TOWNS could be left without a police presence on the busiest days of the year because of a legal loophole.

Frinton and Walton Town Council pays £180,000 a year to fully fund six PCSOs to police the area.

But the towns were left without police patrols as thousands of extra people poured into the area to enjoy the last bank holiday.

It was discovered the PCSO contract does not mention bank holidays and whether officers should or should not be working.

Town councillors said they needed a police presence on bank holidays more than any other time.

Delyth Miles said: “Certainly in Walton, that’s our busiest time and we have so many people coming into the town.

“It’s no good having the PCSOs through the winter, but not at the busiest times when we really need them.

“The population can double during bank holidays and I think it is far more likely for there to be incidents of antisocial behaviour during those periods.”

Mrs Miles suggested dropping the number of community support officers funded by the council if it meant being able to pay for bank holiday cover.

However, other councillors said the area must retain its full contingent of PCSOs.

They said holiday cover was essential and members had already met police chiefs to ask for assurances it would be provided.

Mayor Jack Robertson said: “We have met with police to discuss the matter. There will be further meetings to take this forward and find a resolution.”