AFTER Bristol Mayor George Furguson announced controversial plans to axe 32 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in Bristol, police representatives confirmed that the posts remain secure in South Gloucestershire.

 Challenged by Liberal Democrat Cllr Ruth Davis (Yate Central) at the Local Strategic Partnership meeting in Kingswood yesterday (9^th January), the Avon & Somerset police rep confirmed that there would be no such cut in South Glos, even if the Mayor’s proposed budget is approved.

 Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Davis said: “We recognise the value residents place on PCSOs.  They’re visible in the community, they’re helpful, they’re a vital part of community policing.  There is no suggestion of cutting that budget in South Gloucestershire, and we would fight any effort to do so.”