SUPT Ian Johns continues to justify his actions in removing policemen from the streets of our villages and towns, despite local and national opposition to this policy.

As a local councillor I am regularly contacted by concerned members of the public regarding the increase in crime in our village, especially arson, damage to property and vehicles, and unsocial behaviour.

In one night alone a lamp standard was set on fire, a wrought iron gate removed and transported some distance away, and a road sign uprooted and thrown into the road, not to mention drunken louts roaming the streets in the early hours.

I notice that the villagers of Lymm have been forced to turn to self-help in the absence of their own policeman, and in the face of a growing problem of nuisance youths.

They have launched an appeal to raise £2,500 to upgrade an old closed circuit TV system despite paying a high price for police protection through their taxes.

Many serving and ex-police officers have publicly expressed concern at current trends and fear that people will increasingly take matters into their own hands.

Perhaps Supt Johns will reconsider his policies in the face of the concerns of the public in his division.

KEITH MUSGRAVE

Vale Royal councillor.

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