Support for plan to get more bobbies on the beat (From Warrington Guardian)

Support for plan to get more bobbies on the beat

COUNCILLORS in Grappenhall and Thelwall have given initial support to a plan that could see more bobbies on the beat.

Parish councils across south Warrington are investigating the possibility of recruiting some Community Support Officers (CSOs) in a bid to combat the problem of disorder and anti-social behaviour.

And now Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council has agreed to support colleagues in Stockton Heath, Lymm and Appleton in holding a new year meeting to discuss the plan.

Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council clerk Damian Boddy said that it was interested in being involved in the discussions.

He added: "It is important that we discuss this as soon as possible because it will impact on the parish precepts."

Each CSO would cost £30,000 a year, with the police footing one third of the bill and parish councils meeting the other £20,000.

The cost is likely to impact on the parish council precept that councils levy on the council tax.

The new type of officers would not be able to arrest or detain offenders, but would be highly visible and have the power to issued fixed penalty tickets.

Residents in Risley have already hailed the introduction of CSOs in their area after they were introduced earlier in the year as part of a national trial.