A WHOPPING 235 people have applied for just 15 vacancies to become a Police Community Support Officer with Cambridgeshire police.

The applications were received over the course of last week, with scores of applicants competing for just 15 posts.

The current recruitment phase has now ended and no more applications are being accepted.

Raphael Frascogna, trainee HR manager, said: “We have been very impressed by the number of people wanting to join the force as a PCSO.

“Unfortunately this phase of recruitment has now ended and we are now looking at the applications to select those who will be invited to our forthcoming assessment centre.

PCSOs provide a high-profile visible uniformed presence to support communities by assisting in minimising incidents of anti-social behaviour, reducing the fear of crime and reassuring the public - ultimately helping to make Cambridgeshire a safer place to live and work.”

PCSOs are actively involved in the community – attending local meetings, working with partner agencies, offering crime prevention advice and taking part in foot patrols where they can what with members of the community about issues in their area.

Any future recruitment will be advertised on the force’s website at www.cambs.police.uk/recruitment.