I READ with dismay the suggestions of Baroness Ruth Henig and her Labour-controlled council colleagues, possibly to cut back on two branches of Lancashire Police Authority, namely the mounted branch and the under-water rescue unit which are, and have been for many years, the pride of our local police service.

The cost of these two units on our council tax is minimal compared with what appears to be 'The Secret Service' costs, namely our helicopter, which we hear very little about.

Could we see a breakdown of the cost of these three services? I am certain this would show where savings should be made.

Wherever the mounted police or the diver units are operating, the general public see at first hand the value of these dedicated officers who operate day in and day out to the public's grateful benefit.

Not so the helicopter, which we very occasionally see passing over our area with a great deal of noise and flashing lights but without any evidence of its purpose.

The cost of these appearances must run into millions of pounds per year to pay for manpower, maintenance and cost of the machine.

Have a look at these costs first, Baroness Henig but fasten your seat belt before you do.

J A BROWN (pensioner and council tax payer), Oslo Road, Burnley.