Simon Clarke MP has welcomed the news that two additional PCSOs will be allocated to East Cleveland - but warned much more will need to be done to tackle the concerns of local residents.
In a letter, Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger told Simon he is “happy to confirm that the team in East Cleveland will be augmented by an additional 2 PCSO’s before Christmas”. (PCSOs are Police Community Support Officers).
The letter comes after Simon Clarke attended a major rally of local people coordinated by Brotton Councillor Barry Hunt and local publican Graham Cutler at The Railway Arms in Brotton.
In response to the commissioner’s letter, Simon Clarke said:
“I welcome the Commissioner’s acceptance that current levels of police cover in East Cleveland are lacking and that a better distribution of police across the constituency is possible.
“However, while this is a welcome move in the right direction, an additional two PCSOs is nothing like enough to allay the worries and concerns of my East Cleveland constituents. They and I want and need to see more.
“I will keep pressing this issue on behalf of my constituents and I intend to take it up with our new Chief Constable when he or she is appointed.”
Councillor Barry Hunt said:
“When a community comes together to work for a common goal it’s amazing what can be achieved. Any movement forward is a bonus and we’ve known from the day Graham and I first approached Simon about this campaign that he was committed to supporting and delivering results for his constituents. Hopefully this will be the first step of many that we will take together in our fight for fairer policing in East Cleveland.”
Publican Graham Cutler said:
“This is a small step in the right direction on a huge issue locally. People are fed up with excuses and this shows what can be achieved when we work together as a community. It’s great to see our MP Simon Clarke standing up and delivering for the area.
Last week Simon met both the Chancellor and the Police Minister to discuss police resources ahead of funding announcements for key services including the Police in December.