Home Secretary David Blunkett is being urged to reconsider his decision to allow Cleveland Police to recruit only 20 additional community support officers.

The force had been hoping that it would be able to have an extra 60 officers.

Cleveland Police Authority chairman Councillor Ken Walker spoke of his dismay at the cuts to a project that has already been successful.

He said: "I cannot hide the real disappointment which both the authority and the force feel over the announcement because it falls so far short of the target of recruiting 60 more community support officers in this financial year which we had set ourselves.''

Coun Walker said the first group of 40 officers was doing a valuable job.

He said: "The creation of this new role, to support the work of police officers in local communities, was a Government initiative which has proved very effective, so it is especially disappointing that they now seem to be pulling back from allowing us to take full opportunity of the benefits they can offer.

"We knew that, for this second phase of recruitment of community support workers, the Home Office would make only 50 per cent of the cost available, which is why we set aside funding in the budget for our share of the bill for recruiting 60 more, together with our plans for 60 more police officers.

"I do not understand why the Home Office is now appearing so cautious over extending a scheme which has proved so successful and I will certainly be contacting David Blunkett to ask him to reconsider the allocation we have received.''

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "Partnerships play a vital role in our fight against crime, especially when they are increasing a presence on the streets.

"Indications show police community support officers have proved a valuable asset to our community policing teams. They have proved effective in the fight against anti-social behaviour, which can bring misery to our communities.

"While we are obviously disappointed our full bid for 60 community support officers was not successful, we are grateful we are getting 20."