Exclusive by Gerry Warren

A whistleblower has revealed controversial plans to significantly cut the number of police officers based at Herne Bay who cover the coastal towns to 'scarily' low levels.

Now the police area commander, Ch Supt John Molloy has been forced to admit he is considering taking away staff to bolster policing in Canterbury and Thanet where, he says, the need is greater.

The details have emerged in an anonymous letter believed to be from a Herne Bay-based officer or civilian who claims the proposal is to take away 17 patrol officers by cutting the existing five teams of five down to four teams of two.

He or she also claims the plans go further by having no officers working from Herne Bay after 2am.

The letters says: "I am concerned somebody is going to get hurt due to these proposed cuts. Crime in the early hours will increase.

"I am stunned by the senior management's view that the coastal area is a sleepy backwater with hardly any crime."

But Ch Supt Molloy says he is having to consider re-balancing his resources to deploy officers where they are most needed. He said extra patrol officers could be drafted in when needed.

• For the full story and reaction pick up a copy ofThursday's Whitstable Gazette or Herne Bay Gazette.

Read more news from Canterbury Whitstable, Herne Bay and Faversham at the Kentish Gazette website >>>