DAVID Blunkett clearly likes North Yorkshire. When asked to come here to assess the county's fight against drugs, he said a day in the "spring sunshine" will do his team good.

We are delighted the Home Secretary is so ready to endorse the restorative qualities of our countryside. But we hope this quip does not infer that he shares a common public misconception: that our police have little more to do than tour the beautiful moors nabbing loveable Greengrass-style rogues.

If only it were true. In reality, North Yorkshire has many serious crime problems and the police lack the cash to tackle them properly.

By any fair analysis, this county has been given an inadequate police grant for years. Despite making some sympathetic noises, the Home Office came up with another miserly settlement this year: an increase of only three per cent.

Even with an extra £4.45 million in special grants, which have helped to boost police manpower to record levels, it is not enough to correct years of under-funding.

The North Yorkshire force has to patrol a vast geographical area. Residents of rural areas often feel isolated from the police who seem very far away. Residents of urban areas are angry that they do not get a fair share of police resources based on population density and crime figures.

The county has a drugs problem, both in town and countryside. It is a target for the commuter criminal. There are more serious road crashes here than in many other areas. Protecting Menwith Hill and Fylingdales from terrorists, and policing the regular demonstrations at the bases, add up to a unique expense.

Chief Constable Della Cannings cannot keep asking the taxpayer to cough up a police precept far above inflation. The Government must pay more, year on year, until we enjoy the same police resources as equivalent areas.

We hope all these pressing problems do not spoil Mr Blunkett's spring stroll, however.

Updated: 10:33 Wednesday, March 26, 2003