NEIGHBOURHOOD policing plays a vital role in keeping communities safe, solving local problems, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and making people feel secure in their homes, workplaces and communities.

Since their introduction in 2002, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have proved to be an enormous success, both for the police service and on the streets of Cleveland, where their work and contribution in supporting communities and keeping them safe is both recognised and appreciated.

Cleveland Police has to make overall savings of more than £23m by 2015.

The force has developed a savings plan to meet these challenges, while maintaining operational capability. Part of that includes savings from modifying the multiple rotas that are currently worked by PCSOs into a single pattern.

I fully recognise the level of public interest and, in some cases, concern over any changes to the working patterns of PCSOs and neighbourhood policing. We will factor such views into the consultation process.

Any proposed changes to PCSO rotas in terms of the number of hours worked by individual PCSOs will not change in any way.

The chief constable and the chairman of the police authority do not wish to undermine the excellent performance, results and confidence in Cleveland Police that has been built up over a number of years.

Neighbourhood PCSOs provide an excellent service to local communities and Cleveland Police is committed to protecting services in this difficult financial climate.

Sean White, Assistant Chief Constable, Cleveland Police.