AS sergeant in charge of the Community Beats Department at Accrington, I feel obliged to reply to issues raised by Anthony Howarth (LET, September 24) regarding PC Carbery and PCSO Thornton cooking dinner for Huncoat luncheon club.

As CBMs and PCSOs, one of their primary roles is to engage the public and provide reassurance. Fear of crime amongst the elderly is particularly prevalent and forums where they can be met as a group and we can listen to their concerns and begin to address them are few and far between.

On the afternoon in question they had gone to revisit some concerns about juvenile nuisance at the local puppy club and were invited to visit the luncheon club. The cook had been delayed and the officers agreed to stand in.

My initial reaction on hearing that they had done this was that it was an error of judgment, but this opinion was tempered by the letter of appreciation from residents, who were delighted and reassured by the officers' presence.

I note that Mr Howarth does not live in Huncoat. Were he to do he would know that crime rates have been falling, nuisance and disorder is low and that is due in no small measure to the actions of these two extremely hard working and successful officers in working with the public.

PC Carbery and PCSO Thornton spend most of their time dealing with policing problems and that includes a significant amount of time patrolling their beats.

I can assure everyone that 136 extra police officers would be an absolute boon to the Lancashire Constabulary and would be put to good use. The Community Beat Managers are first and foremost Police Officers. They make arrests; they deal with a vast range of issues using the full weight of the law as well as being heavily involved in partnership working. Their visibility to the public involves attending various forums and they have to balance their time between listening to the public and delivering results to them.

That is not always easy, but after years of the public complaining that officers drive from job to job in fast cars and don't speak to people, one could be forgiven for thinking that we cannot win.

Mr Howarth expressing a legitimate concern. He does not want to see police as toothless tigers who go around looking for photo opportunities at the expense of real policing.

Nor do I, but neither do I want us to turn our backs on a group of people who gain a great deal from meeting their local police in a safe and pleasant environment.

Sergeant BOB EATON, Community Beat Department, Accrington.