RESIDENTS and politicians have expressed anger and concern after Billericay's senior policeman was moved to a new beat.

Insp Richard Croft, who has been the town's leading officer since 2001, has been moved to a similar position in Laindon as part of Essex Police's internal restructuring.

However, despite the force claiming the move will not affect frontline policing, it has led to criticism after it emerged Insp Croft will be replaced by a single inspector covering Billericay and Wickford.

Published Thursday, November 17, 2005