THERE has been a lot of discussion on the topic of whether or not it is safe to live in Nelson.

I live in Harrogate, and after spending a holiday in Nelson I can say that I certainly don't feel safe in the town, and I am a young person.

As an example, I saw (and heard due to their loud stereos) cars constantly visiting a house associated with, I understand, with drug dealing.

Friends returned to a car park to find their car had been set on fire and destroyed, and I saw police raiding a house.

There is more, but I won't go on. It is hardly a great advertisement for the town.

The fact there has been a debate on introducing CCTV cameras shows people feel there is a need for them. We have CCTV in Harrogate, and I have to say I feel far safer walking through town at night here than I would in Nelson.

It is said the reported crime rates in Nelson are falling. I can give one good reason why - there are less shoppers around to be the victims of crime.

The place seems empty compared with Burnley, where I did most of my shopping because I could not find the things I wanted.

Nelson used to be a nice little town and it is a shame that it has declined.

Thomas M Adams

Harrogate

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.