FOLLOWING the announcement of reductions in police services across Essex today, Thurrock Council Leader Cllr John Kent has reacted angrily.
He said: “Since 2010 I have been saying the ever-increasing cuts in funding of public authorities – council, police, fire service and the NHS – will affect every one of us.
“Today the effect of these cuts is plain for all to see.
“Just one police station in Thurrock, a huge reduction in PCSOs and selling off the ‘family silver’ so we can be certain there will be no reversal of this in years to come.”
He said: “It was in 2013 that we were assured by the police and the commissioner there would be no redundancies among PCSOs in Thurrock if we stopped our match-funding, yet now we hear 32 of the 38 PCSO jobs in the borough are going; Tilbury and Ockendon police stations – as well as Corringham – will be closed and sold and even PCSOs paid for by Intu Lakeside are at risk.
“A few weeks ago we were told Essex Police would no longer deal with 97 per cent of anti-social behaviour issues and today we hear they’re going even further; and will be relying on their partners the council and the Community Safety Partnership (which is, in effect the same thing) to fill the vacuum.
“And they claim a ‘new Community Policing Team’ will be started, but not that previous community police teams have disappeared.”
Cllr Kent said: “The whole police statement is worrying and seems to pay little regard to the genuine concerns of ordinary people.
“If it’s a big crime the police will turn up; if it is not something that grabs headlines will we get the service we expect and deserve?
“I understand selling off buildings you’re not using anymore, but having no presence in Corringham, Tilbury and Ockendon at the same time as fewer officers and PCSOs are seen on our streets just sends the wrong message to the criminals as well as the community at large.
“I have no doubt those officers who remain will do their utmost, but I fear their best may not be enough.”
