I FIND myself in somewhat a state of anger and disbelief after reading two of your articles on the same page (LET, February 2) - one headlined 'Police to guard Asians and gays;' the other, a lesser item: 'Cash machine boy attacked.'

The main item mentions a 'special protection' team to be formed to tackle problems relating to the gay and Asian groups in our community.

The other relates to a vicious attack on a 16-year-old in broad daylight in Nelson town centre. The three alleged attackers are stated to be Asians.

Surely, our over-politically correct police force has a duty to provide 'special protection' to all sections of society, not just minority groups.

This protection could easily be provided by returning more officers to the beat, especially in town centres, which, in turn, would be more environmentally-friendly with less emissions from police vehicles, etc. and may, in the long term, also help our sickness-prone constabulary, as most health officials recommend "plenty of fresh air and exercise."

Could this be a possible easy solution to many of our current problems?

JOHN POLLARD, Rochdale Road, Bacup.

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