Sandra Gidley Challenges PM Over Community Policing Cuts in Hampshire and Isle of Wight

4.18.38pm GMT Wed 10th Jan 2007

Sandra Gidley, MP for Romsey, today slammed the Prime Minister during Prime Ministers questions over cuts in Police Community Support Officers. Funding was promised for 539 Community Support Officers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight but due to funding cuts the number has been reduced to 333.

During the heated exchange Sandra asked, "Why is his Government reining back on antisocial behavior. Isn't this just another broken promise?"

Sandra Gidley later commented:

"I am very disappointed that the PM refused to directly answer my question, Community Support Police play a vital role in ensuring the safety of the residents in Hampshire and improving their quality of life."

"It is a real shame when the Prime Minister refuses to acknowledge the reality of the situation. Local Police Officers drew up wide ranging plans to redesign local services and adopt a community based policing model, based on funding promises from the Home Office. The cut in funding means a 40% reduction in the number of support officers across Hampshire.

"Where Support Officers have been introduced they have commanded huge respect and the public appreciate the fact that these officers are specifically tasked to deal with the sort of anti social behaviour problem which blights peoples lives and which the existing police force are often too pressured to find time to tackle.

"The Government have not only made life more difficult for the police - they have let down thousands of people who are forced to experience antisocial behaviour year in and year out."