PCSO Cuts Highlighted By Farron

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has highlighted a 20% reduction in the number of Police Community Support Officers, as he continues to campaign for a fair funding deal for Cumbria Police.

Tim met with police officers in Kendal yesterday to get an insight into the reality of policing on the ground in Cumbria, and discussed the challenges involved in policing rural areas.

A written answer on Thursday from the Home Office revealed that between 2010-2015 the number of PCSOs in Cumbria fell from 111 to 86 - a decrease of over 20%.

Tim has expressed concern that Cumbria Police's ability to keep local communities safe will be jeopardised, with additional budget cuts of at least £11 million expected to be announced at the end of November.

Tim said: "PCSOs play an important role in supporting the regular police force and keeping our communities safe. It is concerning that we have seen their numbers fall by so much.

"Cumbria Police does an impressive job, but continued budget cuts are going to have an impact on their ability keep our communities safe."

To join Tim's campaign and sign the petition to Protect Our Police, go to Tim's website: www.timfarron.co.uk/protect-our-police