The recent terrorist activity, which has necessitated the increased policing levels in Central London, has left the outer boroughs, including Bromley, exposed.

This is because police officers a day are being seconded from Bromley Division to Central London.

This only highlights a problem, which has been growing since the strength of the Metropolitan Police fell in the last few years.

Speaking for the residents of Mottingham, who are not alone in the Borough, there is a distinct feeling that either police resources are inade-quate to protect us, or what resources exist are not being used in an efficient way.

Perhaps the most obvious testament to this is the fact that shortly after the opening of the new police office in Chislehurst, graffiti has appeared on the walls.

Residents might well ask, if the police cannot protect their own property how can they pro-tect ours?

The on-going problems of anti-social behaviour by youths, vandalism, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, together with drug prob-lems make residents apprehensive.

In a ward where over 40% of the residents are pensionable, many are afraid to go out in the evening and others are simply moving out.

This is a far cry from the aspirations of the original planners of the Mottingham Estate and the memories of older residents who remember how good it used to be. We have always sup-ported our police: many of our residents are in neighbourhood watch, victim support and the Special Constabulary and we are entitled to ask, "Are they supporting us?" We want to see our police given sufficient resources to protect us effectively and we are happy to work with them to achieve this.

Our ward constable is a terrific copper, but he cannot be on duty 24 hours a day. We are pay-ing the taxes so lets have the protection.

Charles Rideout

Councillor for Mottingham

Members Room

Civic Centre, Bromley.

December 5, 2001 13:23