Peasedown St John is to keep its dedicated team of PC and PSCOs following the government U-turn over police cuts last week, with Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne vowing not to cut police budgets.
Up until last Wednesday’s Autumn Statement by the Chancellor, police forces were facing cuts of up to 20% as the government sought to save £20 billion across all departments.
Veteran Peasedown councillor Sarah Bevan has worked closely with the police over the last decade to tackle crime and the fear of crime in Peasedown St John, and meets PSCOs monthly to discuss issues.
She said: “Police service cuts were always a bad idea, but never more so than at a time when residents everywhere in the UK and abroad feel increasingly at risk from terrorism and other security lapses.
“So it’s very good news that the current Tory government has been forced to back down over their unwise threat to cut the budget for our police services further than it already has.
“Our Neighbourhood Policing team here in Peasedown St John has been put under increasing pressure in recent years to cover an ever wider beat area, so they’re working harder than ever for us.
“At least now our Police Community Support Officers Tony McIntosh and Louise Jones can continue to protect and reassure residents without the threat of redundancy hanging over them.”
To contact Avon and Somerset Police residents can call the local non-emergency hotline on 101.
Any Peasedown residents who’d like to discuss a crime-related issue with Cllr Sarah Bevan can call 07792 379850 or email [email protected].
