I READ with interest the article headed Police in double warning for Christmas -- Biggest ever attack on car booze'. One sentence reads:"It features a series of 100 ft high images which project the message that motorists should not be tempted to drink and drive over the Christmas and New Year period."

The article then ends with: "St Helens Council, in partnership with other local authorities on Merseyside, has made a huge commitment to this year's crackdown."

After reading this article with its very strong condemnation by police, road safety officers and St Helens Council towards drink driving, and their intention to erect their 100 ft high messages to not even be tempted to do so, I could not help but wonder as to why, in the last few weeks, permission has been granted by local authorities for a motorist filling station in West End Road to open an off licence service on its premises, enabling drivers to purchase alcohol while buying petrol.

Surely a filling station should be the last place on earth to be allowed to sell alcohol and, in doing so, makes a complete farce of any anti-drink drive blitz.

Is the world really going mad or is it just me missing something in this contradictory lunacy?

Confused Motorist.

Merton Bank Road, St Helens.