I MUST reply to Edward Rudolph's letter of November 5 because of the personal nature of his criticism.

Canons Park Residents' Association's (CAPRA) interest in ward policing long predates the formation of the safer neighbourhoods teams (SNTs), and we have the backing of other ward stakeholders such as the Canons Park Estate Association.

The relocation of Canons SNT to Stanmore will only reduce the distance of the SNT base to the northern border by about 500 metres from where it is now.

Mr Rudolph is correct that residents of all parts of Canons ward deserve equal access and cover from their SNT - something they get already, although some areas seem to have more need than others, especially near the southern and eastern ward boundaries, even with the team based in Canons Park.

He is wrong regarding the housing of the Edgware SNT, which currently operates out of the police house in Canons Park and not Edgware Police Station.

There have been longstanding problems of harassment of girls from NLCS crossing the park to the station, with the station itself providing a long recognised conduit for undesirable elements coming into the area.

The St Edwards Homes redevelopment of the government buildings site, along with the massive housing development at Spur Road, will cause a huge increase in population within and on the borders of the ward, justifying, if anything, an increase of policing on the ground.

These are just a few reasons why it is in the interest of all the ward residents that the team remains at the centrally placed police house in Canons Park at the top of Donnefield Avenue.

As I represent the concerns of CAPRA, to say my reaction to the proposed relocation of the Canons SNT is a 'selfish knee-jerk reaction' is inappropriate, simplistic and incorrect.

SHIRLEY SACKWILD Honorary secretary

CAPRA