IKNOW it's early days, but I say three cheers for 'Blunkett's Bobbies.' Any level of policing that improves the abysmal situation we've got at present has to be good news.

Never ever seeing a 'proper' bobby or only ever being able to talk to an answerphone, with a so-called community police officer paying a visit three weeks after the event has to stop.

We are already getting cries of 'police on the cheap' but surely, any sort of policing is better than none.

The third tier of community wardens is also most welcome, but all these measures need to operate when required -- evenings, weekends and holidays, not as at present -- 10am in the morning every six months.

All this needs to be in conjunction with better street lighting, CCTV and perhaps a local office for local policing, with permanent staff who get to know the area being covered, and facilities for children, from toddlers to teenagers.

The children of Bank Top, Blackburn, haven't even got a swing. If we look on them as having no value, it is any wonder they respond in kind?

SAM SPENCE, Ribblesdale Place, Blackburn.