THE feared loss of a top CCTV operator in Newton Abbot was slammed this week by a recently retired police officer, while at the weekend more than 1,000 signed a petition against the move organised by a town centre security officer.

As part of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary's spending cuts, police liaison officer Chris Long's post in the town's CCTV room is being reviewed.

Former town centre bobby John Fisher said if Mr Long's job did go it would be a dreadful backward step.

He said when Mr Long came on board the CCTV improved out of all proportion.

'As a policeman I considered the CCTV was worth another 20 policemen.

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