I understand that in the year 2000 Hertsmere is going to lose the services of the Metropolitan Police at Borehamwood, Bushey and Potters Bar.

Those stations will be transferred to the Hertfordshire Constabulary. I do not believe that there has been any public debate on this 'swop' and the switch will occur -- just like that.

However, I further understand that those officers currently working at Hertsmere stations will remain in the Met and transfer to duties inside the London boroughs, leaving the boys in blue from Herts to fill the gap. How?

Have Hertfordshire Police got sufficient trained and available officers to transfer to this southern outpost? Have they the civilian support, dogs and helicopters? Will they know the streets, the parks, the 'hot spots', the toe rags?

As a resident of the borough I am somewhat concerned as to exactly how many policemen will be patrolling Borehamwood on a Saturday night (or Wednesday morning for that matter).

I do not doubt their professionalism, but query their ability to create immediate community contacts so as to ensure a seamless hand over.

In the past local police support was readily available from Barnet or Hendon divisions a couple of miles away.

From the year 2000 any reserves needed will presumably have to arrive from Hatfield, St Albans or Watford.

There is much debate in the local press on the subject of additional housing in this area. Borehamwood continues to grow, and I am sure requires more than a couple of village bobbies.

I for one would be most interested to hear the views of the chief constable of Hertfordshire, and indeed the views of the police authority.

Can they explain exactly what their plans are for the policing of Borehamwood in the next millennium? |Paul Downing

|Furzehill Road, Borehamwood

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.