Conservatives nationally have undermined the important role of PCSOs by indicating that it would be left up to Chief Constables as to whether they are needed in the future. But now a Labour motion from the Group's Deputy Leader and representative on the Police Authority, Coun. Ruth Potter, will call on Council to agree a proposal to write to the Conservative Leader, urging him to backtrack on an aspect of policing he has spoken favourably on in the past.

Coun. Potter said:

"The Tories' plans on PCSOs are more than a little disturbing and would have disastrous implications for neighbourhood policing. PCSOs perform a different, but nonetheless essential part of the policing service and have built up an excellent reputation over the past few years. Many people I know were sceptical when they were first introduced, but Conservatives seem to be out of touch with public opinion now which is fully supportive of the important role they play".

"Given this fact, I think political opinion will reflect public support for PCSOs and support my motion. We are calling on David Cameron to back up his words, when he says that PCSOs have done a good job, and say that Conservatives would keep them. Unfortunately other members of his party, including the Shadow Home Secretary, appear to oppose this view and want to do away with them. He has refused to support Labour's ring-fencing of funding for PCSOs and warranted officers.

"Council needs to send a message now that we don't support this policy and would fight it tooth and nail to prevent it being implemented".