AFTER returning from holiday we read the story on PCSOs (Invest In Officers, News Shopper, July 5).

We read the front page with interest as our neighbours as well as ourselves would like to know exactly what is their role within the community as none of us have any idea due to conflicting reports from various parties.

Nobody could recall seeing a PCSOs in our area for at least five months, and nobody could remember seeing them more than once.

We have had problems with yobs - the same as most places - for a long time.

But on the one occasion I saw two of these PCSOs at a trouble spot they were walking away at a very brisk pace just at the time the schools were starting to come out.

One of our neighbours said he saw one male and one female PCSO walk down our road last year but has never seen them since.

If, as your article states, they have no arresting powers and should walk away from any confrontation, then what are they doing when they supposedly patrol our streets?

Are PCSOs being paid for walking the streets?

Surely this money should be paying for people who are able to deal with situations and have the powers to go with it?

We have to agree with Mr Pointon's comments the extra money should be spent on more police officers and not on PCSOs.

Nobody apart from the Government appears to have any idea what these people do.

You have more chance of seeing fairies at the bottom of my garden than seeing a PCSO walking past our house.

I DUNT

Newton Abbot Road

Northfleet