A crack team tackling crime in Southend town centre could face the axe after just two years, it was revealed today.
Uncertain future? - Borough patrol officers Paul West and Shirley Morris Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
The borough patrol, which tackles dog fouling, litter and anti-social behaviour, has had its budget halved next year to £140,000 as part of radical cost-cutting at Southend Council.
A secret report went to Southend Council's cabinet proposed the patrol of seven officers could be merged with the new team of police community support officers (PCSOs) at Southend police.
There are no guarantees of a transfer and if police cannot come up with funding for the new posts, the patrol could end on March 31.
Talks have been launched between departmental managers, union representatives and senior borough patrol officers.
Tim Sneller, from Unison, said: "The report went to cabinet without any consultation with the staff or unions. Staff are very concerned about their jobs and they don't want to be transferred.
"We are most concerned the council's policy towards the borough patrol is motivated more by the need to make financial savings than by a concern for the services.
"Of course there is a case for working jointly with the police, but why take the money out of the budget before any agreement with the police? This suggests the council is, in effect, preparing for cuts."
One source connected to the patrol said: "I'm not happy with this and I don't think anyone else is happy with what is going on."
Published Friday January 9, 2004
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