IT is heartening to hear that the Lancashire Constabulary are to recruit an extra 100 officers over the next two years. Will it be a real increase in numbers or will it turn out to be more spin from the Government like its NHS figures?

When, rather than if, these new officers are appointed I look forward to seeing how they are deployed. An interesting competition for your readers might be to guess the last time a bobby on the beat was seen in Carnforth.

I can honestly say that in four years I have yet to see one and yet there is ever increasing concern in Carnforth over violence and anti-social behaviour.

By contrast, drive along the A6 or M6 and you will frequently see extremely costly police cars and bikes, with thousands of pounds worth of radar equipment, cruising around or parked in lay-bys.

We all want safe roads but let's keep things in perspective. If I ask anybody about law and order their fear is invariably of burglary, mugging or other violent crime, never do they state a fear of being hit by a speeding motorist!

Sadly, the police are being ever more alienated from the populace whose faith in them, and the criminal justice system, is being eroded daily.

Let's hope that this opportunity is used to boost the prevention and detection of real crime and not squandered on politically correct nonsense, such as racial, sexual, gender awareness officers etc.

Worst of all, please do not employ them to increase the harassment and alienation of motorists.

Cllr Gregg Beaman,

Carnforth Independent