A COMMUNITY leader is demanding West Mercia Constabulary rethinks plans to recruit more than 300 new community support officers (CSOs).

Redditch councillor Juliet Brunner said the force would be better spending its funds recruiting full time police officers rather than CSOs, who have lesser powers.

A CSO provides support to full time officers and has some powers to tackle antisocial behaviour and quality of life issues.

"I am a bit disappointed they have decided to recruit all these new CSOs," she said.

"They would get more value for money if they recruited full time officers instead of CSOs because they haven't got the same powers.

"Obviously, if they did decide to recruit full time officers rather than CSOs they would be depleted in numbers but at least they would have full powers, improving public perception of the force with regards to people's fear of crime."

West Mercia announced its plan to back a Government-launched national campaign to recruit more CSOs last Monday.

They will recruit an extra 301 CSOs, bringing the total to 373 by April 2008, but Mrs Brunner is calling for a rethink.

"I have always been a big fan of West Mercia, I think they do a fantastic job, but on this matter I believe they need to have a rethink," added the Matchborough councillor.

But West Merica's Superintendent Sharon Gibbons said: "West Mercia Constabulary is recruiting an additional 301 CSOs over the next 18 months as the force continues to develop into a strategic police service.

"They will play an important role in delivering our local policing plans, working with communities to solve neighbourhood problems.

"Being a CSO is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to make a real difference, and is both challenging and rewarding."