A PARISH council is considering hiring a private security company instead of paying towards an extra police community support officer. Members of Melbourn Parish Council decided on Monday to investigate the merits of getting security patrols in the villag

A PARISH council is considering hiring a private security company instead of paying towards an extra police community support officer.

Members of Melbourn Parish Council decided on Monday to investigate the merits of getting security patrols in the village instead of a PCSO.

Parish clerk Avril Mellor said: "We've been offered the chance to employ an additional PCSO to be funded by the parish council.

"However, councillors have decided to look at private firms, too."

Parish councillor Bob Trimble said: "It's not a case of being against having another PCSO, we just need to look at all the options.

"Obviously a security company will never have the kind of back up behind it that the police have, but it may be that they can offer a different kind of service that could be more effective for the village."

Cllr Trimble said that the parish council would look to get tenders from three companies before making a decision.

"We can ask these companies what they can offer that is to the village's advantage, and then make a considered decision," he said.

Cllr Clive Purbrook said: "I'm keeping an open mind.

"We need to deal with anti-social behaviour, much of which takes place late at night.

"Police resources are already stretched and we must be certain that if we get an additional PCSO they can be in Melbourn when they are needed.