Chief Constable Michael Baxter said he was disappointed at the restriction in numbers.

The PCSOs work alongside officers, to develop community-based approaches to resolve local issues.

Six PCSOs, all women, took up position in October based in Carlisle, Workington and Barrow.

Funding demands

The PCSOs wear uniforms, but do not have the power to arrest or detain suspects.

They can issue fixed penalty notices for offences including litter, dog fouling and can confiscate alcohol from underage drinkers and deal with anti-social behaviour.

Mr Baxter said: "It is very disappointing not to have received the funding to recruit a further 30 PCSOs to complement the six we now have in post.

"However, we do recognise that given the huge demand made on the government in respect of this funding the constabulary has benefited proportionately, enabling the recruitment of a further 12 community support officers."