Sir Ian Blair, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, who in the Richard Dimbleby lecture, informed us that he is in favour of fewer and larger police forces, more central control and, ideally manned by representatives of all groups in society, irrespective of whether or not they wish to be police officers, now states that the public must make their views known on the type of police force they wish to have policing them.

This is an invitation that News Shopper readers should not ignore.

In recent years we have seen the closure of numerous local police stations and the construction of large central police stations in town centres. These tend to be surrounded by double yellow lines which effectively deter visits by car, are all fitted with Venetian blinds which are permanently drawn - the occupants cannot be seen from outside and neither can the occupants see what is happening outside.

They are serviced by call centres' which tent to be as useful as call centres situated in Mombai - unless you know the name and extension number of the person you wish to speak to, you are highly unlikely to get any reasonable result to your enquiry.

I would suggest that readers should write to the home secretary and let him know that they wish to see police officers on the street who are familiar with local problems, can be spoken to when one wishes to obtain help or impart information and to have police stations which are accessible to the general public by telephone or personal visit.

This would enable the police force to deliver a service to the general public and would ensure a free flow of information which enables a police force to operate effectively to the benefit of us all.

In the interest of us all, take up the commissioner's offer.

Neil Gillies, Orpington