IT is four weeks since the attacks on America and we are being told that we are effectively at war.

So where is the evidence of Civil Defence? Where is the Red Cross? Is the St. John Ambulance recruiting and training ready for an emergency? People watch E.R. and Casualty on television but what we need in the present crisis is one hour a week about life-saving skills.

We need an army of trained, observant, caring people. If we all cared more for our frail, elderly neighbours at home then the bed-blocking in hospitals would be eased.

We are all shocked and stunned by what happened in New York and Washington, but we can make a difference!

BRENDA E. LYNCH,

(ex-nurse),

Salisbury Road,

Radcliffe.