details released under the Freedom of Information Act, the Constabulary has identified 14 of its 247 buildings, sites and radio masts which it deems ‘surplus to requirement’.

It is hoped that the sale of these properties will also help cut the annual £8.3million maintenance bill.

The force said most of the 14 properties up for sale will soon be placed on the market, some with estate agents, others will be auctioned off.

In East Lancashire, there are ‘surplus properties’ located in Belmont, Briercliffe, Chatburn, Sabden, and Turton.

Information also released showed the most expensive property owned by Lancashire Police, according to estimated market value, is the new Preston Operating Centre on Lancaster Road. Priced at £15.2million, it replaced the old Lawson Street station four years ago.

The cheapest property in the portfolio is a £500 electrical substation.

The force own buildings of various ages, designs and purpose, the majority of which are used as stations, offices, custody suites, storage and training.

There are also workshops, residential accommodation and garages.

Chief Constable Steve Finnigan has previously said: “Every aspect of the Constabulary’s business is under review – 62 separate projects have been identified, 56 have already been completed and the rest are either currently ongoing or planned in for the next few months.”