Concern over policing

THE surprise transfer of Seaford's police sergeant has once again raised concerns about the lack of police continuity in the town.

Less than year into his job as sergeant at Seaford Police Station Roger Fry has been reassigned.

Sgt Fry, who is currently on sick leave, will take up a new job at Eastbourne Police Station. His departure comes hot on the heels of the transfer of former Seahaven Division Inspector Ron Preddy, who left after only 15 months to take up a new job with the Sussex Police Professional Standards Department in Lewes in November.

The Mayor of Seaford Les Whittle, a retired policeman himself, was shocked that another officer was on the move after such a short stay.

He said: 'We have had a number of sergeants and inspectors who never seem to stay for long, they do quite good things and then they go. I hope this does not mean we will have fewer police in the town. If this is the case I will be very concerned and raise merry hell.'

Seaford Town Council clerk Len Fisher stressed the importance of a consistent presence at the town's police station. Without a sergeant to report to there were fears Seaford officers could be moved to Newhaven. Sussex police denied this.

Mr Fisher said: 'I am very sorry Sgt Fry is going, he made a real difference in the town, I really believe he has done a marvellous job. I hope we will be getting a new sergeant to replace him. We do not want a situation where officers are working from another station, especially as we have been so proactive in getting more CCTV cameras for the town and doing our part.'

He added: 'I would seriously ask chief officers to consider how essential it is for us to have a police presence in this town and not rely on those from another station.'

Supt Paul Pearce, East Downs divisional commander, said: 'It is with reluctance that a decision has been taken to move Sgt Fry from his community role at Seaford to fill a vacant position as a custody sergeant. This is a key role in ensuring that we comply with the requirements of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act making sure those we arrest are treated properly.

'I am, however, confident that the excellent performance of the Seahaven sector will be maintained in the future and the disruption to the community will be kept to a minimum.'

No information as to whether Sgt Fry would be replaced was given. However, it was stressed that there were no plans to permanently close any stations in the division.