The number of PCSOs in Cheshire has continued to drop and now stands at 49, despite council taxpayers agreeing to pay a higher police precept to fund 57.

Last year there were 87 PCSOs (police community support officers) across the county, but the chief constable then announced plans to axe 60.

Police and crime commissioner Dan Price (Labour), consulted on whether residents would be prepared to pay extra to help safeguard some of those jobs, resulting in the police element of the council tax (precept) for a band D property rising to £18.30 when it is usually capped at £15.

Despite this, only 51 PCSOs were in post last month and now that number is just 49.

Mr Price told Friday's (July 17) meeting of the police and crime panel he was 'particularly disappointed' to hear numbers had dropped further.

"Rest assured, I will be finding out why so many PCSOs have left and what is being done to recruit more," he said.

"And I'll be very clear with the chief constable that if this number does not return to expected levels, I will be seeking to refund the public through the precept next March."

Panel chair Cllr Judy Snowball (CEC, Lab) said in Macclesfield 'there is a perception among the public and among councillors that while they are doing their best, the PCSOs, they are very stretched'.

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She told the commissioner: "The neighbourhood policing offer is not as it was, and obviously there is concern expressed about the reduction in numbers, about being able to raise those numbers effectively, about the PCs being recruited."

In a statement released after the meeting, due to technical issues, it wasn't recorded at the time – Mr Price said: "I continue to challenge Cheshire Police about their commitment to keep 57 PCSO roles as part of its revised neighbourhood policing plan. This is about making sure public trust is not broken.

"We agreed 57 and that this wouldn't drop below 53. Now, around six months later, I've been told it's 49.

"The previous PCC allowed PCSO numbers to drop dramatically and that will not be happening on my watch.

"I have already asked the chief constable, both in public and in private meetings, what his plans are to make sure we maintain the agreed PCSO numbers.

"The constabulary is aware that if PCSO numbers do not return to agreed levels, next year's council tax bill will reflect me giving the public their money back."

Mr Price said he would be asking about this and other matters at the next scrutiny meeting.