Following the announcement of sweeping cuts to policing, a town council has voted against paying from its own pocket for a police community support officer (PCSO).

Amid fears that station closures and PCSO cutbacks could leave some parts of Epping Forest isolated and at greater risk of crime, Ongar Town Council voted against funding a PCSO for £36,000.

Councillors turned down the plan, which would have cost each household in Ongar £7, because there was no guarantee from Essex Police that an officer would always be based in the town.

Across Epping Forest and Brentwood, the number of PCSOs is set to be cut from 26 to seven, with only 60 out of 250 remaining countywide.

Speaking against the scheme at a council meeting last Thursday (November 19), Ongar resident Arthur Moody said: “We will have no control over this individual.

“They will be based in Loughton as our own police station is being closed and will form part of the whole area team.

“I don't believe there is any point in spending this money… the amount of time we will get out of it is very limited.

“It doesn't seem to be a viable option.”

As the council voted against the plans, councillor John Reynolds of the Ongar Residents Association described the cuts “a fact of life”.

He said: “The only way forward is to lobby your MP.

“The police budget is capped.”

In Epping Forest, Epping, Ongar and Waltham Abbey police stations are set to be sold and Loughton front desk will be closed to the public.