HAVING lived in Ramsbottom for less than six months I am appalled by the lack of law and order and the total disregard for people's property demonstrated by a very small minority.

At first I was surprised at the "over the top" security evident in our new house, including exterior lighting, alarms, window locks, and bolts on doors. After living here just a short time I realise why.

Our cars have been broken into twice which is, apparently, a common occurrence around here. In one instance, a full year's course study material was stolen just before the assignments had to be submitted. The parking situation is aggravated by double yellow lines forcing residents to park down dark side streets and on unmade roads, an obvious haven for any criminal activity.

Public bins and grit are frequently tipped over; bus shelters smashed and the latest craze is to rummage through our dustbins looking for any credit card statements etc. that could obviously lead to fraud. Do our dustbins now need to be alarmed? My daughter had a knife pulled out on her in a local shop. Young people are increasingly carrying knives in Ramsbottom, some for their own protection .

There is little or no evidence of police activity in the area and I would feel a great deal safer if regular patrols on foot were being made. It is not sufficient to be given a crime reference number so that insurance claims can be made, and a quick telephone call to log the statistic.

Victim Support is useless if the terror of recurring crime exists. These offenders need to be sought out and punished. Like the world situation, people have had enough of this "urban terrorism" and action will ultimately be taken if Authority is unwilling to act. Ramsbottom is fast becoming a no-go area. Anyone planning to move into this area should think twice!

DEEPLY FRIGHTENED