I read with concern and dismay over the weekend that Lancashire Police are planning to slash the number of Police Community Support Officers from the neighbourhood policing arm of the constabulary in the coming months.

Let's be honest: not many of us are really affected by murder, muggings or burglaries.

A great deal more of us, however, will suffer the effects of anti-social behaviour, neighbour disputes and minor crimes (or the perceived threat of it).

This is where the PCSOs and neighbourhood policing play their part.

Without them we are all likely to suffer.

A PCSO’s powers are certainly limited, but this is not their fault but that of the constabulary and the home office.

They do the best job they can given the powers they have available to them.

To cut these posts would be the easiest option for the powers that be.

But to do this could have the greatest negative impact on our communities which they serve and be a great incentive for louts and small time criminals to practise what they do best!

Michael Ward, via email.