Alderley Edge Parish Council has decided to discontinue the funding of a PCSO until further notice.
The Parish Council has been part funding the provision of a dedicated PCSO for the village at a cost of £11,800 a year, whereas other areas receive this service without making a contribution.
Speaking at the Parish Council meeting on Monday, 14th March, Councillor Myles Garbett explained "We pay for a PCSO currently who unfortunately has been on long term sickness.
"That however has been covered by Matt (PCSO Matt O'Brien). He is due replacement as he moves into training to become a police constable. That said there's a great perception there has been a lack of visibility of a PCSO.
"You could say as well the Police Crime Commissioner has made a commitment there will be a dedicated PCSO per ward so for all intense and purposes we're entitled to one anyway under that policy.
"So the question is, does us paying partially for a PCSO offer us value for money with this perception of lack of service from a PCSO. It is a perception, I haven't had it quantified and I'm not entirely sure I am of the same opinion as some people I have spoken to - I am just stating it as I have been told what they think."
Miles added "Our PCSO who has been on long term sick is now on a back to work scheme, is on light duties currently in Macclesfield and will be on site again in the foreseeable future. We are drawing a plan to improve what we think the services ought to be offered. We're making steps to try and improve things already so there's a question of do we want to continue to fund a PCSO?"
The Parish Council has a three year service agreement which is due to expire in April so if they went ahead they would be committing to £35,400 over the next three years.
Cllr Geoff Hall said "There doesn't seem to be any correlation between agreeing to make the payment and the service you get. Other wards as I understand have more PCSOs and are not necessarily paying for them."
Cllr Christine Munro added "I feel that we don't get value for money so I vote against it."
Cllr Geoff Hall said "I think for me we're running under very tight financing constraints and our role is to demonstrate value for money for residents and tax payers and it's very hard to justify it."
He added "I'm very happy to revisit it in six months."
Cllr Miles Garbett agreed to continue working on an action plan in the meantime.
All the councillors present voted in favour of discontinuing the funding for the PCSO until further notice with the exception of Cllr Miles who abstained.
Photo: Matt O'Brien who has been covering Alderley Edge, along with Chorley, in recent months.
Comments
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Special Constables who have the same powers as full time police officers are unpaid. Special Constables are volunteers and must volunteer for at least 4 hours per week.
Perhaps the Parish Council, through consultation with Cheshire Police, could see if there are people in the area who may be interested in becoming Special Constables.
Just a thought but before anyone suggests I volunteer, at 71, I am a little old, not to mention, a "scaredy cat!!"
We will miss their support, advice and visible presence .
Their liaison with local schools has really helped reduce our problems and hopefully kept some children from slipping in to anti social behaviour and recreational drug use.
I guess we will now call the police out to attend new incidents .
Disappointing that funds are not available to keep 'feet on the beat' deter anti social behaviour and enhance the sense of village community.