SIR: Having read the article in the BEN some weeks ago about cutting back police stations in Bolton and Farnworth areas, might I draw your attention to crime figures. The crime figures shown were far greater in Farnworth and Kearsley areas than in Bolton - percentage wise.

The development of another retail outlet at the Blackhorse/Longcauseway major road junction would cause even more traffic havoc which for pedestrians is a nightmare. It's a little better now with St. Peter's Way closed.

Might I be so bold as to suggest - yes, wait for it - a modern central controlled police station. More employment, less traffic. WHY? Because as things are at the moment, people of Farnworth and Kearsley making a call to the police, is like going on an assault course.

First we call control - Manchester, who then puts us through to Leigh now. A 999 call is Newcastle who will then pass us onto the area concerned. Might I say by the time they have asked for all the information i.e. name, address, area, crime and wait for it - description of burglars they have long gone, or if they have not, they run when they hear the sirens. So yes it's time we had some control and say in the people's safety and homes, after all our rates increase is over the national average under our Labour-run Council and we are reaping no extra benefits.

You know it makes sense.

(name and

address supplied)

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