Councils to pay half the cost of a PCSO

STOCKTON Heath and Appleton parish councils have both agreed to pay half the cost of a Police Community Support Officer in the coming year.
The decision will mean each parish will get a dedicated PCSO – funded by Cheshire Police – and will share a third officer, funded by the two councils.
Grappenhall is to get a dedicated PCSO funded by the police and the parishes of Stretton, Hatton and Walton will share an officer, also funded by the police.
It is likely that the parish precepts in Stockton Heath and Appleton will have to be increased, although the decision has not yet been taken.
Cllr Peter Walker (pictured), chairman of Stockton Heath Parish Council, said: “We do value having our own PCSO but we also have to consider other items in our budget.”
Stockton Heath currently pays one third of the cost of having a PCSO.