POLICE and community support officers are more effective patrolling Pendle on foot than on bicycles, a top policeman has said.

Pendle Council has spent £60,000 on equipment, including new bikes, last summer for PCSOs but has not provided jackets, gloves and helmets.

Old Laund Booth parish council has written to the chief constable at Lancashire Police asking for an explanation, claiming the situation is “ridiculous”.

Chief Inspector Jeff Brown has promised to look into the equipment shortage, but believes PCSOs should walk their beat.

He said: “I think there has been an issue with supply and demand.

“If the parish council are concerned about it then we will look into it.

“It is all very well having bikes, but our PCSOs are paid to walk, they are more visible on foot.

“I think it is better that they are seen walking around the village rather that riding around.

“They are easier to stop and talk to and have more of a presence thank on bikes.”

Coun John David, Pendle Council leader, who is also on Old Laund Booth parish council, said: “I think it's very strange that Pendle Council supports PCSOs to the tune of more than £60,000 and they are provided with bikes, which seems like a sensible way of getting around, but no high visibility jackets or helmets.

“The Barrowford and Western Parish paid for a piece of kit for one PCSO but he was moved to another patch and he took it with him.

“They were asked for another piece of kit but said no and I back them in that.

“The parishes do not see why Pendle, having paid over £60,000 already and kitted out one PCSO, should kit out another one.

“I am pursuing it in various ways. I think it's really rather foolish.

“We have the people and the bikes but they can not be used because they do not have the high visibility jackets and helmets.”