REGARDING the reports in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph regarding a large increase in council tax so that we can cut crime with an extra 500 bobbies on the beat.

As your report stated, the Government will not allow this increase. Chief Superintendent Mallaby also states that he does not want to see money raised from speed cameras being used.

The answer to this problem is simple: Charge solicitors, barristers and those involved in the legal profession 25 per cent of all monies used for legal aid. This would pay for more bobbies on the beat, reduce crime and as, such, would increase the work of the solicitors. So everyone gains.

Anyone can stand up in court and say Mr or Mrs X is sorry for the crime they have committed but they had had too much to drink.

S J MELLING, Ivy Street, Blackburn.