He’s been appointed to look after the Fenland area but already Inspector Ian Lombardo has been put on the defensive to deny suggestions of any reduction in neighbourhood policing.

“I have been made aware of rumours circulating in the press about the complete removal of neighbourhood policing from Fenland,” he said.

“This is categorically not true.”

Insp Lombardo said changes are afoot and he would be inviting local councillors to meet him “so that I can explain the changes in context and how it will benefit the residents of Fenland”.

He said: “Fenland will not be losing their local policing team. However, there will be some changes to the way neighbourhood policing is managed across the force.

“The constabulary has recently undertaken a review of how local policing is delivered across Cambridgeshire”

This includes moving from six command areas to two: Peterborough City and Fenland

South Cambs, East Cambs, Hunts, Cambridge City.

He said: “The result is a leaner management structure, a reduction in the number of senior officer posts and an increase of warranted officers in front line strength.

“With the agreed increase in precept as approved by police and crime commissioner Jason Ablewhite, there will be a further increase in police officer numbers, with a combined total increase of in excess of 80 additional officers.

“A significant number of these will be committed to delivering neighbourhood policing, including in Fenland.”

He said March police station and Wisbech police station will remain as operating bases and still operate as inquiry offices.

Each area will have a neighbourhood policing team to provide local policing.

“In addition to the neighbourhood policing teams there will also be community action teams,” he said.

“These teams will be deployed to areas of greatest need to address particular issues.”

Insp Lombardo said the roads and policing teams would continue to operate across the region, including Fenland.

Meanwhile the force has continued its campaign to recruit more specials to join – and they can come from all parts of the county.

The force says it welcomes applications from people of all different backgrounds, cultures, religions, ages, genders and sexual orientations. There are some eligibility conditions that all applicants must meet as part of their application;

Requirements include being over 18, with time to spare “and being able to cope in a busy environment”.