IN THE Press of March 21, it was reported that there will be a reduction in the number of police officers on the beat in areas of York because of the Conservative/Lib Dem cuts.

Talking to the residents of Acomb, Chapelfields and Foxwood areas as part of the local elections campaign, one the biggest issues of concern they have raised is crime and antisocial behaviour: a subject that through my voluntary work I care passionately about.

Residents are very worried about what the effects of cutting the numbers of police walking the streets of the local community will be.

They are worried not only in terms of rising crime levels and the damage that being the victim of crime can do to a person’s confidence and self-esteem, but worried also about what the knock-on effects will be to insurance premiums and house prices.

We need to know from the local Lib Dem councillors what they are going to do to help protect the community from the potential damaging consequences of their proposed cuts.

Dafydd Williams Labour candidate for Westfield ward.