I WOULD like to ask J A Brown (LET, November 29) if, being a council tax payer, he thinks he/she is paying too much for the services that the police (and other services) charge?

We all want the best pensions, the best services and the lowest taxes, but somewhere along the line something's got to clash.

Without these helicopters our police forces would take one giant leap backwards in crime fighting.

There must be enough reality TV shows about the police these days for people to realise how pivotal these units are to fighting 'real' crime.

I'm sure if the police had the funds they wanted then no units would be facing the axe and I'm also sure that the air support units officers are just as dedicated as their colleagues in other departments.

It is blatantly obvious that a helicopter is more expensive to run and maintain than horses or diving units, but it is a very blinkered view to think that 'public image' equals the best results.

I'm sure they're not up there 'just for the hell of it' and one mustn't forget the helicopter's dual role as an air ambulance.

There are many times when the helicopter passes my houses without seeming to have a purpose, but I know that when it 'spots its man' then it's got its man!

The helicopter's motto should be: 'The one that didn't get away.'

I'm no expert, but the addition of the helicopter to our police forces available resources must have been the biggest crime deterrent of recent times.

The sound of the helicopter is (as with the RAF's jet training in the Lake District) the sound of freedom and security.

I, for one, am thankful to the men and women of the air support unit for making me feel safe in my home and neighbourhood.

Give them a wave and show your support.

M HARRISON (Mr), Thomas Street, Oswaldtwistle.