FULL marks to you for your stout defence in the face of criticism by Lancashire Constabulary and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

How can either defend their remarks when, simultaneously, it is revealed that assaults are up by 37 per cent?

I am not convinced by the Chief Constable saying that the campaign against drink-driving does not diminish police resources in other areas.

It stands to reason that, while the police - in considerable numbers - are carrying out their vendetta against motorists, the mugger can have a field day.

Council leader Malcolm Doherty's knee-jerk response was entirely predictable - he and his abysmal council have long been identified as 'anti-car.'

I am still awaiting confirmation from the chief constable that she and her force are operating within the law while carrying out what appears to be random testing.

Perhaps she would reply through your columns.

KEITH REYNOLDS, Hindle Street, Darwen.

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