FUNDING for police community support officers could be scrapped by Thurrock Council.

The Labour-run authority match funds 14 PCSOs in the borough with Essex Police.

There are 57 PCSOs in the borough, and match funding costs the council £228,000 a year.

The council will review the proposal at its next meeting on November 2.

Essex Police’s Supt Ivor Harvey, said of the proposed funding cut: “We have always appreciated the support the council has given us in part funding some PCSO posts.

“The country is experiencing difficult times, but our number one priority is to continue to deliver high standards of policing. Our neighbourhood police teams will continue to be accessible and visible to the community, whatever the outcome.

“We will continue to work with the council, and the Community Safety Partnership, to reduce crime and keep Thurrock a safer place.”

The council’s agreement with Essex Police runs until March 31, 2011.

A council report concedes that if the funding is cut, it could unsettle the elderly and vulnerable.

It states: “There may be a reduction in the presence of police on the street.

“This does give comfort and reduce the fear of crime of some of our residents, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable.”