The Devon and Cornwall Police branch of Unison has reacted angrily to comments made by the chairman of the local Police Federation.

According to union members, Nigel Rabbitts said PCSO's are 'police on the cheap', 'lack training' and are used as ' smoke and mirrors' to cover police cuts to front line services.

Unison - the largest union representing police staff in Devon - says the Police Community Support Officers were first introduced to support and assist local communities, freeing up police officers' time so that they could devote their training and expertise to other areas.

Unison believes PCSOs play an invaluable role in community policing.

South West Regional Organiser Stuart Roden says there are cuts to civilian staff too so they should be working together to protect communities.

The Chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Police Federation says he stands by his comments.

Nigel Rabbitts says PCSOs are not a substitute to police officers whose numbers are being cut by 700 over the next couple of years.

Mr Rabbits says community support officers have been protected under the cuts and that a recent rise in crime shows there aren't enough police officers to deal with current demand.