A former diplomat is putting Yarmouth at the centre of his bid for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner of Norfolk.

Standing for election in May next year Lorne Green, 69, said his priority is seeing more joined up services across Norfolk, and then regionally.

“One of the things that motivates me is that people feel alone,” said the Conservative candidate. And while he’s aware that tackling crime is key, he is mindful of what comes next for the victims of crime, and wants to look at how services could work for effectively together.

Mr Green’s background in diplomacy could be useful in bringing agencies closer together. He served in the Canadian diplomatic service for 30 years, including in Pakistan during its war with India in 1971, and as chargé d’affaires in Belgrade, as Yugoslavia disintegrated, as well as five years as the executive assistant to the Canadian high commissioner in London.

He moved to England in 1998 to lead the World Nuclear Transport Institute.

“My experience with complex security issues could be useful here,” said Mr Green. “Because as a diplomat you find that you learn more from listening, than preaching. You have to eventually reach a consensus, which is a large part of what the PCC job is.

“My job would be to represent public priorities, and bring the police and public closer together.”

Mr Green said that although the county is generally considered a low crime area, it was important not to rest on his laurels.

“It is very safe, but troubling things do happen - reported incidences of child sexual abuse, sexual assault and cyber crime are up. In Great Yarmouth, I’ve heard a lot of the issues surround being drunk and disorderly.”

And Mr Green thinks that a joined up approach between different agencies could help with all these problems.

“It will require patience, and respectful dialogue,” he said.

“And Yarmouth is very important to this. In January, we’ll begin a round of what I’m calling ‘Market Place surveys’ across the county to bore down and understand local concerns, which will give us a clearer picture of the public priorities.

“My father - who owned a shop - always used to say that the customer is king or queen. In public office, the public is king or queen.”

“And there is no higher calling than serving the public.”