I MUST take issue with Councillor Dave Smith (Letters, January 19), over police numbers since Labour came to power. Since 1997, there are 2,544 fewer officers in England and Wales.

There has also been a 32 per cent fall in special constables since May 1997.

Home Office figures show that violent crime is up seven per cent, assaults on police officers are up by 12 per cent and robbery is up 21 per cent.

This, to me, would suggest that Jack Straw is not doing a very capable job as Home Secretary.

COUN D PEARSON, Rawstorne Street, Blackburn.