POLICE major change to shift patterns introduced by West Mercia Police last month.

The move, which the service says will save around £350,000 a year, means there are currently no PCSOs on duty later in the evening.

The new pattern focuses resources on daytime and early evening hours, which police say are the busiest for reports of crime and anti-social behaviour.

However, the change has sparked concern in towns like Ross-on-Wye, where PCSOs play a vital role in community policing.

In smaller market towns they are often the most visible police presence, providing reassurance on the streets, supporting local businesses and helping to resolve minor incidents before they escalate.

Business owners in Ross have expressed worries that the absence of PCSOs after 8PM could leave high streets more vulnerable at night, particularly around pubs, takeaways and late-opening shops.

Traders say the presence of community officers helps deter vandalism and anti-social behaviour, which can become more common as the evening goes on.

Residents have also raised concerns that without PCSOs available later in the evening it may take longer for issues such as noise complaints, public disturbances or welfare checks to be addressed.

A motion calling for the decision to be reviewed will be debated at a Herefordshire Council meeting this week. Councillors behind the motion argue that the change represents a risk to public safety and could damage community confidence in policing.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has defended the new rota, saying it makes better use of resources during peak demand and will not be reversed.

West Mercia Police said the review was carried out in consultation with the commissioner and forms part of a wider plan to modernise local policing and improve efficiency across the force area.