GOVERNMENT politicians insist they want to see more police on the streets, not fewer.

But cynics (or realists, depending on your view) will say that with the budget cuts forces are being compelled to make, it’s highly unlikely the present situation will change for the better anytime soon.

That’s why the anti-speeding scheme organised by residents in the Infirmary area of Blackburn could be the first of many.

A 20mph ‘home zone’ has been set up which also gives pedestrians and cyclists priority over motorists.

But because there is still a problem with drivers speeding through chicanes, volunteers are now being trained to use a speed gun.

Anyone clocked going above the limit will have a police letter sent to their home warning them of their behaviour.

At its best, the scheme is a good example of community in action.

But there are obvious dangers, too, and some would say there is a thin line between well-meaning community effort and unregulated vigilante-style behaviour.

The ideal situation would be for professionally-trained and legally-regulated officers to be catching law breakers.