PCC 'does not agree' with PCSO cuts

Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has said he "does not agree" with the force's proposal to reduce the number of police community support officers (PCSOs).

Cheshire Police is looking to cut the number of PCSOs from 87 to 27 as part of plans to save £13m, with consultation on the proposal running until Wednesday.

PCC Dan Price said while he had not previously shared a view, the public should "not mistake my silence for indifference".

Cheshire Police has described the plans as "necessary" as it deals with "significant financial challenges".

Ch Const Mark Roberts said the planned changes "would put more warranted police officers in our local policing teams going forwards than we have had this year".

Price said the plans were "not something I have welcomed", and he did not agree with them.

He said it had been a "difficult time" for those who could be impacted, adding that he understood the force was considering a mix of redeployment, retirement and voluntary redundancy for affected individuals, with compulsory redundancy a last resort.

Two of the area's councils have called for the force to "reconsider".

Cheshire East Council along with Cheshire West and Chester Council backed motions last week calling on the force to rethink its plans.

MPs including Labour Crewe and Nantwich MP Connor Naismith and the Conservative member for Chester South and Eddisbury Aphra Brandreth have also raised concerns.

Cheshire Police said in a statement: "Last month the constabulary launched a consultation to reduce the number of PCSOs as part of plans to save £13m by 2029.

"The consultation period ends on December 17 and any counter proposals to the plans will then be considered. All staff affected will be updated individually.

"Due to the ongoing consultation process we cannot comment further at this time."

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