IT is reported in the National Press that the whereabouts of Maxine Carr had been located after her release following the Soham trial, and that she was evacuated by helicopter at a cost of £15,000 to the tax payers.

Further, with a new identity, passport and Social Security number and help in changing her appearance, she has a 24-hour armed police protection with taxpayers facing a bill of £1m a year for her security.

A few years ago the two murderers of the young Bulger child were released at the age of 18 and again at enormous cost to the taxpayer were given new identities, new homes, money and security.

Who said crime doesn't pay? This is the criminal version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Tony Blair is now probably holding inquests with his Big Guns on the disastrous slide of fortunes in the recent local elections.

His party chairman said: "We must go out and talk to the people."

Wrong. They should go out and listen to the people for it is they who will be instrumental in returning Labour or booting them out at the next General Election.

Get tough on crime, make the criminals suffer harsh penalties.

Introduce fairness into this society of ours and remember that charity begins at home. Pay decent pensions to our old folk.

On June 6, we listened to Royals and dignitaries spouting superlatives of pride for those who served, and died, for king and country in the 1940s. Pride doesn't pay the bills, keep the wolf from the door or put food in bellies.

IVAN E RICKWOOD

Eldene