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Somerton and Frome MP, David Heath spoke out today against the Somerset County Council Conservatives plans to cut the budget of Police Community Support Officers. It was announced that the Conservative run council will cut a quarter the council's budget PCSOs. The cut of £129,000 would pay for four PCSOs.
Mr Heath, who previously served as Leader of the Council and as Chairman of Avon and Somerset Police Authority, said that he could not believe that it is right to cut front-line policing. He asked Harriet Harman for a debate on the issue at Business Questions this morning.
Commenting Mr Heath said:
"I am appalled with this decision. With the recent announcement that the Labour government is cutting back Magistrates Courts in rural areas, this cut to PCSOs budget is a foolish move from the Conservatives. No one wants to feel as though they live in a lawless community or indeed one where support is not readily available should they need it."
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd