THE residents of a Cornish resort noted for its history of anti-social behaviour fear "another summer of chaos and tragedy" after the town's popular police inspector was transferred.

Fury has erupted after Devon and Cornwall Police announced Inspector Dave Meredith would be "reassigned" to another role within the force.

Insp Meredith, who has been in the job for 18 months, has been credited with helping tackle anti-social behaviour and disorder in Newquay after two teenagers died while out partying last summer.

Residents now fear measures to combat street drinking, increased police presence and coastal safety messages, which have already been put in place as part of Insp Meredith's work with the Newquay Safe partnership, are under threat.

Suzi Death, who has joined a campaign group on the social networking site Facebook, said it was "fundamental" to keep Insp Meredith in his role.

She added: "To lose him now will destabilise all the good work that is being done and disenfranchise a huge number of the community who feel they are being listened to."

Geoff Brown, Cornwall councillor for Newquay Central, described the decision as "ludicrous", and has written a letter to Chief Constable Stephen Otter outlining his concerns.

He said: "Insp Meredith has formed tremendous links with the community.

"I have lived here all my life and, no disrespect to his predecessors, we haven't had a police inspector like Dave for many years.

"He has helped rid this town of its apathy, so to remove Insp Meredith now seems ludicrous."

Insp Meredith will begin a new role as one of Cornwall's five critical incident managers on March 28, and will be involved in attending serious incidents across the county. His departure from Newquay has come just weeks from the start of the summer season.

Dave Sleeman, chairman of Newquay Town Residents Association, said the announcement was a huge blow for the town. He added: "As a town, we are devastated. This man (Insp Meredith) has been working so hard, now he's been pulled out of the town.

"He has been tackling issues with a fresh pair of eyes ahead of what is going to be a crucial summer for Newquay. We know the eyes of the media will be on us, so to lose Insp Meredith is, in my view, the wrong decision."

Supt Julie Whitmarsh, Devon and Cornwall Police commander for Mid-Cornwall, said Insp Meredith's departure was "an internal police matter" and former Newquay Sgt Dave Folland would take over Insp Meredith's role.

Supt Whitmarsh said: "We know Insp Meredith is a popular figure in Newquay, and much of what has been achieved in the town recently (to combat anti-social behaviour) has involved him in some way. But Dave Folland is well-known to residents and businesses in the town and will be a fine replacement.

"I want to reassure the community that we have somebody in place (Mr Folland) who will keep up the good work."

Supt Whitmarsh said there had been no formal complaints made against Insp Meredith, nor was he the subject of a disciplinary inquiry. She added: "This decision was made within the last few days – but that is the nature of this job."

Insp Meredith confirmed he had been "requested to leave Newquay" by police bosses, but declined to make any further comment.