I HAVE read the annual report on Essex Police by Chief Constable David Stevens. I have also read a leaflet issued by the Essex Police Authority giving their strategy and plans for the next five years.

There is nothing in either of them to support Mr Hall's talk about disaster, inaction and complacency.

The Chief Constable talks about a year of successes and how Essex Police is well placed to face the future.

There is nothing complacent or inactive about the £170m this government is spending on camera protection or the millions spent on police recruitment.

In the 17 years the Conservative government was in office, crime in Britain increased faster than any other western country and the cost of house and car insurance rose by 90 per cent.

I find it unbelieveable that while we are still paying the price on the rail network and the food industry, we get members of the Tory party criticising this government and losing their own memories in the process.

M HANLEY,

Netteswellbury Farm,

Harlow.