A SENIOR Essex policeman who was responsible for getting more bobbies back on bikes and forging closer links between the Essex and Kent forces is to take charge of another neighbouring force.

Essex Deputy Chief Constable, Andy Bliss, has been appointed Chief Constable of Hertfordshire.

An Essex Police spokesman said it was too early to say if Mr Bliss would be replaced, or Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle would carry on without a second-in-command to save money.

The force needs to find £45million in savings over the next four years.

Mr Bliss, who has spent seven years at Essex Police, will move to his new post in the next few months.

He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for services to the police in The Queen’s 2010 New Year Honours. Before coming to Essex he served with Sussex Police, starting as a PC in 1982.

His boss, Mr Barker-McCardle praised his work, including the leading role in moves for the force to work more closely with Kent colleagues. A keen cyclist, he also launched Operation Velo, which aimed to to increase police visibility by bringing back cycle patrols.

Mr Barker-McCardle said: “The people of Hertfordshire are very lucky to have him joining them very soon.”

Mr Bliss declined to comment on his appointment, but released a statement in which he said: “I am very proud to have served with such a great team of people who are so committed and often courageous as they tackle crime and work hard to keep people safe.”