A 30-strong group of Labour councillors from Brent have written to Mayor of London Boris Johnson voicing opposition to Met Police plans to scrap all 24 neighbourhood PCSOs in the area.

Cllrr James Denselow, Brent Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, was joined by his cabinet colleagues amongst 30 councillors to urge Mr Johnson to scotch proposals to cut PCSO numbers across the capital as part of £800 million worth of cuts over the next four years.

Writing to the Conservative politican, who is also an MP, of their “serious concerns” the letter states: “PCSOs play a key role not only in reassuring communities through a strong visible presence, but also in greatly increasing community intelligence through being ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground.

“Losing them will negatively impact on our ability to engage with communities and also to understand the risks and threats facing them.”

Calling the on Mayor to “reconsider this decision”, they urge him to support the “vitally important” policing resource.

The measures being considered could either see all PCSOs across the city axed or neighbourhood policing teams in London could be slashed to a singe officer, rank unknown, per ward.

The Met’s proposals to dramatically reduce PCSO numbers were announced last week in advance of its management board meeting on September 29.