I COULD not agree more with the comments and conclusions of Mr Paul Atherton about speed cameras (Letters, July 8). If his costing of the set-up is correct, it must amount to quite a few million pounds for these instruments.

Despite claims to the contrary by the police these cameras are, as Mr Atherton says, only there to generate cash for the police, thereby saving local authorities thousands in reducing crime.

Council tax, part of which goes to the police authority, rises through the roof, but we have filthy streets with not a copper in sight, save for the fleeting glance of yet another panda car, flashing lights and all.

Promises of police pounding our footpaths come with monotonous regularity, but it is as rare as hen's teeth to see any on the beat.

Home Secretary David Blunkett ought to be ashamed at the way police authorities are forced into earning their own keep.

P NEWTON (former chairman, Bank Top Community Association), Ashworth Close, Blackburn.