CALLS for Haslemere to have a community police support officer have been repeated by town councillors.
A proposal has been put forward for Haslemere Town Council to set aside cash over the next three years to help pay for the provision of an officer for Haslemere.
The proposals involve the council contributing £5,250 in the next financial year followed by £5,000 in 2006/7 and 2007/8 to pay for around a quarter of the cost of a community police support officer.
At a council meeting last Thursday, mayor Jean Arrick voiced her support for the proposal.
"I don't want to take away from them the work that the local specialist officer does but I still feel that we need more of a local presence in Haslemere," she said.
"It would be particular helpful for things like when the fair comes to St Christopher's Green."
Mrs Arrick pointed out that Haslemere was the only town in Waverley which did not have a support officer and said that she felt they would be a huge benefit to the area.
She said that it would help to reassure local residents as well as tackle crime.
"The other issue is the fear of the perceived threat of vandalism and anti- social behaviour."
Jacquie Keen supported the mayor and said that the presence of the officer to support the police would be of huge benefit to the town.
"It is a welcome addition in the town and they do work very well with local residents," she said.
"It does help with the fear of crime aspect and we are the only town not to have one."
The council will formally decided whether or not set aside the cash when it formally agrees the budget.