Norwich neighbourhood policing cuts very disappointing

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 7th Jan 2007

In a letter to the Eastern Daily Press, Liberal Democrat City Group Leader, Cllr Hereward Cooke, writes:

"The news that the Government funding for Neighbourhood policing in Norfolk is to be cut is particularly disappointing for us in Norwich. But regrettably it is another example of policy being made and changed on the hoof.

Community Wardens were the answer at one stage and the City Council responded by putting up £750k pa when the Government shuffled the cost over to us.

Then the policy was to merge forces across Eastern England only for that to be withdrawn.

Now the Police Community Support Officers, said to be the answer to neighbourhood crime and nuisance, are being scaled back.

Such chopping and changing makes it very difficult for local authorities, as well as for the Police Authority, to plan realistically for the future. The City Council has already committed its Housing and support resources to working more closely with local communities and are looking forward to close liaison with the CPSOs. But clearly the Government has other ideas by reducing the funding by over £1m and the establishment by 25 CPSOs on the streets of Norwich.

If the Government does not give a lead in this matter, how can we set up policies to raise the quality of life for our residents? It gives the impression of a Government flailing around in an attempt to find a solution to the problem of crime that is more deep-seated than they realise."