I AM writing to express my anger and frustration at the lack of support which we appear to be receiving from the police in relation to on-going problems in the Ramsbottom and Holcombe Brook area.

I attended a meeting at the Hare and Hounds, attended by Inspector Clark and three local councillors, and was thoroughly dismayed by the apparent apathy demonstrated by the police.

We have endured abuse, violence, damage, theft and intimidating behaviour over the past few weeks and months, and yet appear to be receiving no assistance. I was, however, impressed at the input from Councillor Barry Theckston and believe he will also be putting pressure on the police to obtain Anti-Social Behaviour Orders where appropriate. My own company has spent £5,000 on increasing security and installing CCTV cameras, but all this is worthless without back-up from the police.

It is not acceptable that a respectable and committed community of residents and traders are ignored by the police. We do not want to resort to becoming vigilantes which is counter-productive but are being driven to feel that there is no longer any alternative.

Why are there no regular police patrols in this area, to act as a deterrent? Why have the police not sought Anti-Social Behaviour Orders to deal with the youngsters who are causing the problems? Why have the police not shown any support or offered guidance to the residents and traders?

I look forward to seeing confirmation that the police will now start to address this serious problem before the behaviour of these young people gets even worse.

HOLCOMBE BROOK TRADER