THE bland statement on the Gazette's front page last week that Marlborough council tax payers will have to pay more if security cameras are installed in the town certainly requires some comment.

We can never have enough security but surely law and order must be the responsibility of the central Government and it must fund by its direct taxation system whatever is required?

Security cameras are useful but can never replace uniformed police officers on the beat.

Councillors should approach the police authority to find out when the promised 96 new police will be on the streets, and when are we getting a further increase in numbers to prevent crime.

The Government seems to have passed this problem on to councillors who in turn pass the financial problem involved on to tax payers.

I would ask where the council authorities think ordinary people can get the money to pay already unacceptable council tax increases.

The sponge for the low paid and elderly will eventually be squeezed dry. It is so easy to spend other people's money, no authority should be allowed to function without regulation, particularly when a tax is not based on ability to pay.

I note the cost of CCTV in Devizes, Marlborough, Ludgershall, Pewsey and Tidworth would be £750,000.

a) What a nice valued order for somebody. Would a Wiltshire company make and supply it, or would the benefit go outside the county?

b) What is the cost of employing security persons to service and replace films?

c) How many years' service before replacement was needed and what guarantee would be given by the supplier?

d) What is the cost-effectiveness of the CCTV?

No way can this be charged to local council tax payers, all the more reason for our local authorities to get tough with the Government department concerned.

BASIL DAVIE

Kennel Row

Netheravon