Police will maintain funding for PCSOs

Clive Grunshaw said: “A recent consultation with the public said that what people want is more PCSOs and police on the beat and for that connection on the beat to be maintained.

“In Lancashire we are doing quite well to maintain the service with the challenge of the budget.

“Neighbourhood policing is one of our number one priorities.

“We have 335 PCSOs in Lancashire and we don’t want to see any lost.

“The issues regarding changing shift patterns - there is no doubt that there is an element of cost saving in that.” Councillors were concerned that the shift patterns of the PCSOs were being reduced from finishing at midnight to 10pm as this was believed to be the time when anti-behaviour was at its worst.

The reduction in hours had been decided by the police. Clive Grunshaw said: “PCSOs are really vital and do an excellent job.

“PCSOs are not under threat - we will maintain our funding.”

Morecambe Town Council agreed with the Constabulary in 2011 to fund half the cost of six PCSOs.

This year the council’s contribution will be £11,628 per officer.

The council’s current income from council tax precept is £179,000 and the contribution to policing is a significant proportion of this.