Shaun Davies, MP for Telford, has used a question in Parliament to ask the Government to send Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion “a very clear message”: that he must scrap his 8pm PCSO street patrol cap.

Watch this clip here.

West Mercia Police are proposing the cuts as part of a £350,000 budget-saving measure. In response, Telford’s MP is urging the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable to justify the decision and instead find the necessary £350,000 by cutting waste and reducing administrative expenses; specifically pointing to the costs associated with operating Hindlip Hall and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.

Shaun Davies MP, who has raised the issue previously with the home secretary, asked Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell MP to schedule a debate “on the importance of neighbourhood policing.”

In response, the Leader said: “We want to see more neighbourhood police officers, we want to see them patrolling, and we particularly want to see them patrolling our streets at the times of day when crime is most likely to be committed, or when people want to feel safe, so I’ll join him in that call.”

Shaun commented: “The Government has provided police forces like West Mercia with the resources to expand their neighbourhood policing provision; in fact, just this year the Government gave West Mercia Police the funding to hire 20 extra PCSOs. The public expect more neighbourhood police presence, not less. I know that, Telford residents know that, and I think John knows it as well – it’s good to hear the Government make it absolutely clear.”

Shaun is now urging West Mercia Police to reverse their decision and is encouraging Telford residents to take the following actions:

• Sign the petition to keep PCSO shifts beyond 8pm. – or visit the website below.
• Share the petition with friends, family, and neighbours to help spread awareness.

Shaun believes that, in light of recent government investment, the proposed shift cuts by West Mercia Police risk undermining the effectiveness of local policing. The Government has made clear its commitment to public safety by backing police forces with significant funding. In December, a £1 billion boost to policing was announced, including £200 million specifically allocated to put 13,000 additional neighbourhood police officers. Furthermore, the Chancellor’s June Spending Review confirmed a £2 billion increase in police spending power over the next three years.

To sign Shaun’s petition, please visit shaundavies.org/pcsosonduty