TORY Councillor D Pearson's cheap shot at Jack Straw regarding police numbers in Blackburn and Darwen (Letters, January 16) is, of course, way off the mark.

Since 1997, police numbers have actually increased from 349 to 381. Yet from 1992-1997 (the period of the last Tory government) numbers fell from 381 to 349.

These figures, compiled by Lancashire Police HQ human resources department, were read out in the presence of Councillor Pearson at the council Forum of August 3 last year.

Maybe in future, Councillor Pearson should listen to the facts rather than Conservative party propaganda!

COUN DAVE SMITH (Sunnyhurst Ward), Darwen.