One of the joys, if that is not being too ironic, of campaigning in a town centre ward is that complaints about antisocial behaviour rank not far behind parking in many residents’ minds.

It is not just noisy neighbours who are mentioned. It is the visitors who cause problems – the late-night revellers, addicts looking for fixes, vandals and various ne’er-do-wells, the muggers and rapists.

No government, local or national, can make all its citizens behave. However, it can do much to ensure those whose writ runs to mischief are punished.

This Government has something in common with the John Major administration, which cut police numbers. This contrasts with the intervening Labour government which oversaw record numbers of police.

The news that Leigh, Shoebury, Rochford and South Benfleet front counter services are closing will do naught to engender a sense of peace and security for those once served by them. In all, 20 such front counters are closing across Essex. This is a cut too far.

Today it is the police. Will it be firemen or nurses or teachers next?

Julian Ware-Lane
Labour candidate for Milton Ward
Nelson Road
Leigh