Rob White has handed in the Green Party petition against cuts by the government, University and police which will result in the Redlands and University area losing four PCSOs.

He has handed it in to Reading University Vice-Chancellor Tony Downes at the University, Thames Valley Police, Chief Constable Sara Thornton and Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The government has cut its funding to the University, the University has dealt with this cut by reducing budgets including the one which part funded the PCSOs. The police who fund these PCSOs jointly with the University have responded by cutting their funding too.

Since the cuts were announced the Green Party has been going door to door asking people to sign their petition.

The PCSOs will be cut on November 7 unless a u-turn can be forced.

Green Party campaigner Rob White, who came within 20 votes of becoming Reading's first Green councillor at the last local elections said: "Most people feel that the PCSOs provide a really useful service to the community. They are often seen around the area either on foot or on their bikes, they are approachable and they are friendly.

"Losing them would be a real blow to the area and that is why we have been out campaigning for the government, University and police to rethink their cuts."

ENDS

Notes for the Editor

1. For more information please contact Rob White on 07985 923938 or 0118 9667183.
2. Green Park Ward candidate Rob White polled 994, and came within 20 votes of becoming Reading's first Green councillor at the last local elections in Reading. At the last general election he stood in Reading East and increased the Green vote by over 50% polling 1548.

Printed and promoted by Robert White, 22 Cumberland Rd, Reading, RG1 3LB. Both on behalf of Reading Green Party.