HAVING lived through every Labour administration since 1945, I have long realised that the party has never been good at curtailing public displeasure.

I am pleased, therefore that, belatedly and because of public unrest, the Government is warning that it will 'cap' profligate councils and police forces.

A pleasure somewhat tempered, if it is true that it will still allow a rise in Lancashire Constabulary's precept of up to 20 per cent.

If it is true that to achieve parity with other forces calls for an extra 266 officers, then an increase of about 15 per cent would fund them.

It is still too big an increase of course, not least because it is a case of pay now and hope for an improvement later, but, still, 15 per cent is better than 28 per cent.

KEITH REYNOLDS, Wyre

Crescent, Darwen.