DURING 12 years Army service, I came in contact with many dissolute youths called up for National Service.

Most of them, removed from the environment of their upbringing, saw the folly of the ways of life they had been forced to leave, changed their habits of a lifetime — all of 18 years — and became good citizens. Some, I know, chose not to return to their home towns at the end of their National Service.

I knew Trevor Philpotts before he joined the Royal Marines. He always worked hard to achieve whatever he set out to do. His parents were always encouraging, knowing you don't achieve what you want by dreaming. Trevor did achieve in his youth and when he joined the Royal Marines, he achieved in them too.

As I had found in my army service and later during my police service, that many young, lost trouble-makers can be guided to putting their untrained, uneducated energies into more worthwhile things, so I believe that Trevor, in his military service, came to similar conclusions. But unlike me he intends to do something about it.

I have not met anyone who is against the aspirations of C-FAR The problem is where to site it.

For seven years, Highampton was part of my beat. I know the people of Highampton are not being unkind when they say they do not want a hyper-active delinquent unit in their midst.

To C-Far, Highampton is an ideal isolated site. To the people of Highampton, it is home. A home where they lead a quiet life without fear of intrusion. To them, C-FAR is a leech, come to live off them and use them for their own purposes.

C-FAR admit, as they have to, that they cannot guarantee that any of their 'trainees' will not cause trouble. After the terrible time they have had with foot and mouth, Highampton needs to be allowed to have some freedom from worry and stress, not have more piled onto them. For their peace of mind, their wishes should be heeded. The only people to profit would be those who propound the the of Burden Grange for use by C-FAR.

The first thing the military are reminded of when moving into an area, is to reassure the population through their 'hearts and minds'. If not you are lost. I am afraid C-FAR forgot the hearts and minds and should move on.

J W Reid

Limehayes Road

Okehampton

IN BBC Spotlight on Friday, Lt Col Philpott stated that there was no need to be concerned about the possibility of persistent offenders being at Burden Grange as objecting residents had the wrong perception of them and the work C-FAR was trying to do.

Sir Jimmy Savile, visiting C-FAR's Okehampton site on Friday, accused Highampton residents of having a 'not-in-my-back-yard' attitude. He further stated that residents' fears were totally unfounded. He did not mention that C-FAR at Burdon Grange would not be a secure institution and that a significant number of offenders do not complete the ten weeks course.

However, Mr Ian Courtney, Chairman of C-FAR, at their presentation to our community, publicly stated that C-FAR would give 'no assurances' with regard to people's personal safety or security of our property and possessions.

Would Lt Col Philpott please explain these contradictory views?

Mike France

Primrose Cottage

Burdon Lane

Highampton