IN DAYS gone by, it was common to see a local policeman in the high street patrolling on foot and checking to see that all was calm and orderly in the vicinity.
The local 'bobby' would see that everything kept moving without obstruction.
Traffic movements and junctions were controlled using hand signals; this was a fast and intelligent way of keeping traffic moving, being more efficient than the use of robot lights which are slow and mindless.
Minor problems arising from careless public behaviour in the high street were quickly dealt with, along with other local hiccups.
Police cars were rarely seen and rarely needed.
Currently, in West Drayton, sporadic appearances of police cyclysts are seen in the neighbourhood but their presense is brief and short lived.
I have the impression that they are an attempt by someone to give the illusion of a police presence without having to provide one.
We have no local 'bobby', and people who require rapid police response or other help seem to be eternally complaining that they have to wait too long for attention to their needs.
There is no longer a local police officer as a close presense and West Drayton police station appears to be closed for most of the time, being relegated to the role of police vehicle depot, and from which our police officers are bussed to other areas.
The ratepayers of West Drayton will doubtless be paying for this.
It is essential that the ratepayers of Yiewsley and West Drayton be able to enjoy the services of a proper police force as soon as possible.
MICHAEL PETTS,
by email.
