IT should not be necessary to explain to the Chair and Chief Executive of Bolton at Home why charging council tenants for closed circuit television is resented (Bolton Evening News, March 31).

For council tenants to be required to pay, when owner-occupiers and private tenants (if any) on the same estate get the service for free, is, by its nature, unfair, discriminatory and unjust. But there is a wider reason. The only reason why it is necessary to install the cameras in the first instance is that the civil powers -- the local authority and the police -- have failed in their fundamental duty to keep the peace, and maintain civil order such that the residents can secure the quiet enjoyment of their properties.

I cannot see why the hapless residents of Hall i'th' Wood should in effect have to pay twice over for conditions of life which would be taken for granted in Astley Bridge, Heaton or Markland Hill. Surely such expenditure should be funded by the community as a whole, through the Council Tax?

Peter Johnston

Kendal Road

Bolton