Residents want a higher police presence, more activities for young people, a neighbourhood warden scheme and more CCTV cameras to combat crime.

Fear of crime in Eastbourne is greater than actual crime levels, according to a community group survey.

The Eastbourne Community Safety Partnership sent questionnaires to 4,000 households across the town asking about their experiences of crime and their particular fears.

Statistics showed that 68 per cent of the 4,000 who completed the survey were "very worried" about being the victims of domestic burglary, vehicle crime or robbery, which made up only 3.1 per cent of the total incidents in Eastbourne during 2000-2001.

Residents also gave their views of what could be done to make them feel safer.

As a result of the feedback the partnership has set up four groups to tackle the areas of vehicle crime, domestic burglary, violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Each of the groups will also consider the impact of drugs on the levels of crime in Eastbourne.

Police superintendent of East Downs Simon Parr said: "By working in partnership with other authorities on each of the four working groups, we hope to make serious progress in reducing fear of crime in Eastbourne.

"The figures highlighted in the survey send out a clear message that Eastbourne is a safe place. Further work by the Community Safety Partnership should help get this message across."

The partnership is researching the idea of having neighbourhood wardens to work with police and provide a visible presence. Funding is being sought from the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions.

David Marshall, chairman of the ECSP said: "While we all have our own views on the main areas of concern it has been useful to confirm the public have the same priorities."

The partnership is to carry out further consultations with young people, ethnic minorities, gay and lesbian groups and the business community.