I WISH "Jack Sinclair" would make up his mind.

We either have or have not got CCTV installed on Chorley Old Road. But, nevertheless, surely if we do, they should be visible with signs indicating their existence. The idea is to not only detect a crime, but to prevent a crime occurring in the first place and offer some peace of mind to the residents.

Having had no reply from our "local" councillors, I have done some research on the letting of houses in the town. By visiting the Bolton Metro website on homesforyou.org I saw approximately 100 properties, both on council estates and in the once private sector, available for rent, 25 per cent of them at less than £40 and 70 per cent of them at less than £50 per week rent. What puzzles me is, with so many properties both vacant and available at this level of rent, why do the council so willingly pay private landlords £65 per week and more to house tenants? If we really do need to turn to these landlords, should it not only be when all the council-owned properties are occupied, or is it now a case of the tail wagging the dog?

I agree with Jack that the local Community Policeman, under a heavy workload, does a fine job. My argument was that our "local" councillors led us to believe that they had set up what was actually needed -- a Local Community Police Force, as the plural "policemen" suggested, rather than a one-man outfit.

As regards the local groups and associations, I only asked where the money came from. It's you, Jack, who keeps trying to justify their existence. I, like many residents, wouldn't know which group discusses which problem. So, rather than "throwing it around" with them over a cuppa, I tend to go direct to the department or organisation concerned, much quicker.

Finally, thank you Jack for your invitation to your AGM, but I have neither the time nor the interest. Like many residents, I cast my vote in May at the local elections for who represented the residents of this ward.

Fed up Chorley Old Road resident

(name and address supplied)