Worksop: Community leaders react to 80 PCSO job cuts

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping on a walkabout around Kirkby. Paddy is pictured with PCSO Madeleine Sefton.

Police chiefs confirmed the decision to reduce the number of roles to 251 from 331 for the county on Thursday, September 10.

It had been thought that around 72 PCSO jobs would be scrapped, with around eight losses in Worksop - a reduction of 25 per cent.

The force has said it is a result of ‘financial pressures’.

A statement released by Notts Police said: “This was a difficult decision to make as we recognise the important job PCSOs do in serving our communities.

“We also acknowledge and are grateful for the public support our PCSOs received.

“However, the financial pressure that the force is under means that we have to work differently and make these decisions in order for us to continue serving the public in the best way we can.

Notts Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping originally said he would look to increase the number of PCSO jobs when he was first elected in 2012.

This week Mr Tipping said that after the reductions Notts would still have more PCSOs than most neighbouring forces.

“Notts Police currently have record numbers of PCSOs,” Mr Tipping said. The decision to reduce them is driven entirely by the very tough financial climate and the announcement by the Chancellor of even more severe grant reductions to come in the future. The situation is not unique to Notts.”

“Steps have been taken to minimise the actual number of PCSOs who will actually lose their posts and the welfare of those affected remains a priority.

“Local policing is a priority for both the Chief Constable and myself.”

Bassetlaw District Council leader Simon Greaves said that he would support the ‘abolition’ of Notts Police in favour of larger police force across the East Midlands.

“They (PCSOs) play a vital role in our communities,” Coun Greaves said.

“If Bassetlaw is to bare the biggest brunt of the cuts then they have some explaining to do.

“The reality of the Government cuts means that they have to reduce the number of staff.

“What we are now going to see is the effect on the front line.”

Earlier this year the Guardian visited areas of Worksop alongside Notts Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Cutland and Manton councillor Josie Potts, where concerns were raised about the cuts.

Commenting this week, Coun Potts said: “It is rather disgusting. We don’t see the police anymore. I feel so, so sorry for them. We are going to lose control of the streets.