I AM very disappointed by the statements made by Superintendent Johns in the Northwich Guardian. (From Warrington Guardian)

I AM very disappointed by the statements made by Superintendent Johns in the Northwich Guardian.

Despite the assurances made to Hartford Parish Council on the appointment of PC Rod Stokes as our community policeman, it has now been made abundantly clear that community policing as understood by the public at large is dead; a high visibility police presence in our villages is a thing of the past; and the enhancement of public confidence - all important cornerstones of the Policing Plan for Cheshire, have been abandoned in favour of reactive policing.

The suggestion that villages should take it upon themselves to contact parents of known troublemakers (and thereby risk abuse or physical harm) is both impractical and potentially dangerous.

Chief Inspector Moore says that in a 'small village' such as Hartford, everyone knows each other. Does he not realise that there are over 5,000 residents in Hartford with a considerable turnover of the population. I have lived in the village for 32 years and yet only know a fraction of the people.

The Superintendent's figures on burglaries appear to conflict with those contained in Inspector Oates' letter to the parish council dated February 25, 1999, in which he stated, and I quote:

'during 1998 there had been 25 burglary dwelling and 32 burglary other than dwelling, making a total of 57,' substantially more than claimed by Superintendent Johns.

Chief Inspector Moore suggests that villages and towns should provide more facilities for young people to keep them off the streets. He will no doubt recall the strong police objections to the establishment of a night club in Winnington, a project supported by the town council and the borough as it addressed a need identified in the Vision for Northwich.

Fortunately, the objections of the police were overruled.

I appreciate and support the need for partnership between the police and the public but their cooperation is not likely to be forthcoming if their legitimate concerns and aspirations are not addressed.

In view of the above, can we assume that the Police Authority will now delete Objective 7 from their policy document which promises 'to provide an approachable policing service which enhances public confidence and provides reassurance.

CLR K MUSGRAVE

Hartford Ward/Hartford Parish Council

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.