ABERGAVENNY'S new police commander has insisted he is here for the duration after town councillors fired off a complaint about 'here today - gone tomorrow' inspectors.

Inspector Huw Jones, who has been in the hot seat for just two weeks, hopes to be around for some time after councillors registered their annoyance about the brief time senior officers work in the town.

Their frustrations were given a public airing after Inspector Sarah Taylor left for pastures new, repeating a regular 'brief encounter' habit of her predecessors.

That prompted a 'repeat of a previous complaint' about the temporary nature of the number one police job in town.

Town Clerk Peter Johns, in a missive to Police Commissioner Ian Johnston, complained: 'Once again our police inspector is on the move.'

He told Mr Johnston: 'We are aware this point has been made to you many times already, but it seems that despite assurances we hardly ever get an inspector who stays more than a year - and in many cases less than that.'

The town clerk reckons Abergavenny has had a new inspector practically every year since he took over the council job in 2008.

He expressed the hope that Insp Jones would prove the exception to the rule.

'We wish him a long and pleasant stay in Abergavenny,' he told the Chronicle.

In the letter, he said it was difficult to see how the temporary nature of the posts could 'build a meaningful relationship with the local police.'

Such brief encounters were 'a cause of considerable frustration to us.'

He signed off, 'We note that force policy is not to move staff unless there is good reason, so maybe Abergavenny has just been unlucky.

'We are writing to make you aware of our concerns in the hope that some improvement can be achieved.'

Insp Jones said the force was undergoing a period of re-structuring which had led to the recent changes.

'I am here. I cannot say what will happen in 12 months time, but as far as I am concerned, I'm staying,' he insisted.

'It's a job I have wanted. I live in the area - and I've worked here over the years as a constable, sergeant and inspector,' said Insp Jones who has moved from Newport where he worked as a temporary Chief Inspector.

He has had an active operational association with the town since 1999.

Local Area Policing Commander Supt Glyn Fernquest added, 'Insp Jones is pleased to have just begun his role in Abergavenny and is looking forward to engaging with partners at all levels and fostering links within the community.

'While Inspectors will be in place for as long as they possibly can to benefit the community, in an organisation where officers are subject to promotions, it is always possible officers will be moving on.

'When this happens we do our best to ensure that there is a seamless transition of responsibilities and priorities. Importantly, contacts made are kept informed throughout.'

And he stressed: 'I have explained this to Monmouthshire Council and Insp Jones has been speaking with the town council.

'I, or Insp Jones, would be happy to speak to them if they have any concerns.'

The council letter, which has been acknowledged by the commissioner, has been sent for a considered response from Chief Constable Jeff Farrar as such operational matters fall under his remit.