IT IS unfortunate that your correspondent, (Letters July 28), was not present in the council chamber to hear my remarks nor, apparently, had the time to carefully read the excellent report of them by your paper.

Like your correspondent I am a strong supporter of our local police force and have no criticism of the way they carry out their role.

My concerns are that in company with all public authorities the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary have to make cuts in service delivery as a result of a reducing budget. The result of this is that there are insufficient staff in our area to provide an acceptable level of service.

We live in a competitive world where we must fight for our share of the resources and experience suggests that those who shout loudest and longest get the largest share of the cake.

I make no apology for encouraging my fellow councillors to apply pressure on the chief constable in an attempt to obtain the extra resources I believe to safeguard our town and give our residents the confidence to walk freely around at any time of the day or night.

As a qualified youth worker who has been involved in youth work most of my adult life I have no problem with groups of young people congregating in Bedford Square or elsewhere and unlike your correspondent I recognise that like people of all ages they do not necessarily want to have things organised but prefer to simply chill out with their friends.

I do have a problem with blatant law breaking and anti-social behaviour by people of all ages and thus I want to support our local police officers in getting the resources they need to deal with these issues.

Cllr P R Sanders

Tavistock Town Council South Ward