WARRING factions in the row over the future of Bexley's police's public watchdog have agreed to settle their differences and try to reach a compromise.

Bexley's Police/Community Consultative Group, which is made up of community forums and residents' associations, felt it was being sidelined.

The group, whose budget from the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) for 2005/2006 is £27, 259, holds bi-monthly meetings with the police quizzing officers on their work.

Concerns were raised last month that the group would be axed with its role and funding handed to the Bexley Community Safety Partnership.

But at a meeting last week called by the group's chairman Graham Holland, borough police commander Chief Superintendent Robin Merrett said the organisation's future was safe.

He said as a result of points made by Mr Holland when they met in December, changes had been made to the original proposals over the group's role.

Chief supt Merrett said: "It was never our intention to remove the voice of organisations represented, eliminate the group or eliminate public accountability."

He said the arrival of safer neighbourhoods policing had transformed the relationship between police and public, with lots more opportunities for direct contact.

He said the proposed revised structure started with events such as street briefings, progressing to residents' panels with local policing priorities set by local people.

They then moved to the three policing sector meetings where the public could raise points of concern and finally to a consultative forum where people could question the police.

Group member Geoffrey Phillips said the proposals had a lot in common with his organisation's plans.

And Bexley's London Assembly member Bob Neill said the gap between the two sides was bridgeable.

Both sides have agreed to meet with MPA member Chris Calnan next week.