Exmouth’s neighbourghood police cover will not change following a staff move, the force has assured.

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A ‘routine’ police move will not spell the end of Exmouth’s neighbourhood police cover, Devon and Cornwall police said this week.

The police promise comes after it was announced one of the town’s neighbourhood team leaders was to move to a different position within the force.

Devon and Cornwall police has quashed rumours Exmouth’s neighbourhood team was to be led from 23 miles away at Honiton, following the move.

Chief Superintendant Paul Davies, local policing commander for East and mid-Devon, said there were no current plans to reduce the number of neighbourhood team leaders stationed at Exmouth.

He said he would be considering replacing the relocating sergeant in ‘the very near future’.

Chief Supt Davies said: “The force faces a reduction of 700 police officer posts over the next three years, due to unprecedented cuts in the police budget.

“As the local policing commander, I am having to plan ahead so that these reductions do not cause any detriment to the policing of our local communities across East and mid Devon.

“However, I can confirm there are currently no plans to reduce the number of neighbourhood team leaders stationed at Exmouth, which currently stands at two.

“This is a routine staff move and is not the ‘start of the end’ of Exmouth’s neighbourhood policing team.

“I can also confirm, categorically, that there are no plans to relocate any of Exmouth’s neighbourhood team to Honiton.”

Neighbourhood team leader Sergeant Phil Godfrey is leaving Exmouth to join the force control room.

The police said Sgt Godfrey’s decision to move would allow him to further develop his career.

Sergeant Nick Southern would remain in Exmouth in the ‘immediate future’ as neighbourhood team leader.

Chief Supt Davies said: “Phil has done an excellent job while at Exmouth and I wish him well in his new role. Phil is leaving as he seeks to develop himself in a challenging role.”