SIR - Well, I've heard it all now - the police are afraid of the dark. Oh, bless! Funny, but I thought they were paid to put a stop to illegal and anti-social activities just like the rave in the woods above Dursley the weekend before last.

Still, I imagine they were saving themselves for their onerous duties on the Sunday morning, monitoring the lawless and violent churchgoers who congregate in the town every weekend. As we all know, this is the best time to see any sort of police presence in the town, albeit in cars rather than on foot.

On a more serious note, however, what sort of message does this complete lack of action send to the local criminal element? I suggest it says that, if you appear aggressive and obnoxious, you can get away with just about anything.

I wish I knew what the answer to this inaction and apathy was, although the American system, where law enforcement representatives are elected locally and held accountable by their voters, seems to have some merit.

I'd be interested in hearing what others have to say.

Despairing, Name and address supplied, Dursley