The recent decision of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to cease its funding of Police Community Support Officers is despicable.

PCSOs are dedicated people working with fervour and enthusiasm and contribute greatly to the reduction of crime.

They are also able to undertake several more routine and mundane tasks, thereby freeing police officers to deal with more serious matters.

They contribute greatly to PACT meetings where residents are kept regularly informed of issues and potential solutions.

Many will use this experience to decide whether they later wish to train as police officers.

The two PCSOs in Little Harwood area have provided an excellent community service over the last three years and inspire great confidence.

They are well respected, contribute greatly to community cohesion, are approachable and widely involved in the diverse activities in the area.

It would be appalling if they were removed.

The £220,000 that this council believes it can save by removing these glowing people from the streets is a minuscule proportion of its annual expenditure of c.£160 million – about 0.14%.

Even this so-called saving will not be realistic – their removal coupled with the withdrawal of funding to community centres would be likely to lead to the reduction of many leisure facilities consigning many youths and young adults to the streets.

The resulting likely escalating crime may well result in a greater financial cost outweighing the supposed saving to the council whose insight is comparable to its gross ineptitude in managing its previous budget.

For God’s sake, reconsider this diabolical folly.

Michael J. Poultney, Little Harwood Community Association.