CREDITON'S police sergeant has temporarily left the town, but hopes to return soon.

Sergeant Lee Groves told the Courier: "I am currently at HQ in Exeter on the business change team.

"My role is to help re-engineer police processes to make efficiency savings.

"As you are aware, Devon and Cornwall Police need to save about £50 million.

"This sort of figure requires a new way of thinking and working if we are to give the best possible services under the financial conditions given to us.

"I hope to be back in Crediton for the start of new year."

Inspector Matt Lawler, from Tiverton, added: "Lee has moved temporarily to HQ to provide his expertise on neighbourhood policing for the whole force as we re-design what we do in the light of future budgets."

Inspector Lawler confirmed that David McFadden would be acting sergeant at Crediton until Sgt Groves returns.

He added: "Dave McFadden has been a sergeant on the response teams in Mid Devon for some time and worked in Crediton, so knows the area very well."