CAMPAIGNERS staged a protest outside Southend police station to voice their anger at the loss of a police community support officer from their estate.

Residents decided to act after it was announced popular PCSO Jackie Jones would be leaving St Luke’s ward for a new role in the Kursaal ward.

A petition was signed by more than 250 residents who do not want her to leave because of the good work she has been doing around Cluny Square, Southend.

It was presented to Chief Insp Andy Prophet by about 12 residents during a heated protest.

Dennis Kerner, chairman of Peartree Residents’ Association, said they were going to keep on fighting the issue.

He said: “She’s done so much for the community and there’s still a lot ongoing, like setting up a bike repair shop, and other things she’s involved with, like the healthy living centre.”

“It’s all got to be dropped now so we don’t know how we’re going to carry on without her.

“She’s got such an influence with all the shopkeepers, the children . . . everybody really.”

Anna Waite, Southend councillor responsible for planning and transportation, was present to hand over the petition.

She said: “I understand the residents’ concerns. St Luke’s has really improved and we don’t want it to slip back.

“The youngsters have grown to respect Jackie and many residents work with her on projects in the ward.

“I am, however, pleased that we have been able to secure an undertaking that Jackie’s move will be re-evaluated in three months time and a promise that the police will be doing their best to ensure we do not see an increase in antisocial behaviour and petty crime.’ Sgt Paul Ahmed, of Southend’s neighbourhood policing team, said Jackie was part of a team of six PCSOs and three neighbourhood specialist officers who could all be credited for the work in St Luke’s ward.

He added: “There’s a need at the moment to do more in the Kursaal ward and because of that we’ve got to look at having the right people in the right place at the right time.”