A dedicated police community support officer (PCSO) looks set to be retained in Kessingland.

Lowestoft Journal: The informal referendum results are revealed at a public meeting in Kessingland. The chairman of the Parish Council, Liam Martin. Pictures: Mick HowesThe informal referendum results are revealed at a public meeting in Kessingland. The chairman of the Parish Council, Liam Martin. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Earlier this year, Kessingland Parish Council announced arrangements for an informal referendum on the future funding of a full time PCSO post for the village. Since October 2, residents have been voting on whether they wished to see the continued funding of the PCSO post or not. The voting closed on Monday, with a public meeting held on Tuesday this week.

With 549 votes cast, 311 residents voted in favour of retaining the PCSO post with 238 against it – leaving a majority of 73 in favour.

A parish council spokesman said: 'A total of 2,180 voting slips were delivered to Kessingland residents, 549 were returned making a percentage return of 25.18 per cent.'

Parish council chairman, Liam Martin, added: 'It was important that we sought the views of the local community on the future funding of the PCSO post. Local people have expressed their views and the parish council will react accordingly.'

The matter will be considered at an extraordinary meeting of the parish council on Wednesday, October 25 at 7pm at Marram Green.