TWO parish councils have renewed a deal to fund a police community support officer for two more years.

Great Bentley and Alresford teamed up to continue the initiative with Essex Police.

Each pays £17,000 a year to pay for PCSO Julia Brandon to split her time between both parishes.

Parish clerk Kevin Harkin said: “Great Bentley suffers from the same types of problems that lots of rural areas have. It isn’t a hotbed of crime but we do have misdemeanors carried out, low-level activity.

“Our councillors are convinced that the presence of a PCSO doesn’t solve the problems but helps prevent them in the first place.

"Even things like inconsiderate parking is an issue for them. A PCSO walking down the streets stops things like that happening.”

Mr Harkin said the £17,000 was a "considerable chunk" of the council's £70,000 budget.

"It’s the largest single expenditure," he said.

"It’s a significant commitment for the community to make. Our councillors don’t make that type of financial commitment lightly. They have thought long and hard on the benefits against the costs.”

He added: “Some people are very pleased to have a PCSO and some question the cost. But in general, the demographics of Great Bentley, with the village having many older people, the majority like the idea.”