RESIDENTS of an East Dorset parish have been reassured after hearing they will lose their police officer.

Locals were left reeling after being told their community PC would be relocated to Bournemouth at the end of the month – and not replaced.

However, Dorset Police have now said that residents should not notice any changes to their policing, although were unable to confirm if a new officer exclusively responsible for Colehill will be provided.

County councillor Janet Dover said: “Officer Steve Brett has been with us for some time, and had wanted to go part-time.

“I was told that the police weren’t able to find him any space in East Dorset to do that, and so he is being transferred to Bournemouth.

“When I asked who was going to take over, I was told that he isn’t going to be replaced.

“Before PC Brett, we had a long campaign to get our own community officer, and so it’s very frustrating indeed.”

Cllr Dover said she fears the loss comes as a result of budget cuts.

She added: “Officer Brett has a great relationship with the parish and district councils, and I really believe it keeps our crime levels low. It’s a real shock.”

However, a spokesman for Dorset Police said a Safer Neighbourhood Officer will cover the Wimborne parish.

Cllr Dover said: “I am very concerned. If we are being covered by the same team, that seems to be a backwards step.”