THE number of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) could stoop to as low as seven for the borough as concerns have been voiced over dwindling numbers.

Test Valley district commander Chief Inspector Kory Thorne has revealed there is a “rapid reduction” of borough PCSOs but that his hands are tied in bringing in replacements until a review has been done to consider police funding cuts.

He said the reason PCSOs are leaving is mainly due to gaining roles as full-time police officers within Hampshire Constabulary or elsewhere.

Out of the 20 PCSO positions that are allocated to Test Valley, around 11 officers are currently on the ground, with four more set to leave in the coming month.

In a letter to parish council chairs, Chief Insp Thorne said: “I am concerned with the rapid reduction in PCSO numbers and have raised my concerns with our senior commanders but at the same time I am pleased for those individuals being successful with their career plans.

“Steps will be taken to fill these vacancies but that can’t occur until a review of neighbourhood policing that is being conducted by the constabulary is complete.

“This review is being undertaken to prepare us for potential future budget reductions as the current government funding arrangements penalise us as a force.

“Policing our communities has never been more challenging but we will do our very best to focus on the issues that carry the greatest degree of threat, harm and risk.

“I know that the current PCSO staffing situation will be concerning to you and your communities and as soon as I am able to I will be requesting PCSOs to be redistributed from other areas and also new PCSOs to be recruited to fill the vacancies.”

The PCSO recruitment process can take around three to four months before officers can start work.

Chief Insp Thorne however gave a positive outlook on the number of neighbourhood police officers in the borough, which are currently a total of 13.

Another police constable will be joining in September, followed by two more later in the year to bring the number up to the allocated 16 officers.

The knock-on effect of less PSCOs the commander said is yet to be seen, but he said officers will be taking on bigger workloads and will have to prioritise tasks.

Both Test Valley Borough Council leader Councillor Phil North and North West Hampshire MP Kit Malthouse have written to the Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane with concerns over the dwindling police presence in the borough.

Cllr North said: “I am deeply concerned that PCSOs in Test Valley are not, for the moment, being replaced.

“The council is working hard in partnership with the police to reduce some of the anti-social behaviour incidents that have taken place in Andover town centre recently – and it is important the police are adequately resourced to do so.

“I have asked the police and crime commissioner to explain why recruitment to these vacancies isn’t taking place immediately – and have asked for greater resources to be redistributed to Test Valley whilst the ‘review’ is taking place.”

Mr Malthouse said he is aware the government’s funding formula penalises Hampshire Constabulary for spending less than other forces per head of its population, and that he has campaigned on behalf of the county’s police.

Mr Malthouse added: “I do not understand why such a reduction should occur by chance in our part of the county without immediate action being taken to redistribute PCSOs fairly, or why a “review” would hold things up.

“I have lobbied repeatedly on behalf of Hampshire Police including on a new funding formula when I led the local campaign amongst MPs.”