ALL community support officers have been told that their jobs could disappear as soon as March 2011.

Lancashire Police currently employs 409 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), and every one of them have been told they could find themselves jobless.

The announcement comes following the Comprehensive Spending Review outlined by chancellor George Osborne on Wednesday.

Maureen Le Marinel, Branch Secretary of UNISON said today: “Crime will increase as we lose the vital contribution PCSO’s make on our streets and in our communities. We will not stand by and let this happen.

“Let’s be clear PCSO’s are value for money. PCSO’s are the visible presence on our streets dealing with local crime, anti-social behaviour and gathering vital intelligence.

The Coalition Government is reneging on its election pledges to support its communities in its ‘BIG SOCIETY’.”

Chief Constable Steve Finnigan said that he and his colleagues would continue to work tirelessly to keep hold of as many PCSO posts as possible and to work hand in hand with the Trade Unions: “This is a hugely regrettable position for us as we place a great deal of importance on the role our PCSOs play in Lancashire and know that many members of the public feel the same way.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly but reflects the seriousness of the financial position surrounding the funding of PCSOs and the current lack of clarity.”

Lancashire Constabulary has to find £50 million over the next four years – some £220,000 per week.

Beginning today, a formal 90 day consultation process will now take place to determine the extent of job losses

Malcolm Doherty, Chair of the Lancashire Police Authority, said: “We appreciate that this will be a very stressful period for those involved and we will work with the Trade Unions and other staff welfare groups to ensure anyone affected receives a high level of support.”

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Will you, or a family member be affected by these drastic cuts?

Will the streets of Preston become a more dangerous place without PCSO presence?

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