TRADE union Unison has warned massive cuts to PCSOs and the planned closure of police stations will threaten public safety.

Essex Police will announced major changes today, including slashing the number of PCSOs in the county from 251 to just 60.

There are also plans to close 15 police stations, and make another 62 staff redundant, severely reducing the opening hours of the ten remaining stations.

Tracey Sparkes, Unison regional organiser said: “If these drastic cuts are implemented it will be a devastating blow to the police staff who will lose their jobs and the communities they serve. These cuts are a genuine worry for public safety. PCSOs do a vital role in the community in deterring crime and increasing public confidence – they are the public face of the police, walking the streets in every town in Essex. These services are what the people of Essex pay for through their taxes and they deserve to feel safe in their neighbourhood and have a local police station to visit when they need to. ”

John Watts, Unison branch secretary at Essex Police, added: “This decision is based purely on cost alone and is not in the best interests of the people of Essex. Such severe cuts can only be detrimental to the safety of the public. This will undermine morale and the professional service our members provide. Cuts to police funding are resulting in the wrong decisions being made with a devastating impact on our dedicated staff, their families and the potential risks to the public.”